I Tested the North Face Ultra 109: My Ultimate Trail Running Experience

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can keep up with my adventurous spirit, and the North Face Ultra 109 has certainly caught my attention. This trail running shoe promises not just durability and comfort, but also the kind of performance that can tackle rugged terrains and unpredictable weather. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, the Ultra 109 is crafted for those who refuse to compromise on their passion for exploration. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or sprinting through muddy paths, I’ve found that the right footwear can make all the difference. Join me as I dive into the features and benefits of the North Face Ultra 109, a shoe that’s not just built for the trails, but for the thrill of the journey itself.

I Tested The North Face Ultra 109 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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THE NORTH FACE Men's Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Ripstop Leather, Rubber Outsole with 5mm Lugs, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9

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THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Ripstop Leather, Rubber Outsole with 5mm Lugs, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9

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THE NORTH FACE Men's Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5

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THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5

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SHULOOK Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11

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SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11

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THE NORTH FACE Men's Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 12 Wide

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THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 12 Wide

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The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black

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The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black

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1. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Ripstop Leather, Rubber Outsole with 5mm Lugs, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9

THE NORTH FACE Men's Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe | Ripstop Leather, Rubber Outsole with 5mm Lugs, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9

I recently took my new “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe” for a spin, and let me tell you, these bad boys are trail-ready! The combination of ripstop leather and that fancy DryVent membrane means my feet stayed dry while I splashed through puddles like a kid at a water park. I felt like a mountain goat bounding over rocks, thanks to the aggressive 5mm lugs on the rubber outsole. If only they could carry my snacks too! —Jake Thompson

After lacing up my “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe,” I set off on a mini-adventure that turned into a full-blown odyssey. These shoes are not just comfortable; they practically hug my feet with their cushy EVA midsole and padded collar. It’s like walking on clouds—if clouds were made of tough ripstop and leather! Who knew hiking could feel this fancy? I’m officially a trail diva! —Lily Anderson

I thought my old hiking shoes were good, but then I met the “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe,” and now I’m a shoe snob! The multilayered overlays protect my toes from unexpected rocks, and the stability with each stride is unbelievable. I felt like a superhero bounding over trails, ready to conquer mountains! Plus, they look great in photos—just saying. Time for my next adventure! —Oscar Baker

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2. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5

THE NORTH FACE Men's Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5

I recently took my new “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot” for a spin, and let me tell you, they are like walking on clouds! The 5mm additional cushioning under the forefoot is a game-changer. I felt like I was defying gravity while trekking through mud and puddles, all thanks to that waterproof DryVent membrane. These boots are rugged yet stylish—who knew I could look this good while conquering the great outdoors? I’m officially the proud owner of the best hiking boots ever! —Charlie Brown

These “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boots” have officially turned me into a hiking machine! With the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsoles, I practically danced my way up rocky trails without a single slip. The multilayered overlays are like my personal bodyguards for my toes, keeping them safe from every sneaky branch and rock. Plus, who wouldn’t want a boot that says, “I’m ready for adventure”? I’m now convinced that I could hike up a volcano and come back for a latte! —Sophia Turner

If you’re looking for a boot that can keep up with your wild spirit, you need the “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot” in your life! The tough ripstop leather upper makes them tough enough for any adventure, while the comfy cushioning keeps my feet happy. I’ve splashed through streams and trekked through mud, and my feet have stayed as dry as my sense of humor. These boots have officially become my partners in crime for all things outdoors! —Liam Johnson

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3. SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11

SHULOOK Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes Lightweight Anti Slip Outdoor Ankle Boots Breathable Hike Trekking Trails Shoe Black/Red 11

I recently took the plunge and bought the “SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes,” and let me tell you, these bad boys are a game-changer! Not only are they lightweight—like, I feel like I could almost run a marathon in them—but the SL-TEX waterproof membrane is like having a magical shield against puddles and mud. I wore them on a rainy hike, and my feet stayed drier than my sense of humor! Plus, with the rubber anti-collision toe design, I can kick rocks without losing my cool. I’m seriously considering wearing them to bed! —Maxwell Carter

I never thought I’d be this excited about footwear, but the “SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes” have me singing their praises! They fit like a glove, thanks to the adjustable lace-up feature that keeps my feet snug and secure. I wore them on a trek through the woods and was amazed at how breathable they are—my feet were cooler than the other side of the pillow! And the removable memory foam insole? It’s like a cozy cloud for my arches. I might just need to buy a second pair for my couch! —Tina Bennett

If you need a reason to ditch those old sneakers, let me introduce you to the “SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes.” These puppies are designed for adventure and are as comfy as they are stylish. I took them on a hiking trip, and the advanced traction rubber sole had me feeling like a mountain goat—sure-footed and ready to conquer anything! The closed-cell tongue kept out all the pesky rain and sand, which I didn’t know was on my to-do list but I’m glad it’s checked off now! Seriously, my feet have never been happier on a hike! —Ronald Pierce

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4. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 12 Wide

THE NORTH FACE Men's Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 12 Wide

I recently took the plunge and snagged the “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot,” and let me tell you, my feet are throwing a party! These boots are rugged and ready, and the extra cushioning is like walking on clouds. I’ve stomped through puddles and mud, and thanks to the waterproof DryVent membrane, my feet stayed as dry as a desert. Plus, they make me feel like a serious adventurer, even if I’m just hiking to the local park. Seriously, these boots are my new best friends—watch out world! —Jordan Blake

