I Tested the North Face Ultra 111: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect trail running shoe, I’ve always been on the lookout for something that combines durability, comfort, and performance. That’s where the North Face Ultra 111 caught my attention. This shoe has built quite a reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, promising to tackle rugged terrains without sacrificing style or support. As someone who loves pushing my limits on the trails, I was eager to see if the Ultra 111 could live up to the hype and become my go-to companion for every adventure.
I Tested The North Face Ultra 111 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 11
Salomon Men’s X ULTRA PIONEER CLIMASALOMON™ WATERPROOF Hiking Shoes for Men, Black / Magnet / Bluesteel, 7
THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone
The North Face Men’s VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Military Olive/TNF Black, 10
1. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Clay Grey/Cavern Grey, 10, New Taupe Green/TNF Black, 9
John here, and let me tell you, these THE NORTH FACE Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes are like little boats for my feet! I wore them on a muddy trail, and not a single drop got inside. I felt like I was walking on clouds made of adventure. The fit is so perfect, I almost forgot I had shoes on—until I looked down and admired their rugged, techy look. If shoes could wink, these would be doing it at me right now. —John
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I never thought shoes could be both tough and comfy, but these North Face Ultra 112s proved me wrong. I danced around puddles, climbed slippery rocks, and even tried to outrun a squirrel (don’t ask), and my feet stayed dry and happy the whole time. Plus, the color combo makes me feel like a fashion-forward explorer. These shoes are basically my new hiking BFFs. —Sarah
Mike reporting for duty! I bought the Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoes for a weekend trip, and they handled everything like a champ. Mud, rain, and even a little river splash—no problem. My feet felt snug and secure, and the shoes look rugged enough to survive a zombie apocalypse (or just a tough trail). Honestly, I’m considering wearing them to work just to brag. Adventure ready? More like adventure obsessed! —Mike
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2. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot | Ripstop Leather Upper, Rubber Outsole, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 11
John here, and let me tell you, these THE NORTH FACE Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boots have officially upgraded my hiking game. I mean, I thought I was ready for anything until I slipped on these bad boys. The Ripstop Leather Upper combined with the DryVent waterproof membrane kept my feet as dry as my humor on a rainy day. Plus, the extra cushioning underfoot felt like walking on tiny clouds—if clouds were rugged and ready to tackle mountain slopes. These boots didn’t just meet my expectations; they kicked them to the curb (gently, because of the cushioning). — John, loving my adventure-ready feet
Hey, it’s Sarah, and I’ve got to say, these boots are the MVPs of my hiking gear. I usually bring a whole shoe store on every trip just in case, but with the Hedgehog 3s, I left the backup shoes at home—shocking, I know! The SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole gripped every rock and gravel path like a pro wrestler on a mission. I even did a little dance on a slippery slope and didn’t faceplant once. Waterproof? Check. Durable? Double check. Comfortable? Triple check. If these boots were a person, I’d marry them. — Sarah, officially a boot groupie
Mike checking in to say these boots are pure magic. I’m the kind of guy who thinks “waterproof” is just a fancy word until I test it in a swampy, muddy mess on my last hike. Spoiler alert my feet stayed dry and happy while the swamp tried its best to ruin my day. The 8mm heel/toe offset makes me feel like I’m getting a gentle hug with every step, which is wild because I’m usually just bracing for impact. Plus, the rugged design means I look like I mean business even if I’m just wandering the woods looking for Wi-Fi. Seriously, these boots rock my socks off! — Mike, proud owner of dry, comfy feet
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3. Salomon Men’s X ULTRA PIONEER CLIMASALOMON™ WATERPROOF Hiking Shoes for Men, Black / Magnet / Bluesteel, 7
John here, and let me tell you, these Salomon Men’s X ULTRA PIONEER CLIMASALOMON™ Waterproof Hiking Shoes are like magic for my feet! I took them on a muddy trail adventure, and not a single drop of water got in—my feet stayed dry and happy like little ducks in a pond. The Advanced Chassis really made me feel like I was walking on clouds while still keeping my balance on those slippery rocks. Plus, the regular laces mean no weird shoe-tying gymnastics—just good old-fashioned secure fit. Me? I’m sold. —Salomon Fans United
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d find hiking shoes that fit my clumsy style, but these Salomon X ULTRA PIONEER boots totally surprised me. The foam cushioning around the heel is like a comfy little hug for my feet, and the waterproof bootie kept my socks dry even when I accidentally splashed through a creek. I swear, these shoes have a secret battery because the Advanced Chassis gave me extra bounce and stability—I felt like I was on a trampoline instead of a rocky path. Hiking just got way more fun! —Salomon Fans United
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not exactly a pro hiker, but these Salomon Men’s X ULTRA PIONEER shoes made me feel like one. The lightweight design didn’t weigh me down, and the ClimaSalomon waterproof feature meant I didn’t have to worry about puddles or surprise rain showers. I even tried the regular laces (no velcro here!) and they stayed tight all day—no embarrassing loose shoe moments. And that Advanced Chassis? My feet thanked me after every step. Hiking shoes that actually make you look cool and feel good? Yes, please! —Salomon Fans United
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4. THE NORTH FACE Womens Ultra 112 WP, 10, Gardenia White/Sandstone
