Buy at Backcountry.com — $104.95
(Men's, full colors and sizes)
Buy at Altrec.com — $104.95
(full colors and sizes)
Buy at REI.com — $69.93 - $105.00
Buy at Altrec.com — $104.95
(Women's, full colors and sizes)
Buy at Altrec.com — $104.95
(Men's, full colors and sizes)
Buy at Tiso.com (UK) — £73.40
Men's
Buy at Tiso.com (UK) — £73.40
Women's

• Material: Synthetic nubuck and sandwich mesh
• Lining: Gore-Tex XCR
• Sole: Vibram rubber
• Lacing: Standard
• Shank: Injection-molded TPU

Low-cut Gore-Tex XCR lined trail shoe, exclusive Vibram outsole, synthetic nubuck upper, gussetted tongue, AgION anti-microbial footbed, compression moulded EVA mid-sole, Heel X2O2 air pod, injection-moulded TPU shank plate. Also available in a women's version.

What's It For? Styled like a running show, the Hedgehog's is aimed at 'fast-paced outdoor activities', so a bit of running, a bit of lightpacking, a bit of rapid campsite cookery even. Mostly though, it's a modern-looking, lightweight trail shoe that you can also use for a bit of running if you're that way inclined.

The Techy Bits The North Face's footwear seems to get better and more sophisticated every year and for the Hedgehog, they've borrowed heavily from specialist running shoe technology. That means an injection moulded shank, an air-cushioned heel and EVA mid-sole. There's also an exclusive Vibram outsole - above - with a whacky tread pattern, including the little white bits which are flexy enough to bend over with your finger... The uppers use synthetic, abrasion-resistant nubuck and there's a Gore-Tex XCR liner for waterproofing.

How It Works We reckon there are better trail running shoes out there, including TNF's own excellent Ultra 103, so we've been using the Hedgehog primarily as a lightweight walking shoe and so far, we're impressed.

Fit is obviously very personal, but the men's is, if anything, a little on the loose side. Otherwise it's a medium volume shoe that should go down well with a lot of UK feet.

The combination of the EVA mid-sole and a heel air bag gives great cushioning on hard, dry surfaces, but we were also impressed by how stable the Hedgehog felt underfoot. That's down to a sturdy heel cup, which keeps your foot firmly in place and lets you know what's going on, combined with good lateral stability from the injection-moulded shank. There's lots of comfortable lengthway bend, but relatively little twist, which is how it should be.

The funky -looking sole is good and grippy on rock, hardpacked trails and medium terrain though meets its match in really soft mud. We'd expect the soft-feeling rubber to wear relatively quickly, but that's part of the price you pay for grip. The same's true of the cushioned EVA mid-sole.

Anyone who's used running shoes will know that EVA will pack down with use and lose its cushioning properties and the same's true of walking shoes, though lower impact means they should last longer than runners.

The Gore-Tex XCR lining has pros and cons. It's great knowing that you can splash through paddles without worrying about leakage - though the low-cut ankle, also great for mobility - means you need to watch yourself during those 'Singing In The Rain' dance moves if youre to avoid a puddly party for your paws...

The downside is that Gore-Tex can get too warm in really hot conditions, so if you're off somewhere toasty, we'd probabably look at an unlined trail shoe as a more comfortable alternative. Your feet can produce around half a pint of sweat a day each, so it's asking a lot of any waterproof liner to keep things dry in there.

Anything else? The gussetted tongue is a little narrow, which means you need to arrange it carefully for optimum comfort, but that's about it really. The laces glide easily for simple adjustment and they even look rather nice.

Initial Verdict Reasonably light, cushioned and comfy with decent underfoot grip and excellent stability for a low-cut design, the Hedgehogs make a classy lightweight trail shoe. We bumped into John Manning of TGO the other day and he'd just walked the Lakeland 3000ers in a pair and had no complaints bar the grippy sole which he caught on his other shoe a few times...

