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The North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review
September 1, 2016The Good
- Light weight
- Breathable
- Comfortably padded
The Bad
- Shallower lugs
In a head to head comparison of women’s mid-rise, light hiking shoes, the North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX hiking boot fell in the mid-range. They provided a comfortably padded fit, alongside good ankle support and stability albeit being on the heavier side. Breathable uppers were a bonus in warmer conditions.
Support and Stability
The 5″ high, generously padded ankle shaft provided a solid degree of support, while the molded heel cradle held firmly and minimized internal movement. The boot’s full-foot TPU plate and wide 3.75” wide outsole minimizing twisting and provided excellent support and stability across a various trail surfaces.
Protection
Feet felt well protected against trail impact as a result of the thick rubber tips and synthetic overlays along the base of the uppers. The padded EVA midsole did a good job absorbing shock during descents. And the thick, but flexible, Vibram outsole minimized trail surface sensitivity. The gusseted tongue kept debris out.
Comfort
These boots ran true to size and were comfortable right out of the box. Their combined mesh and leather uppers provided excellent breathability and moisture wicking—especially in warmer conditions. The thick padding on the tongue and ankle shaft was cozy, and the toe box fit snugly and comfortably. These boots held up well to longer hikes with little to no foot fatigue or trail sensitivity.
Traction
Although the Hedgehog’s 3 mm lugs are a bit shallower than those on the other boots tested, their even dispersal and interlaced tripod design provided excellent traction across multiple surfaces, with no notable slippage.
Weight
At 14.5 ounces these boots are average-weight and comfortable to wear on hikes of varying lengths.
Lisa Altomare has been an outdoor enthusiast for as long as she can remember - escaping her job as an Art Director to hike, camp and ski as frequently as possible!