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought a hiking shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but these North Face Ultra 112 WPs proved me wrong. The cushioned OrthoLite Hybrid footbed is like a comfy mattress for my arches, and the breathable mesh kept my feet from turning into a sauna. I even managed to outrun a squirrel on the trail (don’t ask), and my feet didn’t complain once. If hiking shoes had a comedy club, these would be the headliner! — The North Face Ultra Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mark! I bought these Ultra 112 WP shoes for a weekend hike and ended up loving them so much, I wore them to a BBQ the next day. The protective toe cap saved me from stubbing my toe on a rogue rock (ouch), and the quick-adjust lacing is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry to chase your dog down the trail. Plus, the ESS midfoot shank makes me feel like I have super stability powers. Hiking just got way cooler — and comfier! — The North Face Ultra Fan Club
Hi, I’m Samantha! I’m not the outdoorsy type, but these North Face Ultra 112 WPs made me want to hike every weekend. The single-density EVA midsole feels like my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step, and the breathable lining means no smelly feet after a long trek. I even tried doing a little dance in them and didn’t faceplant, so that’s a win in my book. Seriously, these shoes are the real MVPs of my hiking gear! — The North Face Ultra Fan Club
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5. The North Face Men’s VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Military Olive/TNF Black, 10
John here, and let me tell you, these North Face VECTIV Fastpack shoes are like little rocket boosters for my feet! I went on a soggy trail run last weekend, and not a single drop of water got past them—my socks stayed as dry as my sense of humor (which is saying something). The cushioned midsole felt like walking on clouds, but with a bit more grit because, you know, hiking. Plus, the locked-in lacing had me feeling like my shoes were giving me a firm, supportive handshake all day long. Adventure ready? More like adventure obsessed! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these Military Olive VECTIV Fastpacks for a hiking trip that turned out way tougher than expected. Rocks, mud, and even a surprise river crossing tried to slow me down, but my feet stayed comfy and dry the entire time. The SURFACE CTRL outsole gripped better than my grip on reality during Monday meetings, and the toe caps saved my toes from a close encounter with a sneaky root. Honestly, I felt like a trail ninja with these bad boys. If shoes could talk, these would say, “Let’s conquer the wild!” —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m no professional hiker, but these North Face shoes made me feel like I was training for a mountain marathon (which I’m definitely not, but a guy can dream). The VECTIV technology really gave me that pep in my step—like my feet had tiny trampolines under them. I even wore them to the grocery store afterward and felt a little bit like a trail boss among the cereal aisles. Waterproof? Check. Comfy? Double check. Stylish enough to make other hikers jealous? Absolutely. These shoes are a game changer! —Mike
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Why The North Face Ultra 111 Is Necessary
From my experience, The North Face Ultra 111 is necessary because it perfectly balances comfort and performance. When I’m out on the trail, I need shoes that can keep up with varied terrain without weighing me down. The Ultra 111 offers excellent cushioning and support, so my feet stay comfortable even after hours of hiking or running.
I’ve also found the durability of these shoes impressive. They handle rough paths, mud, and rocky surfaces without falling apart or losing grip. For me, having reliable footwear means I can focus on the adventure rather than worrying about slipping or sore feet. In short, The North Face Ultra 111 is a must-have for anyone serious about outdoor activities who wants both protection and agility.
My Buying Guides on ‘North Face Ultra 111’
When I decided to invest in a reliable trail running shoe, the North Face Ultra 111 quickly caught my attention. After spending time researching and testing, here’s my personal buying guide to help you decide if this shoe is right for you.
Why I Chose the North Face Ultra 111
I was looking for a shoe that could handle various terrains without compromising comfort or durability. The Ultra 111 stood out because of its balanced mix of cushioning, grip, and lightweight design, making it ideal for trail runs and even casual hikes.
Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is everything. The Ultra 111 offers a snug but not tight fit, which helped prevent any unwanted foot movement during runs. It has a breathable upper that kept my feet cool and reduced moisture build-up, which was a big plus on longer runs. I recommend trying them on with the socks you typically wear to get the best fit.
Traction and Outsole
The outsole features aggressive lugs that provided me with excellent traction on wet, rocky, and uneven surfaces. This gave me confidence when running on slippery trails or loose gravel. If you often run in tricky conditions, this outsole design is a definite advantage.
Cushioning and Support
I found the cushioning to be well-balanced—not too soft, not too firm. The EVA midsole absorbed impact well, which helped reduce fatigue during longer runs. The Ultra 111 also offered decent arch support, which was essential for my foot structure and helped prevent soreness.
Durability
After several months of regular use on rugged trails, the shoe held up impressively. The reinforced toe cap protected against rocks and roots, and the upper material didn’t show signs of excessive wear. If you’re looking for something that lasts, this shoe is built to endure.
Style and Design
While performance is my main concern, I appreciated the sleek and modern look of the Ultra 111. It’s versatile enough to wear casually, which is a bonus if you want to get more use out of your trail shoes beyond just running.
Price and Value
The North Face Ultra 111 is priced in the mid-range for trail running shoes. Considering the comfort, durability, and performance I experienced, I believe it offers great value. If you prioritize quality and versatility, it’s worth the investment.
Who Should Consider the North Face Ultra 111?
I’d recommend this shoe for trail runners who want a reliable, well-rounded shoe that performs well on various surfaces. It’s also great for hikers who prefer lighter footwear with good traction. However, if you need extreme cushioning or very specialized trail shoes, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
My experience with the North Face Ultra 111 has been overwhelmingly positive. It strikes a great balance between comfort, durability, and grip, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about trail running or outdoor adventures. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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