The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking Shoe – Men’s

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking Shoe – Men’s and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 79 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.1 stars 
Expert Rating: 3.7 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 366

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Very well-built and comfortable material.
  • Works well with orthodics.
  • The heel cup provides ample room, but has a snug fit to prevent slipping.
  • Narrow toe-box works well with skinnier feet.
  • The upper portion has flexibility to allow toe flexion comfortably.
  • Dries quickly.
  • Runs true-to-size.
  • Not the top choice in one specific category, but is a great all-around shoe.
  • Retains grip in loose and unstable conditions.
  • The waterproof membrane works very well in wet conditions.
  • Low-cut and stylish design.

Expert Reviews

  • Synthetic upper material is flexible and soft.
  • The Vibram sole has a stylish two-color look.
  • The inner rubber can stick to slick surfaces due to the softness and flexibility provided.
  • Comfortable and lightweight option.
  • The leather is coated with polyurethane to keep the water out.
  • The shoe is sturdy underfoot and the lacing system tightened evenly.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Reports of the soles disintegrating after use.
  • The toe caps have reportedly begun to peel off after use.
  • Outer material wets out quickly.
  • Not the most breathable option.
  • Reports of hot spots due to lack of breathability.

Expert Reviews

  • Lack of cushioning in the forefoot.
  • Pressure points are common, and you might need to loosen the laces to prevent hot-spots, making the arch support inadequate.
  • Reports of the stitching on the leather coming loose after use.
  • Since the sole is softer rubber, the sole will wear out quicker than stiffer rubber.
  • Shoe is stiff out of the box and takes some break-in time.
  • The insole provides very little arch support and doesn’t support your foot when walking.

Summary:

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX Hiking Shoe for men is a lightweight and comfortable shoe that is a great option for quick and fast hikes, and for those who don’t want any extra weight on their trip. The lack of consistent durability and weather-resistance wouldn’t make this shoe a top choice for extended backcountry adventures, but the all-around good reviews in multiple categories make this shoe a solid choice for shorter hikes.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2.