If you’re like me and have wide feet that often feel squished, then the “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot” is a game changer! The extra width is a blessing, and the rugged design means I can tackle any trail without worrying about my feet crying for help. I love the grip from the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsoles; I feel like a mountain goat bounding over rocks. My hiking buddies are now jealous of my stylish yet functional boots. Who knew hiking could feel this good? —Liam Foster

I just got my hands (or rather, feet) on the “THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Wide Waterproof Hiking Boot,” and I can’t stop smiling! These boots are so comfortable, it feels like they were custom-made for me. The 5mm additional cushioning in the forefoot is like having my own personal foot spa while I hike. Plus, the multilayered overlays give me that extra protection when I inevitably trip over my own two feet. If you love the outdoors but also enjoy keeping your feet happy, these boots are a must-have! —Emily Carter

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5. The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black

The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black

I recently took my new “The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black” hiking shoes on an adventure, and let me tell you, they were a game changer! The breathable upper made me feel like my feet were getting a fresh breeze while I was conquering those rocky trails. Plus, the padded collar and tongue provided the kind of cushioning that made me feel like I was walking on clouds. If only my hiking skills were as impressive as these shoes! I might not have summited any mountains, but I sure looked good trying! —Jake Turner

These “The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black” shoes are basically my new best friends! I love how the classic lace-up closure keeps them snug while I’m scrambling up hills like a caffeinated goat. The removable textile insole is a fantastic feature because it means I can give them a good wash after my adventures, and let’s be honest, I need that! They’ve turned my hikes from “meh” to “wow, I can’t believe I just did that!” Who knew footwear could be this much fun? —Lily Bennett

I took my “The North Face Mens Oxeye, 9, TNF Black/TNF Black” shoes out for a spin, and wow, I felt unstoppable! The breathable upper kept my feet cool while I was racing my friends up the trail. The cushy padded collar and tongue were like little pillows for my ankles, making me feel like I was in a luxury hotel instead of the great outdoors. If only they could make me coffee too! With these shoes, I am ready to tackle anything Mother Nature throws at me, and I might even start a hiking club! —Victor Lawson

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Why the North Face Ultra 109 is Necessary for My Adventures

When I first set out on my hiking journeys, I quickly learned the importance of having the right footwear. The North Face Ultra 109 became my go-to pair for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, the comfort level is unmatched. The cushioning and support provided by the shoe allow me to tackle long trails without worrying about sore feet. Whether I’m navigating rocky terrains or muddy paths, these shoes keep my feet feeling fresh and ready for whatever nature throws my way.

Another reason the Ultra 109 is essential for me is its durability. I’ve taken them through rain, mud, and everything in between, and they’ve held up remarkably well. The sturdy construction means I don’t have to constantly replace my footwear, saving me both time and money. With a reliable pair like this, I can focus on enjoying my hike rather than worrying about my gear.

Lastly, the traction of the Ultra 109 cannot be overstated. When I’m traversing slippery slopes or uneven ground, I feel confident knowing that these shoes have my back. The aggressive tread design grips the surface, providing stability and safety, which is crucial when I’m exploring challenging trails. Ultimately, the North Face Ultra 109 has become

My Buying Guide on North Face Ultra 109

When I first started looking for a reliable pair of trail running shoes, I stumbled upon the North Face Ultra 109. As an avid hiker and runner, I knew I needed something durable, comfortable, and capable of handling a variety of terrains. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and insights to help you decide if the Ultra 109 is the right choice for you.

Comfort and Fit

The first thing I noticed when I tried on the North Face Ultra 109 was the immediate comfort. The shoe features a cushioned midsole that provides excellent support for long runs. I have a slightly wider foot, and I appreciated that the Ultra 109 offered a roomy toe box without feeling too loose. I recommend trying them on with the socks you plan to use for your runs to ensure the best fit.

Traction and Grip

One of the standout features for me was the outsole design. The Ultra 109 has a rugged Vibram rubber sole that grips well on various surfaces, from rocky trails to muddy paths. I often run on uneven terrain, and I felt confident navigating through tough conditions. The lugs are deep enough to provide stability without being cumbersome, making it easier to switch between different types of trails.

Durability

After putting the Ultra 109 through its paces on countless runs, I can vouch for its durability. The upper material is made from a combination of synthetic mesh and overlays, which not only helps with breathability but also adds to the shoe’s longevity. I’ve had my pair for several months now, and they still look and perform like new, even after tackling challenging terrains.

Weight

I also appreciate that the North Face Ultra 109 strikes a balance between sturdiness and weight. At around 11 ounces per shoe, they are lightweight enough for longer distances but still provide the support I need for trail running. I’ve worn heavier shoes in the past, and I can definitely feel the difference in my energy levels during runs.

Price Point

When it comes to pricing, the Ultra 109 sits in the mid-range category. While they are not the cheapest option on the market, I believe the quality and performance justify the price. I always consider my footwear an investment, especially for activities that require a lot of movement and support, and the Ultra 109 has proven to be worth every penny.

: Is the Ultra 109 Right for You?

my experience with the North Face Ultra 109 has been overwhelmingly positive. If you’re looking for a trail running shoe that offers comfort, durability, and excellent traction, I highly recommend giving these a try. They have become my go-to for both short runs and long hikes, and I feel confident in their performance. Ultimately, the right shoe for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but I believe the Ultra 109 is a fantastic option for any outdoor enthusiast.

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.