Since North Face started selling mountaineering footwear in the 60s, it has continually delivered high quality and safe shoes for the most ardent hikers and trail runners. And the company does it again in roping in another top of the range hike and trail running shoe. North Face has leapt forward with its latest technical specifications, yet delivering an appealing shoe that its loyal consumer base craves for. Yes, I am referring to the North Face Ultra Fastpack III GTX. It is quite a mouthful if I had to tell someone its full name. Yet the shoe deserves that extended name.
Rating (1 lowest to 5 highest)
Overall Comfort : 5
Aesthetics : 4
Support (cushioning) : 5
Grip/Traction : 5
Ventilation : 4
Shoe Features & Benefits
Exterior
Outsole: The well-known highly durable Vibram material ensures excellent traction on slippery and uneven ground. For those of you that might be unaware, the famed Vibram material is a high-density plastic that is regularly used in quality, athletic footwear. North Face used the Vibram® Megagrip technology – a high performance rubber that provides steadfast grip on various surfaces, creating a user experience that loyalists and even new users of North Face absolutely love.
Upper: North Face keeps to its promise of ensuring the Ultra Fast Pack III GTX is made for robust conditions and built to last the most challenging terrains or surfaces. The breathable Gore-Tex® membrane punches above its weight proving its worth in water-based terrain. Giving its wearers unique dry feet comfort. The shoe also secures the heel with its TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) extended heel collar and its reliable toe cap overlay. For your added information, TPU material appears rubber-like, which means it can be extremely flexible, durable and smooth to the touch.
Interior
Midsole: This sole is an equally crucial part of the shoe. Hikers and runners seek the security of a superior cushion giving greater comfort to the wearer’s underfoot. In achieving this, North Face used a dual density FastFoam™ helping the wearer in responsiveness and speed.
Specifications
Weight: At 382 grams for half a pair.
Price: RM848.00 (Price is for reference only. Contact the retailer for quotation)
Available at The North Face Concept Stores and authorized dealers.
PS. I used the shoe for a race recently, and it performed magnificently despite some users claiming it to be slightly more weight due to the superior FastFoam™ cushioning.
