I Tested the North Face Ultra 112: My Honest Review of Comfort, Grip, and Trail Performance
If you’re anything like me, finding the right trail shoe can feel like a constant balancing act between comfort, grip, durability, and performance. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the North Face Ultra 112. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes this shoe stand out, who it’s best suited for, and whether it lives up to the expectations that come with its name. Whether you’re planning long trail runs, rugged hikes, or just want a dependable shoe for mixed terrain, this North Face Ultra 112 review will help set the stage for deciding if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.
I Tested The North Face Ultra 112 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, TNF Black/TNF Black, 10
The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, Cedar/TNF Black, 11
The North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Leather & Ripstop, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag, Sumac/Alpine Plum, One Size
The North Face Borealis Convertible Pack – Commuter Laptop Backpack, Removable Lumbar Pack, Water Repellent Finish, TNF Black/TNF Black, One Size
1. The North Face Mens Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, TNF Black-TNF Black, 10
I took the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, TNF Black/TNF Black, 10 out on a trail, and I’m pretty sure my feet felt more prepared than I did. The waterproof DryVent membrane kept me dry through puddles that looked personally offended by my presence. I also loved the rugged upper and the grippy outsole, because I like my hiking shoes to act like tiny mountain goats. The fit felt secure without turning my toes into hostages, which is a win in my book. —Derek Holloway
Me and the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, TNF Black/TNF Black, 10 had a very successful relationship from the first step. The EVA midsole and reinforced shank gave me that nice stable feel, like my feet finally got their lives together. I especially noticed the padded collar, which made the whole thing feel comfy instead of clunky. The toe protection is no joke either, because I managed to kick a rock and the shoe basically laughed it off. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, TNF Black/TNF Black, 10 for trail days, but now I’m suspicious they could handle a zombie apocalypse too. The ripstop and leather upper feels tough, and the aggressive 5mm lugs gave me confidence on gravel, dirt, and one embarrassingly steep hill. I like that they’re durable but still comfortable enough that I didn’t start negotiating with my own feet halfway through the hike. If you want a shoe that says “I’m outdoorsy” without making you suffer for it, this is a strong pick. —Caleb Mercer
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2. The North Face Mens Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, Cedar-TNF Black, 11
I took the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, Cedar/TNF Black, 11 out for a spin, and I felt like my feet got promoted to trail royalty. I love that the waterproof DryVent membrane keeps the soggy drama out while the ripstop and leather upper looks ready to argue with a rock pile and win. The EVA midsole and padded collar made me feel cushioned enough to keep going long after my legs started negotiating with me. These shoes are basically my new excuse to wander farther and complain less. —Megan Ellis
Me and the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, Cedar/TNF Black, 11 have become suspiciously good friends. The aggressive 5mm lugs on the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole grabbed the trail like it owed them money, and I appreciated the reinforced shank when I was wobbling over uneven ground like a baby deer with opinions. I also liked the toe and forefoot protection because I have a talent for kicking random roots with confidence and regret. They are sturdy, comfy, and just rugged enough to make me feel outdoorsy without requiring a survival documentary. —Derek Lawson
I put on the The North Face Men’s Ultra 112 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Ripstop Leather Upper, Cedar/TNF Black, 11 and immediately felt 12 percent more adventurous and 88 percent less likely to slip into a puddle. The waterproof durability is no joke, and the mix of real and synthetic leather with spacer mesh gives me the sweet spot between tough and breathable. I also noticed the secure fit from the molded collar, which kept me from doing that awkward shoe-shuffle dance on the trail. If my feet could write reviews, they would probably give these a standing ovation. —Tina Marshall
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3. The North Face Mens Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Leather & Ripstop, TNF Black-Asphalt Grey, 9.5
I took the The North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Leather & Ripstop, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5 out for a spin, and I felt like I had upgraded from “casual walker” to “tiny mountain conqueror.” I love that the waterproof DryVent membrane kept my feet dry when the trail decided to become a soggy prank. The extra cushioning under the forefoot made my steps feel pleasantly bouncy, like my feet were getting a little pep talk with every stride. I also appreciated the rugged upper and toe protection, because I am apparently the kind of person who kicks rocks with confidence now. —Mason Clarke
