Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
The North Face Ultra 109 Gore-Tex XCR Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
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The North Face Ultra 109 Gore-Tex XCR trail-running shoes deliver rugged, reliable, waterproof performance for the roughest, wettest trails.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Off-Trail
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
No
- A combination of polyurethane-coated leather, nylon mesh and thermoplastic urethane create flexible uppers with stability that is just right for the trail
- Supportive thermoplastic urethane overlays wrap ankles and heels for enhanced support; vented toe caps add durability and breathability
- Gore-Tex® XCR® membranes provide waterproof protection and superior breathability; gusseted tongues keep debris out
- Nylon linings wick internal moisture away from your feet and dry quickly for enhanced comfort
- Removable multi-density footbeds offer cushioning and comfort
- Dual-density EVA and polyurethane midsoles provide shock absorption and support; medial posting in forefeet delivers extra support for overpronators
- Thermoplastic urethane shank plate provides lightweight support and stability
- North Face Ultra 109 Gore-Tex XCR trail runners have durable rubber outsoles for reliable traction and stability over rugged terrain
| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Off-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Upper | Polyurethane-coated leather/nylon mesh/thermoplastic urethane |
| Lining | Gore-Tex XCR waterproof breathable membrane/nylon |
| Midsole | EVA/polyurethane |
| Support | Thermoplastic urethane shank plate |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 11 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
The North Face Footwear - Men's
| 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
| UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
| EU | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 |
| Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.4 | 12.6 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches.
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
JMT Approved
jamesm11311 years ago
4.5 stars
I wore these shoes while doing a John Muir trail thru-hike. While other members of my group were busy taping their heels/toes and still getting blisters, I did not get a single blister caused by these shoes. I used these shoes for several training hikes and the JMT, so I probably got around 300-400 miles out of these without a blister.
I also don't change my socks very often. Maybe 2-3 times a week, or sometimes when my socks got wet. I guess I'm a rebel.
Deducting .5 stars for-
After first use, some of the stitching fell apart, causing leaks during creek crossings
After ~150 miles, they started losing grip
After ~300 miles, they're pretty much done.
jamesm113
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
29 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Not the same fit as the 106
daj11 years ago
After three pairs of the 106 from REI, I went to REI for another, but found the 109 on the shelf instead. Tread is identical, upper is similar, basic sizing/fit seemed the same (12.5/12.5), so I got a pair of 109s. Having worn them past break-in, I'm returning the 109s because the on-the-trail feel is completely different from the 106.
I feel rocks more than with the 106. The throat closes together more when snugging the laces, suggesting the upper is cut way different (not the same last?). Even with the laces snug, I have to wear a thicker sock because the 109 feels roomier side-to-side. But the fit is still different. Overall not as comfortable.
I want a 106.
daj
CA
21 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
jamesm113
Santa Barbara, CA, United States
JMT Approved
11 years ago
4.5 stars I wore these shoes while doing a John Muir trail thru-hike. While other members of my group were busy taping their heels/toes and still getting blisters, I did not get a single blister caused by these shoes. I used these shoes for several training hikes and the JMT, so I probably got around 300-400 miles out of these without a blister. I also don't change my socks very often. Maybe 2-3 times a week, or sometimes when my socks got wet. I guess I'm a rebel. Deducting .5 stars for- After first use, some of the stitching fell apart, causing leaks during creek crossings After ~150 miles, they started losing grip After ~300 miles, they're pretty much done.
Yes , I recommend this product
TM52
Northern Va
Rugged Walker
10 years ago
I've been using my 109's for about 6mos, daily. I use them for what I would call very rough walking over various terrain (road, gravel, grass, metal/concrete steps). A very comfortable shoe, with some break-in time needed--as like any new shoe. However I have notice the that mesh just behind the toe area (on the outside of the shoes) is ripping and coming off the shoes--only after 6mos.? A little disappointing. I expect my well quality crossing-training shoe to last at least 2-3 yrs of normal use before they start to show wear like this. The rest of of the shoe is holding up well. I'll probably buy another pair simply because they fit and protect my feet so well.
Yes , I recommend this product
daj
California
Not the same fit as the 106
11 years ago
After three pairs of the 106 from REI, I went to REI for another, but found the 109 on the shelf instead. Tread is identical, upper is similar, basic sizing/fit seemed the same (12.5/12.5), so I got a pair of 109s. Having worn them past break-in, I'm returning the 109s because the on-the-trail feel is completely different from the 106. I feel rocks more than with the 106. The throat closes together more when snugging the laces, suggesting the upper is cut way different (not the same last?). Even with the laces snug, I have to wear a thicker sock because the 109 feels roomier side-to-side. But the fit is still different. Overall not as comfortable. I want a 106.
