Weight: 1000g (m), 904g (w)

Best for: Multi-day tramps and thru-hiking on easy to moderate tracks.

Overview

The lighter-than-it-looks Offtrail Hike Mid combines an exceptionally stable sole platform with a durable textile upper for a fresh take on midweight synthetic hiking boots. Ripstop Cordura with durable TPU overlays and a toe rand are well paired with the Surface Ctrl outsole and a stiff Skycore rock plate. 

Performance

Walkers with wide feet will appreciate the broad forefoot, as I did, but toe-room is well balanced with a well-tuned heel cup and arch. The double pairs of lace hooks (mids usually just have one pair) ensured my heel stayed in place, and the Achilles cutout allowed flexibility and an easy stride. Overall, The North Face has dialled in the out-of-the-box comfort of this boot, but without the feedback-dulling squish of a maximalist hiking boot. The wide outsole may not be for everyone due to its imprecise feel on rock and steep sidles, but for moderate on-track duty it’s very stable. For its width, the sole is laterally stiff, with sharp 5mm lugs that bite well and a moderately grippy compound, but as with many light hiking boots, there isn’t much of a heel brake. Overall, I was impressed by this boot’s durability for its weight – with its minimum of stitching, firm toe rand and a wrapping sole with a minimum of exposed midsole foam.

What we like

Very comfortable with a wide forefoot fit, stable on-track, durable.

Limitations

Broad sole is clunky on rough tracks or off-trail.

Why buy the Offtrail Hike Mid?

This boot’s light on-foot feel and appearance belies its durability, which beats many boots of similar weight. It’s super stable on-trail due to its wide sole platform and well-tuned fit, but look elsewhere if you want an agile feel for more technical terrain.