North Face 109 GTX Trail-Running Shoes

The North Face combines style and function in its 109 GTX trail running shoe.

When it comes to hiking and trail running shoes, some companies prefer to make it blindingly obvious their products are designed for use outside of the city. If you like luminous colorways and gaudy designs, there are plenty of shoes for you to choose from, but if you have a more subtle taste, the 109 GTX may be for you.

The shoes are available in a choice of three colors, all of which are subdued enough to disguise their technical function. Full GoreTex uppers make the shoe waterproof, while UltraTAC soles provide good grip even on wet surfaces. Those who run on rocky trails will be grateful for the Snake Plate system which provides extra protection for the ball of the foot.

Customer reviews consistently give the shoes a high rating, with many praising the great level of comfort out of the box. Both the design values and the comfort mean the 109 GTX can double as a shoe for around town, cutting down on the number of pairs of shoes you need to pack on a long trip.

While the current trend tends toward lightweight trail running shoes, the 109 GTX offers enough support to double as a hiking shoe. As such, its combination of features make it a great option for backpacking trips which will take in a number of different environments and activities.