The North Face
Offtrail Ultra
A technical mountain shoe with a dual-density DREAMBOUND midsole, a built-in SCREEGUARD gaiter and 5 mm SURFACE CTRL lugs with a smooth scrambling zone under the toe. Testers found it protective and stable, though views on its grip and foothold on steep ground were split.
About the Offtrail Ultra
Steep, technical mountain ground is the target of the Offtrail Ultra, which The North Face describes as a cushioned SURFACE CTRL shoe with an integrated SCREEGUARD gaiter. The gaiter is built into the upper to keep scree and debris out. Unlike the plated VECTIV models such as the Vectiv Infinite 3, which uses a winged TPU plate, it has no plate and relies on a dual-density DREAMBOUND midsole foam.
The SURFACE CTRL outsole carries 5 mm lugs, with a smoother scrambling zone under the toe. At 264 g in a men's US 9, it is lighter than the Vectiv Enduris 4, and its heel stack of 29 mm sits closer to the ground than the 37 mm Infinite 3. For racing on similar terrain, the brand offers the carbon-plated Summit Vectiv Sky 2, aimed at short-distance races.
Specs and features from thenorthface.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
Watch The North Face Offtrail Ultra reviewsOpens YouTubeWhat the critics say
92/100 review score
- Road Trail Run 9.5/10
The reviews in briefRoad Trail Run's Jeff Valliere found The North Face Offtrail Ultra smooth, stable and durable on rocky ground, but felt its traction and foothold fell short on steep, technical terrain. Believe in the Run's Taylor Bodin, Alex Elizabeth and Michael Loutzenheiser rated its grip more highly, though all three had some heel issues.
- Positive: Stable, protective ride with good ground feel
- Positive: Built-in gaiter keeps debris out
- Positive: Durable outsole and good rock protection
- Mixed: Grip on steep, loose ground impressed some testers and disappointed others
- Negative: Midfoot and heel can be hard to cinch down, with some heel slip
- Negative: Thin tongue and gaiter material can bunch when lacing
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 264 g
- Weight
- 29 mm
- Heel stack
- 6 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Testers found it true to size with a roomier fit from toe to heel on a new last, though some struggled to cinch the midfoot and heel down securely.
What Reddit runners say
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On TikTok
Offtrail Ultra on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the Offtrail Ultra
RRP around £145. Tap through for today's price.
The North Face Offtrail Ultra
In short
A good pick if you run steep, rocky mountain trails and want a stable, protective shoe with a built-in gaiter that keeps grit out. If you need a snug heel, try it on before you buy.
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