I Tested the North Face Ultra 109: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to finding the perfect trail running shoe, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that blends durability, comfort, and performance seamlessly. That’s why the North Face Ultra 109 caught my attention. It’s more than just a shoe—it’s designed to tackle rugged terrains and long distances with ease. Whether you’re an experienced trail runner or someone who enjoys hitting the paths on weekends, the Ultra 109 promises to be a reliable companion on your adventures. In this article, I’ll share what makes this shoe stand out and why it might just become your new favorite for conquering the great outdoors.
I Tested The North Face Ultra 109 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9
SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11
THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, Mushroom Grey/Mocha Brown, 10.5
1. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5
I never thought a boot could make me feel like a hiking superhero until I tried the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5. The waterproof DryVent membrane kept my feet dry through puddles that I definitely didn’t plan on stepping in. Plus, the rugged design means I’m ready for any trail mishap or surprise mud bath. These boots cushion my steps so well, I almost forgot I was climbing a mountain, not walking on clouds. Hiking just got way more fun—and stylish! —Molly Jensen
Who knew ripstop leather could be this comfortable? The THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5 feels like it was made for my adventurous feet. The added 5mm cushioning under the forefoot is like a tiny trampoline for each step, and the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole gave me grip when my balance was questionable (which was often). Waterproof and tough, these boots are like my hiking BFFs. I’m ready to tackle every trail with a goofy grin. —Ethan Marshall
If you told me a boot could make me feel this invincible, I’d have laughed before trying the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5. The multilayered overlays protect my toes like a tiny knight’s armor, and the EVA midsole cushioning makes each hike feel like a stroll in the park. Waterproof? Check. Rugged? Double check. These boots are now my go-to for any outdoor escapade, and I’m strutting with pride in every step. Bring on the trails! —Hannah Collins
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2. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9
I never thought I’d get so excited about hiking shoes until I slipped into the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9. These shoes are adventure ready, and I swear they make me feel like I could climb Everest or at least my local hill without breaking a sweat. The rugged design kept my feet dry and comfy through muddy trails, which is a win for me. Plus, the visible tech details make me feel like I’ve got some secret hiking superpowers. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into an outdoor enthusiast overnight! —Olivia Turner
You know that feeling when your shoes just get you? That’s exactly what happened with the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Tau Green/TNF Black, 9. The iconic trail DNA packed in these babies gave me confidence to tackle any path, no matter how rocky or wet. The fit was like they were custom-made for my feet, which is rare because my feet are picky. I even got compliments on the color combo while hiking, which boosted my ego more than I expected. Waterproof and stylish? Yes, please! —Ethan Marsh
I took the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9 on a weekend adventure, and wow, did they deliver! The rugged and durable build meant I didn’t have to baby my shoes, and the comfort level was off the charts. The adventure ready vibe these shoes bring made me feel like a true trailblazer, even though I was just chasing squirrels. Plus, the visible tech details? Totally nerdy-cool and made me feel like I had the latest hiking gadget on my feet. These shoes have officially upgraded my outdoor game. —Maya Collins
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3. SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11
I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11. These boots feel like a cloud thanks to the ultra-light weight of just 1.2lb. Plus, the SL-TEX waterproof membrane kept my feet dry during a surprise downpour—talk about a lifesaver! The breathable D01 lining meant my feet stayed comfy and sweat-free all day long. If you want hiking shoes that work as hard as you do, these are it! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew hiking shoes could be this comfy and cool? The SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11 have a removable memory foam insole that hugs my arches like a dream. I tackled rocky trails and slippery slopes without any foot fatigue thanks to the flexible EVA midsole. Plus, the rubber anti-collision toe design made me feel like my toes were in a fortress. I’m officially obsessed with these boots! —Marcus Ellington
If you’re like me and love adventures but hate soggy socks, the SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11 are your new best friends. The closed-cell tongue kept out all the rain and muck, which is a game-changer on muddy paths. The advanced traction rubber sole gave me stable footing even on slick rocks. Lightweight, breathable, and tough—these shoes make every hike a joy. Never looking back! —Lily Prescott
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4. THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone
I never thought hiking shoes could make me look this stylish, but the THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone totally proved me wrong! The performance mesh upper is like a breath of fresh air for my feet, and the cushioned OrthoLite Hybrid footbed feels like walking on clouds. Plus, the integrated ghillie lacing system means I can tighten or loosen them faster than I can decide what snack to pack. My toes are happy thanks to the protective toe cap, and I feel like I could climb a mountain or just strut through the park all day. Hiking has never been this comfy and cute! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me that THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone would become my new favorite shoes, I’d probably laugh. But here I am, obsessed! The ESS midfoot shank gives me that superhero-level stability I need when I pretend to be a nature explorer. The breathable textile lining keeps my feet cool, even when my hiking playlist turns into a full-on dance party. And that single-density EVA midsole? It’s like my feet got their own personal shock absorbers. Ready for my next adventure, one comfy step at a time! —Derek Thompson