Don't expect the cushioning to last for ever or sweat-free performance in really hot conditions, but other than that, the Hedgehog's a good choice provided it fits your foot shape.

I have a pair of Northface Hedgehog shoes that I absolutely love, probably the best pair I've ever owned. I have taken them on some light hikes, which basically means when I'm hiking through the woods on a dry day.

My Hedgehogs are working exactly as I anticipated. Great traction on the outsoles, if the lugs were made more burly it would have made them feel clunky and/or reduced their flexibility in the forefoot. I have moderate to higher arches and the nylon shank and arch support worked well for me. The potential of the Goretex layer making feet feel stifled is offset by the use of meshing and minimal nubuck. These shoes are low cut, so that waterproofing will keep rain out, mud out (don't get crazy!) and early morning break-camp-and-get-moving dew out. Just don't expect that you can ford the river in these shoes. I have had no problem keeping the strangely thin laces secured. The only issue I can think of is that the Goretex booty is sewn together at the back of the heel, which could cause blistering if the thread isn't flat, but at this point I haven't had issue with it. Recommended for most activities short of heavy packing and rock climbing.

Comfortable, light weight, totally water-proof. Excellent grip on wet concrete, fiberglass, steel and wood. Unbelievable warranty. Mine stay wet all day, most days, and I get about 4 months before the shoe and sole separate, and then they leak. Just send them back and get a brand new pair. It only costs you shipping. Like I said, unbelievable warranty.

The Hedgehog GTX XCR is a great, versatile-use shoe. They are comfortable enough I wore them on a dirt road leg of the Wasatch Back Relay, but are hiking shoe enough I can take them on rough trails with a light pack on. I have not always been a huge fan of waterproof/breathable materials(Gore-Tex, eVent) in my shoes, but it is incredible in the Hedgehog. The Gore makes these shoes great for running on early morning wet grass. I put a pair of PolySorb insoles from Spenco and I don't take these shoes off very often, ask my wife. Highly recommended for a general purpose shoe.

• Dura Leather/Breathable Ventilator Mesh Upper
• Breathable Mesh Lining
• Rubber Toe Bumper/Heel Counter—Black
• Synthetic Leather Toe Bumper/Heel Counter—Non Black colors
• Breathable Ventilator Bellows Tongue
• 7.5mm Narrow Gauge Webbing
• 4.5mm Anatomical Footbed
• Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank
• Compression Molded EVA Footframe
• Air Cushion Midsole
• 5mm Sole Lug Depth
• Merrell Multi-Sport™ Sole/Trek & TC1 Dura Rubber

Low-cut Gore-Tex XCR lined trail shoe, exclusive Vibram outsole, synthetic nubuck upper, gussetted tongue, AgION anti-microbial footbed, compression moulded EVA mid-sole, Heel X2O2 air pod, injection-moulded TPU shank plate. Also available in a women's version.

When you're hiking, biking or working under a hot sun, the last article of apparel you want to shed is your boots. Well, almost the last. Fortunately, the Moab Ventilator Mid is like air conditioning for your feet. Mid-height uppers are Dura leather with lots of exposed breathable Ventilator mesh. Breathable mesh linings and bellow tongue. Rubber toe bumper and heel counter, Vibram Multi-Sport Plus sole provide the protection, support and traction you need when the action heats up.

I've got the Merrell Moab Ventilator low shoe. Same as the Moab XCR, not waterproof. Excellent shoe. Grippy sole, but most importtantly: fits my foot right.

Buy at Altrec.com — $79.95
(Men's, full colors and sizes, best price)
Merrell Moab Ventilator (Men's) - Navy/Grey
Buy at Shoebuy.com — $74.95
Merrell Moab Ventilator (Men's) - Walnut
Buy at Shoebuy.com — $74.95
Buy at REI.com — $80.00

For fast-packing overnighters or strenuous day hikes, the sturdy Vasque Men's Breeze Low XCR is considered a cream of the crop choice for those who prefer to go with low-cut hiking shoes instead of traditional over-the-ankle models. The exterior is plenty rugged for travel over rocky highlands, up sandy gullies,,through muddy valleys. For sure-footed contact with all of these surfaces the Vasque Breeze Low XCR Hiking Shoe for men employs the Vibram Contact outsole, an innovative mix of varying size lugs.

