The North Face Offtrail TR GTX Hiking Shoe Review
The North Face Offtrail TR GTX ($179) is a rugged, go-anywhere trail shoe that blends mountain-ready durability with all-day comfort. It offers standout traction, reliable waterproofing, and a supportive yet agile feel, making it a strong choice for both technical hikes and off-trail missions. While it runs a bit warm in hot conditions and doesn’t offer the plushest underfoot protection, the trade-offs are well worth it for the stability and precision it delivers.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 6.4 oz.
Waterproof
Yes (non-WP available)
Upper
Synthetic
Outsole
Surface Ctrl
Pros
Cons
The North Face Offtrail TR GTX
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes.
Despite its stiff, structured build, The North Face Offtrail TR GTX delivers an impressive level of comfort. Right out of the box, I wore them on a four-mile hike through rocky and muddy conditions, and they performed well—no break-in period needed. The cushioning underfoot is thick and firm (definitely not squishy like a Hoka), and I appreciated the structured support on uneven terrain. I felt planted and protected the entire time, which, in my opinion, contributed to the shoe’s comfort on technical terrain.
After more miles, I found myself reaching for The North Face Offtrail TR GTX over my Hokas or Saucony Peregrines. They’re stiffer and more precise, which makes long days on the trail feel easier on my feet. The one thing that keeps these from a perfect score is the toebox: there’s a noticeable seam where the upper meets the toe that I could feel pressing on the top of my big toe. It hasn’t caused any real issues, but it’s something I’m always aware of. Otherwise, I’ve been really impressed by the comfort, especially for such a rugged hiking shoe.
I tend to bounce between minimal shoes and super-stable ones, depending on the terrain—but for technical trails, I like a supportive, locked-in feel. The North Face Offtrail TR GTX delivers here. It sits just a bit higher than a typical trail runner (a touch taller than the Hoka Speedgoat 6) and offers noticeable structure around the ankle. It’s not quite as rigid as an approach shoe like the La Sportiva TX4 Evo, but it's much more supportive than most trail runners. The lacing system is sturdy, the upper is rugged and well-integrated, and together they make the hiking shoe feel like one cohesive, protective piece.
I wore the Offtrail TR on wet, boggy trails and steep, rocky ascents, through patches of boulders, and even on snowfields in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, and they handled it all without issue. Whether I was hiking with a light pack or backpacking under an overnight load, the shoes felt solid underfoot. Even on slick, uneven surfaces and stream crossings with loose rock, I trusted my footing entirely. Compared to the Hoka Speedgoat 6 or Saucony Peregrine 15, the Offtrail TR GTX feels far more secure and stable—exactly what I want when navigating unpredictable terrain.
The North Face Offtrail TR GTX delivers excellent grip thanks to its Surface Ctrl rubber and 5-millimeter lugs. The outsole feels firm to the touch, but grips impressively well on everything from dry dirt to slick rock. Toward the heel and toe, the lugs are tightly clustered for consistent ground contact, while those at the instep are spaced out to shed mud effectively.
I’ve tested these shoes across a wide range of terrain, including squishy bogs, muddy trails, wet coastal rock, slabby boulders, and steep mountain routes. They’ve consistently held their ground—literally. Even on slick, algae-covered rock and loose gravel, I never felt unstable or hesitant. All told, the outsole feels built for mixed conditions and technical terrain, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take these shoes anywhere, regardless of surface or weather.
At first glance, the Offtrail TR GTX looked like it might be too rugged and stiff for my taste—but that toughness turned out to be a major asset. The build quality is excellent across the board, with thick, durable rubber, a seamless Matryx upper reinforced with Kevlar, sturdy lace holes, and a streamlined design that feels intentional and well-executed. After nearly 100 miles through mud, snow, slab, sand, and bog, they still look almost new aside from some frayed stitching and dried mud in the lugs. The Offtrail TR is built to last far longer than your average trail shoe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they outlasted two pairs of my go-to Saucony Peregrine 15s. At $179, they’re not cheap—but for the durability and construction you’re getting, it’s money well spent.
The Offtrail TR GTX offers solid toe protection, with a firm cap that fully wraps the front of the shoe—I’ve landed hard on my toes while boulder-hopping and felt fully covered. The sidewalls and heel are just as sturdy, and I especially appreciated the all-around protection while hiking through mossy, rock-strewn terrain where my foot occasionally slipped between hidden crevices. I never felt vulnerable to sharp jabs or ankle rolls. In fact, despite the synthetic upper, the Offtrail TR GTX offers protection on par with a leather shoe like the La Sportiva TX4 Evo.