No, I do not recommend this product
Big Hat Tom
San Luis Obispo, CA, United States
Good Uppers, bad sole
10 years ago
Bought these to run in during winter season, and was disappointed. The uppers are comfortable, have laces that extend into the toebox, and were waterproof in mud and puddles. The sole came apart. The lugs chipped off completely in most of the forefoot on each shoe and the silly little grey colored parts came off all over. The sole detached from the midsole in the forefoot on each shoe also. I'm 65, about 170, and the hills I run in are steep and rocky, but these shoes should not have failed this quickly. Poor choice of materials by NorthFace and too much emphasis on silly color combinations.
No, I do not recommend this product
Backpacking Daniel
Tampa, FL
Failed To Last
9 years ago
I loved these shoes... Until they began to fall apart. Unfortunately they didn't even last a year. As near as I can tell the toe guard cuts into the mesh over time. See picture.
No, I do not recommend this product
Scotsman
St George, UT, United States
Amazing
10 years ago
I've never written a product review before, so it has to be pretty special to compel me to write a review. I have 3 pairs of Merrells - they hurt my feet (but less than all the others) I tried a pair of these on in the Las Vegas store and was immediately impressed with how comfortable they were. I ordered a pair on line and received them 3 days later - I put 10 miles on them right out of the box! My feet were understandably tired but no blisters or other problems. The shoes performed amazingly well - no signs of unexpected wear or coming apart. I was so impressed that I ordered a second pair as a backup! My thanks to REI and The North Face!
Yes , I recommend this product
bboy360
Tucson, AZ, United States
Comfortable Hiking Shoe, not made for rocky hikes
10 years ago
I bought a pair of these one week ago and used them for the first time on a 5 hour hike, climbing a ridge gaining 2000 ft of elevation, very rocky. When I returned and looked at the soles of these shoes, many of the lugs were severely shredded, and one had come completely off revealing the material under the sole. Never expected this type of wear & tear after the first 5 hours of use. Thank you REI for accepting the return, the clerk told me that these are more geared towards lighter hikes on softer surfaces, pine needles was his example. Be informed!
No, I do not recommend this product
lifehub
Texas
Good and versatile product
11 years ago
This is my attempt to find a shoe that I can use to do the following activities: [1] trail running, [2] hiking, and [3] working in the office. I previously used Asics Kahana for the same purpose and found the sole not rugged enough to handle the kind of hiking that I'd like to do. After trying and returning several shoes, I ended up with the Ultra 109 since the feel is very similar to Asics, but with more rugged outsole. Durability is unknown since I just got it. While testing in store, I noticed that the sole was not as grippy as the ones that come with vibram sole. However, they are not as comfortable as this model. Gore-tex makes the shoes to be less breathable. If you have sweaty feet or live in the warmer area, you should take this into consideration.
Yes , I recommend this product
Bob-O
Warren, MI USA
Most comfortable shoe right out of the box
11 years ago
I purchased these shoes a few days ago primarily for work. As part of my job I work a lot of events where the 'uniform' requires black shoes. Many events are outdoors and most are on concrete. Having a waterproof and comfortable shoe makes a huge difference when the weather turns bad and when I'm on my feet for ten or more hours a day. These have been awesome right out of the box and are true to size. Super comfortable with sturdy laces that stay tied. I love these things which prompted me to write a review and I don't think that I've ever written a clothing or footwear review ever before. I like these so much that I'm thinking of purchasing another pair in the same size and putting them on a shelf in my closet so that they're available when I eventually wear this pair out.
Yes , I recommend this product
Clifford
Portland Oregon
Poor construction and materials
9 years ago
I only wore the shoes for 43 rounds of Disc Golf. The shoes were average as for as comfort. They seemed way too heavy for trail runners and felt more like boots but without any support. They did a great job keeping my feet dry for the first few months but over time the water found its way inside. They seem to be poorly manufactured and in the end the sole's came unglued and the shoes completely fell apart. I would like to note that the tread was great and hardly showed any wear, they just separated from the bottom of the shoe. The Northface makes some incredible gear, unfortunately these shoes are not up to their own standards. If you are considering these shoes do yourself a favor and look at some other options. I would not recommend these whatsoever.
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