The smaller lugs dig in like cleats on soft surfaces, while the broader lugs provide plenty of surface contact for confident grip on all varieties of rock. The waterproof nubuck leather upper strikes a smart balance between heavy enough for wear without tear,light enough for a trail running shoe-like feel. Large panels of airmesh allow the foot to breathe as the temperature or intensity rises. And underneath the leather,airmesh a fully seam taped lining of waterproof,breathable GORE-TEX keeps surface moisture at a safe distance from your foot.

Although not readily apparent when viewing a picture of it on your computer screen, the Vasque Breeze Low XCR Hiking Shoe includes a torsion control plate sandwiched between the Vibram outsole,the EVA midsole. This plate keeps the shoe from twisting when the foot strikes loose or uneven ground,also dulls any sensation associated with stepping on sharp debris.

Buy at Backcounty.com — $89.96
Mens, On Sale (10% Off)
Buy at Backcounty.com — $69.97
Women's version, On SALE (30% off)
Buy at Onlineshoes.com — $99.95

• Material: 2.0mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather and mesh
• Lining: Nylon
• Sole: Vibram Contact
• Lacing: Standard
• Shank: Flexframe 1 Plate

Buy at Backcounty.com — $108.95
Buy at Zappos.com — $ 94.95
Olive/Mustard color

• Material: Nylon, Crosta
• Lining: Vellutina
• Sole: Vibram Dynatech
• Lacing: Standard

A supportive and robust shoe with lacing to the toes for good foot hold. Vibram sole

• Upper: Suede + Mesh
• Lining: Garmont QDS
• Structure: Vibram® G3 +2
• Sole: Vibram® G3 +2
• Garmont Shock Absorption: Compression Molded EVA

Active, any speed outdoor multisport shoe with enough comfort for everyday urban wear. Running shoe technology with trail stability, protection and traction. Weight, flex and comfort for casual use, with trail performance ready when needed.

"The Garmont Women's Nagevi Day Hiking Shoe is a trail eater extraordinaire. A comfortable suede and mesh upper offers breathability for sweaty days and support for routes that are called trails only out of politeness. Multi-density Vibram G3 +2 soles protects your feet from the ravages of rocky trails, and cushion your feet from repeated impacts. Garmont made their QDS lining with hydrophobic materials to make sure you aren't taking the rivers and streams along with you in your shoes. If you're going out for a fast day with minimal weight, the Nagevi will keep up."

"After several thoussand miles of backpacking on and off trail all over the Sierras I have found the best shoe to be the Garmont Nagevi. The combination of mossasin fit, strong foot bed and stability, well made tongue, and padding around the ankle make it hold up very well. The soles, although quite thin, have surprising longevity and fair stickiness. They dry quite quickly imo too. Give them a consideration."

"I too really like the Nagevis. I've logged about 500 miles total on mine (all Colorado 3 season environment on and off trail) without any failures. There is no WP membrane so they dry out fairly quickly and are pretty light as well (right under 2lbs/pair size 11.5) and extremely comfortable, even with a 20lb pack.My only caveats: The footbed (not the insole)seems to have compressed so there isn't much cushioning now (happened around 450 miles; I weigh 175lbs). They do absorb water quite easily, although I have not treated them with a DWR."