That said, while the hiking shoe provides solid protection across the upper, it doesn’t feel overly armored underfoot. There’s a good level of isolation from the ground that helps on long or technical days, but you’re still able to feel what’s beneath you with decent precision. Overall, it’s a balanced setup that offers reliable coverage without sacrificing too much responsiveness, though it stops short of full-on alpine-grade protection.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Bluesign Approved
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
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At 1 pound 6.4 ounces for the women’s model, The North Face Offtrail TR GTX strikes an excellent balance between weight and performance. It’s heavier than pure trail runners like the Hoka Speedgoat 6 (1 lb. 0.4 oz.) or La Sportiva Bushido III (1 lb. 1.6 oz.), but that added heft translates to noticeably better support, stability, and protection on rugged trails. Compared to heavier options like the Merrell Moab 3, which weighs nearly 2 pounds per pair, the Offtrail TR delivers nearly as much durability and structure in a much sleeker package.
On trail, I never found the weight to be a burden—even on long, technical days with a pack. If anything, the slight increase in weight felt reassuring, especially when navigating loose rock or uneven terrain. While featherweight trail runners might be ideal for smooth singletrack, the Offtrail TR hits a sweet spot for hikers who want real structure without the clunk.
The Offtrail TR GTX features a PFAS-free Gore-Tex liner that’s done an excellent job keeping my feet dry through wet bogs, shallow streams, and hours of rain-soaked trail. I’ve stood in moving water well above the outsole with zero leakage, and the outsole traction has held strong even on slick, wet rock. In consistently damp or variable conditions, the waterproofing has been a major asset.
That said, the Gore-Tex build does limit breathability in warm weather. On sunny, dry hikes, I found myself wishing for a more ventilated version—my feet ran noticeably warm after sustained uphill efforts. If you hike primarily in dry, hot conditions or your feet tend to overheat, the non-waterproof Offtrail TR ($149) might be a better call.
I went with my usual size with the The North Face Offtrail TR GTX—a women’s US 6.5—and the fit has been just about perfect. The heel feels secure, the midfoot is snug but not restrictive, and while the toe box has a more tapered, aggressive shape than I’m used to, it hasn’t caused any issues. In fact, despite some initial hesitation, the fit has proven to be incredibly comfortable and performance-oriented across a wide range of terrain.
The length feels true to size, and I wouldn’t recommend sizing up or down unless you know your foot runs especially wide or narrow. For hikers with average feet, the fit strikes a great balance of precision and comfort.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX ($170): Toned-Down All-Rounder
For a slightly more approachable option that still performs well, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX is worth a look. Its softer, more flexible ride makes it a great match for casual hikes, moderate trails, and even everyday wear, without feeling like overkill. That said, it still holds up surprisingly well in steeper terrain thanks to a grippy outsole and reasonably stable, protective platform. Both hiking shoes feature Gore-Tex liners and similar weights, but the Moab Speed 2 lacks the Offtrail TR’s durable Matryx upper and won’t stand up to the same level of abuse. If you want a capable all-rounder at a lower price, the Merrell delivers—but for a tougher, more mountain-ready build, the TNF takes the lead. For more, read our review of the Merrell Moab Speed 2.
La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169): Off-Trail Personified
If the Offtrail TR is a trail shoe with mountain grit, the La Sportiva TX4 Evo is a mountain boot in a low-cut package. With a durable leather upper, stiff platform, and outstanding traction and edging precision, the TX4 shines on fourth-class scrambles, talus fields, and rocky approaches. It’s purpose-built for technical terrain—but that comes at the cost of comfort, breathability, and weight. Compared to the Offtrail TR, it feels clunkier over long distances and less forgiving on mixed or muddy terrain. If your adventures lean hard into scrambling and rock, the TX4 is a top pick. But for longer hikes, variable trails, and all-weather versatility, the Offtrail TR GTX is the better all-rounder. For a deeper dive, read the La Sportiva TX4 Evo review.
An agile tank, the Offtrail TR GTX delivers mountain-grade traction, solid waterproofing, and a supportive, durable build (with Kevlar!) that still feels comfortable mile after mile. It runs a bit warm and isn’t the softest underfoot.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
An approachable design, the Moab Speed 2 combines hiking-shoe-like stability and support with the low weight and rockered style of a trail running shoe. It's comfortable out of the box and adept both on and off-trail. However, it lacks the performance fit and agility you’d get with a trail runner.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
An approach shoe by design, the TX4 is protective, stable, and durable, and it offers particularly good traction on rock. The roomy toe box boosts comfort. However, the stiff design is not a great pairing for high-mileage days on established trails.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Offtrail TR GTX for You?
The North Face Offtrail TR GTX is a great choice if you want a stiff, supportive hiking shoe that can confidently handle technical terrain in all weather. It shines on rocky scrambles, muddy trails, and alpine routes where traction, stability, and waterproofing matter most. If you’ve rolled an ankle before or just like the secure feel of a structured shoe, the Offtrail TR delivers without feeling like a boot. That said, its stiff build and Gore-Tex liner make it feel a bit overbuilt for warm, dry days or smooth trails, especially if you prefer a light, flexible trail runner. But if your adventures take you into the mountains, across snow patches, or through unpredictable conditions, this shoe offers a rare blend of confidence, comfort, and control for its weight. It’s not for everyone, but for the right terrain and the right feet, it’s a standout.
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