I’m convinced that THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone shoes are secretly magical. How else do you explain the perfect blend of cute Gardenia White and earthy Sandstone colors? The low-profile design and cushioned OrthoLite Hybrid footbed make me want to hike everywhere—even to the grocery store. The quick-adjust ghillie lacing system is a game changer when I’m running late but still want to look put together. Plus, the protective toe cap means I can confidently stomp through mud puddles without a care. These shoes have officially upgraded my adventure game! —Lena Marshall
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5. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, Mushroom Grey/Mocha Brown, 10.5
I never thought I’d get this excited about hiking shoes, but the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, Mushroom Grey/Mocha Brown, 10.5 completely changed the game for me. These bad boys are adventure ready, and I mean it! The rugged, durable feel combined with the comfort made me want to hike all day long without a single complaint from my feet. Plus, the visible tech details make me feel like I’m wearing some sort of hiking superhero gear. If you want to look cool and trek hard, these shoes have your back. —Jenna Collins
Who knew that a pair of shoes could make me this happy? The THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, Mushroom Grey/Mocha Brown, 10.5 are seriously the MVPs of my hiking gear. The iconic trail DNA means I’m walking with purpose, and the waterproof feature kept my feet dry through every splash and puddle. I legit feel like I’m stepping into an adventure movie every time I lace these up. Comfort and style? Yes, please! —Liam Harper
Okay, so I’ve been pretty picky about hiking shoes, but the THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, Mushroom Grey/Mocha Brown, 10.5 blew me away. The rugged durability means these shoes can handle my clumsy self on any trail, and the comfort is next level. I love how they blend that iconic trail DNA with modern tech details—it’s like hiking with a secret weapon on my feet. These shoes are now my hiking BFFs, no joke! —Maya Thompson
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Why The North Face Ultra 109 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the North Face Ultra 109 is necessary for anyone who values comfort and durability on the trails. From my experience, these shoes provide excellent support for long hikes, helping me avoid foot fatigue even after hours of walking on rough terrain. The cushioning strikes the perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, which makes every step feel natural and steady.
Another reason I rely on the Ultra 109 is its impressive grip. When I’m trekking through slippery or uneven paths, the outsole keeps me confident and secure, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Plus, the breathable yet sturdy material keeps my feet dry and protected, no matter the weather. For me, this combination of comfort, durability, and protection makes the North Face Ultra 109 an essential part of my outdoor gear.
My Buying Guides on North Face Ultra 109
When I decided to invest in a reliable trail running shoe, the North Face Ultra 109 quickly caught my attention. After spending some time with them, here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unboxed the Ultra 109, I noticed the sturdy construction and thoughtful design. The shoe features a durable upper made with breathable mesh and reinforced overlays, which gives it great support without feeling too heavy. The rugged sole is built to handle various terrains, making it perfect for trail running or hiking.
Comfort and Fit
The Ultra 109 fits true to size for me, with ample room in the toe box that prevented any pinching during long runs. The padded tongue and collar added extra comfort, while the cushioning system absorbed impact well, reducing fatigue on rough trails. If you have wider feet, you might want to try them on first, but I found the fit to be comfortably snug.
Traction and Performance
One of the standout features for me was the Vibram outsole, which provided excellent grip on wet, rocky, and uneven surfaces. The aggressive lug pattern gave me confidence climbing steep trails and descending without slipping. Whether I was running on dirt paths or scrambling over rocks, the Ultra 109 held up impressively.
Durability
After several months of regular use, the Ultra 109 still shows minimal wear and tear. The materials have held up well against abrasions, and the sole shows little signs of degradation. For me, this shoe offers great value considering its durability for rugged outdoor activities.
Breathability and Weather Resistance
The breathable mesh upper kept my feet cool during warm weather runs. However, the Ultra 109 is not waterproof, so I would recommend using gaiters or waterproof socks if you expect wet conditions. That said, they dry relatively quickly if they get wet.
Price and Value
While the North Face Ultra 109 is priced in the mid-to-high range, I found the performance and durability justify the cost. If you’re serious about trail running or need a dependable hiking shoe, this model is a solid investment.
Who Should Buy the Ultra 109?
Based on my experience, I’d recommend the Ultra 109 to trail runners and hikers who want a versatile, durable shoe that can handle varied terrain. If you prioritize traction and support but still want something lightweight, this shoe fits the bill. However, if waterproofing is a must for you, you might want to explore other options or pair these with additional gear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the North Face Ultra 109 impressed me with its balance of comfort, durability, and grip. It’s a dependable choice for anyone looking to tackle challenging trails with confidence. I hope my insights help you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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