Buy at REI.com — $89.95
Garmont - Nagevi (Silver/Sage) - Footwear
Garmont - Nagevi (Charcoal/Grey/Orange) - Footwear
Garmont - Nagevi (Silver/Elmwood) - Footwear

Buy at Backcountry.com —$99.95

Buy at Onlineshoes.com — $99.95
All color and sizes

• Material: Leather, webbing, mesh
• Lining: Woven textile
• Sole: Carbon
• Lacing: Traditional
• Shank: ESS

I won these in a contest during the summer, and I must say that I love these shoes. I have actually been wearing them to work because they are so comfortable on my feet. They have a low arch, which is great for me. I have taken a few short hikes in them, but I recently got to test them out during a weekend backpacking trip. The mesh vents in the sides kept my feet cool while hiking all day. The downside to that feature is that there was absolutely no forgiveness when my foot slipped off a rock and into a creek, but at the same time, the extra ventilation allowed my sock to dry more quickly. If you hike in a moisture-wicking wool blend sock, you'll be fine. Another thing I like about this particular shoe is the way the rubber wraps around the toe. I always seem to hit my toes on a rock at some point during a long hike, and that extra protection really helps.

The Voyageur was one of several shoes that we sent to our most abusive tester. His take: They're "as tough as beef jerky." After several weeks of hiking, the upper's sturdy leather hide, the rock-solid stitching, and the company's trademark brawny toe bumper showed virtually no signs of wear. Ditto for the loops of thick leather that secure the laces. It's a plush ride, too, thanks to a plastic shank in the midfoot area and a heel that's surrounded by a chunk of EVA and rubber that helps soften hard landings. If there's a knock on this shoe, it's the outsole rubber, which was too firm and slid easily on slabs of wet rock

"I bought these for a vacation at Yosemite. I have to say, when I got home everything hurt but my feet. The traction and comfort was outstanding over about 25-30 miles of hiking, including the dreaded stairs on the Mist Trail. After Yosemite, my wife and I toured most of San Francisco by foot and once again these shoes rose to the occasion. They are also surprisingly light for a hiking shoe."

"Shoe is very stable and provides excellent traction on the trail. They are light enough not to bog you down. Had no problems on a 10 mile trail with mixed terrain. Ventilation is good and compares to the Merrel Ventilator. This is the first pair of trail shoes I have had success with. The only problem I noticed is that the laces also tighten the heal support section for better fitting, but do so a little too low for good heal support. There is a little slipping if they aren't laced correctly."

"Great Shoe, but Could Use more Ankle Support - I tried a lot of hikers/walkers before deciding on this one. This is my second pair of Keens--I love their comfort, but I don't care for the rubber toe cover look (honestly, who needs that much toe protection?) Overall it's an awesome shoe--good stability, weight, design, and breathability. I also like that it doesn't have Vibram sole. Vibram soles are great for longevity, but they don't absorb any shock with every step, which results in fatigue. The downside is that these soles may wear out faster. My two gripes about the shoe: First, I like shoes that really grip the ankle when tied--these don't seem to. Second, Keen put a stitch seam in the middle of the tongue that puts unnecessary pressure on the top of my foot. Both of these annoyances may go away as the shoe gets "broken in", and other people may not even notice. I'm picky, because my shoes must last a long time. Overall, again, I really like the shoe; otherwise I wouldn't have kept them."

"I recommend these shoes for day hikes and general traveling. I bought these shoes prior to a trip to Hawaii - I liked them so much my wife bought a pair as well. In Hawaii we put these shoes to the test, we hiked aggressive trails over the course of a 14 day trip. We wore these shoes on trails ranging from old lava with sharp edges to muddy trails in a rain forrest. These shoes performed beautifully, they held up to sharp lava that would have shredded tennis shoes. They are very comfortable and breath well due to the side vents. They are not meant for back country or heavy duty hiking trips. But they are great for day trips and for casual wear on the weekends. Keen makes great shoes and these shoes continue that trend."

"Great support and traction. As in most Keens, they run small so I got a half size larger. Feel great right out of the box. I'm ready for anything in these! The only negative is the shoe laces are too short, which makes it a challenge to tie."

