The North Face Men’s Ultra 104 GTX XCR – yea or neh?

I can't comment on these in particular. I had a pair of similiar looking TNF shoes for casual use. They were fine but didn't hold up long. The plastic lace eyelets broke. It seemed like a design flaw.

Nay.
I shredded the luggs at REI in 5 minutes on their rock step thingy. I went with TNF Hedgehogs instead with a Vibram sole and GTX XCR and have been very happy with them for two years.

+1 on the Hedgehogs.

Thanks for the replies. Funny thing is I was originally looking at the Hedgehog.

OK now, not because Backpacker Mag has them listed in the 2010 Gear mag. I love KEEN.

If you had a choice between TNF Hedghog or KEEN Obsidian, what would you go with?

KEEN OBSIDIAN

SPECS:

Product Information:

Providing, stability, support and protection in a waterproof shoe the Obsidian WP is ideal for all your trail running excursions!
Seamless textile upper.
Stone bruising protection plate guards feet against rocks on the trail.
KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane that let's vapor out without letting water in.
S3 heel support structure which is designed to support the foot on impact and dissipate shock and reduce your odds of twisting your ankle or injuring yourself.
Metatomical tri-density, compression molded, low profile EVA footbed provides arch support and cushioning while cradling the natural contours of the foot.
Soft Flex Torsion stability ESS shank.
Durable, non-marking rubber outsole.
12.00 oz.
Product measurements were taken using size 7. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

WEB SITE:

http://www.zappos.com/keen-obsidian-wp-black-palace-blue

I just put 40 miles on a pair of Hedgehogs. They worked very well, I had never worn them before and they got wet the last day due to water running into the back from my rain pants. (I dropped my gaiters at a restaurant Friday morning, doh!)I had no blisters and no leakage that I could tell as I walked in water every day (creeks, puddles, plus the trail looked like a creek in many places as it was raining so much)and just because I am still a big kids that likes to splash.

What was your pack weight on your hike? Do you think a pack of 20/25 pounds is ok with these shoes?

After having one pair of KEENE eVent boots fall apart after only one weekend of slot canyon trekking in Utah I would have to recommend the North Face – of the two.

But my BEST recommendation is a pair of Merrill Moab GTX trail shoes or the Moab Mid boot in GTX.

"But my BEST recommendation is a pair of Merrill Moab GTX trail shoes or the Moab Mid boot in GTX."

Gonna check these out. Thanks. If anyone else has suggestions, please let me know.

I was about 20 at the heaviest.

I was in horrible conditions and they were great. I would not hesitate to try them heavier on nice terrain.

I bought these last October and never had the chance to use them because of testing duties until now. I am trying to get away from boots (I pretty much only test lighter mids as it is) and start using shoes as my weights have gotten low enough to stop worrying about twisted ankles as much.

One thing, they have horrible laces. They untie themselves so fast I call them Houdini laces.

Yeah I shooting for 20lbs w/water n chow. I'm trying to lighten the boot weight and go with a trail shoe or a mesh mid. Thanks for the replies Raymond.

As everyone knows
*** one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in your pack ***

On sale here:

http://www.vargooutdoors.com/store/p1421/North-Face-Hedgehog-Mid-GTX-XCR/product_info.html

Size 9 or 11 only…figures I'm a 10. Thanks anyways.

I purchased a pair of TNF Ultra 104 GTX XCR over the Hedgehogs since they seemed to fit better. what i was surprised to find out was that the Ultra's are actually a little bit LIGHTER than the Hedgehogs, so that was an added bonus. I also use the blue superfeet insoles. Backpacking 40 miles in the Smokies this weekend so will report back after I've had a chance to really test them.

A few years ago I bought a pair of Hedgehogs, they held up really well with NO degradation of the Goretex liner.I was so impressed with them that I bought another pair a few weeks ago.I will say however that they do tend to run a little warm in the summer,so I use two pairs of sock liners instead of one pair of thicker hiking socks. You probably can't go wrong with these shoes!