Buy at Altrec.com — $124.95

• Upper: Roughout Leather and Spylon Mesh with UreTech abrasion-resistant reinforcements
• Gusseted tongue provides a comfortable fit while keeping debris out
• GORE-TEX® XCR® lining for waterproof performance
• Vibram® hiking outsole with Impact Brake System™reg; for excellent traction and cushioning
• Construction: Board Lasted
• Last: Trango 2
• Midsole: Trailon with half Polypropylene shank
• Insole: None
• Weight: 18 oz / 508g

An 2007 Outside Magazine Gear of the Year Award winner, the La Sportiva Men's Sandstone GTX-XCR Hiking Boot features innovative energy absorbing traction lugs, and near weightless protective toe bummers. A tough roughout leather upper with super venting mesh is lined in waterproof GORE-TEX® XCR® for the ultimate in foot climate control.

• The Gore-Tex XCR–lined Sandstone has a strip of airy mesh along the tongue (where it can best release the foot's heat) and leather/tightly woven mesh along the sides, where durability is key. The upshot: No sweaty feet or blisters—even after four back-to-back 12-mile days—and no blowouts.
• Adjacent lugs are positioned at opposing angles. When the shoe strikes the ground, the lugs deform slightly, absorbing energy throughout the heel-to-toe motion. Sportiva calls it the "impact brake system." We call it regenerative braking for humans—our legs felt better than expected at day's end.
• That spring in your step? It's actually an arc of TPU plastic that runs along the sides of the shoe. In addition to transferring energy from heel to toe, it prevents your foot from rolling on rocky terrain. Compared with other reinforcement materials, molded TPU is less clunky; it doesn't stiffen your stride.
• A typical toe bumper made of thick rubber can make a shoe feel cumbersome. So La Sportiva sprayed a lightweight mixture of sand, glue, and rubber directly onto the Sandstone's toe box. The stuff saves weight, and its low profile and tacky grip afford an approach-shoe feel when you're scrambling.
• The Sandstone ages better than Mick Jagger. After weeks of abuse, the rubber-reinforced midsole was as springy as on day one, while the rock-solid upper showed only the slightest (and most superficial) signs of wear. Or as one tester more bluntly put it, "It's a tough bastard of a shoe."

"Great shoe for hiking or rock scrambling - The La Sportiva Sandstone has great traction on the rocks as well as trail surfaces. I used my pair hiking in Zion National park and the Grand Canyon. They are stiff enough without being hard to hike in for longer distances. They kept my feet fairly cool and were extremely comfortable." blisters.

I have been on two backpacking trips carrying a 50+ pound pack, as well as numerous 6-10 mile dayhikes in these shoes, and they're only getting better. Personally, I do not like boots that come over my ankles and was looking for a sturdy shoe with a stiff sole. The stability of the shoes prevent your ankle from 'rolling' when you're walking over rough or rocky terrain. Perfect balance between light weight and support. I initially worried that the gore-tex liner might make my feet too hot, but these babies breath like a dream! No wet feet + no interior seams = no blisters.

It is a pair of well-built shoes, stiffer than most of the trail-runners or light hiking shoes. I have an average to may be slightly wider feet and this shoe is too tight for me. The heel area width is fine. the toe area width is average with low volume, but the mid-section is narrow. I tried to break it in inside the house for two days but did not work. So if you have narrower feet and need a pair of stiff shoes with good support, this is a good candidate

I've been very happy with these. They were a little stiff out of the box, but now broken in they're incredibly comfortable. Haven't tested them on anything too challenging, but it has been raining fairly heavily here in SoCal the last few weeks and they have certainly kept me dry. I'd highly recommend them. One note: I'm usually an 8.5, but I had to go up a half-size on these to a 9.

"Very comfortable and waterproof - These were so comfortable that I forgot I had them on and wore them while drilling concrete. While everyone else had wet feet, mine were dry. They survived without a scratch. They were a bit stiff right out of the box, but loosened up in about a day. They replaced a pair of New Balances."