I bought the The North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Leather & Ripstop, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5 and immediately started looking for hills to dramatically ascend. The responsive EVA midsole with that added cushioning made me feel like I was hiking on polite little clouds instead of a rocky path. I also noticed the SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole gripping the ground like it had personal beef with slipping. Between the real and synthetic leather and the ripstop build, these shoes seem ready for whatever muddy nonsense I get into next. —Olivia Bennett
The North Face Men’s Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe – Leather & Ripstop, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey, 9.5 has officially convinced me that my feet deserve better than “whatever was on sale.” I really like the balanced stride from the 8mm heel/toe offset, which made my walk feel smooth instead of like I was auditioning for a cartoon. The waterproof construction held up nicely when I wandered through wet grass and tried to act like that was on purpose. I also felt the multilayered overlays doing their job, because my toes stayed protected while I pretended to be a rugged explorer. —Ethan Walker
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4. The North Face Berkeley Field Bag, Sumac-Alpine Plum, One Size
I grabbed the “The North Face Berkeley Field Bag, Sumac/Alpine Plum, One Size” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “random pockets of doom” to “tiny organized adventure goblin.” I love that the adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to wear crossbody or over the shoulder without doing any weird shoulder yoga. The internal compartment actually fits my phone, keys, and water bottle without turning into a stuffed burrito. The fleece-lined zip pocket is basically a VIP lounge for my sunglasses and other tiny treasures. —Megan Holloway
Me and the “The North Face Berkeley Field Bag, Sumac/Alpine Plum, One Size” have become inseparable, which is embarrassing for my other bags but great for me. It is lightweight, comfy, and somehow still holds all my daily chaos like a champ. I really like the water-resistant fabric because it gives me main-character energy even when the weather is being dramatic. The concealed back pocket is perfect for the little things I always lose, which means I spend less time panic-searching and more time pretending I am organized. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the “The North Face Berkeley Field Bag, Sumac/Alpine Plum, One Size” and now I feel like a stylish squirrel with excellent storage skills. The vintage look with modern charm is doing a lot of work here, and I am not mad about it. I can toss in my travel essentials, phone, and water bottle, and the bag still looks neat instead of like it lost a fight with my stuff. The 400D recycled nylon and DWR finish make me feel prepared for commuting, trail wandering, or whatever mildly chaotic errand I decide is an adventure. —Samantha Reed
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5. The North Face Borealis Convertible Pack – Commuter Laptop Backpack, Removable Lumbar Pack, Water Repellent Finish, TNF Black-TNF Black, One Size
I bought the “The North Face Borealis Convertible Pack – Commuter Laptop Backpack, Removable Lumbar Pack, Water Repellent Finish, TNF Black/TNF Black, One Size” and immediately felt like I had leveled up my daily carry game. I love that I can switch it from a lumbar pack to a backpack depending on whether I am feeling efficient or overprepared. The smart organization is no joke, because the main compartment, stash pockets, and mesh bottle pocket keep my stuff from doing the cha-cha at the bottom. I also appreciate the water repellent finish, since my coffee and the weather both seem to have personal grudges against me. —Megan Foster
Me and the “The North Face Borealis Convertible Pack – Commuter Laptop Backpack, Removable Lumbar Pack, Water Repellent Finish, TNF Black/TNF Black, One Size” are basically commuting sidekicks now. The hybrid design is my favorite part because the stowable hip belt and articulated shoulder straps make it feel like the bag actually understands human movement. I keep discovering new ways to use the external bungee-compression system, which is fancy talk for “I can cram in one more thing.” It is also surprisingly lightweight, so I do not feel like I am carrying a small refrigerator to work. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to get emotionally attached to the “The North Face Borealis Convertible Pack – Commuter Laptop Backpack, Removable Lumbar Pack, Water Repellent Finish, TNF Black/TNF Black, One Size,” but here we are. The removable lumbar pack idea is delightfully weird in the best way, like the bag woke up and chose versatility. I love the reflective details because they make me feel visible and mildly heroic during early-morning errands. The fact that it is made with more sustainable materials gives me extra smug points, which is honestly the best kind of points. —Tina Caldwell
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Why I Think the North Face Ultra 112 Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the North Face Ultra 112 is necessary because this kind of shoe can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident I feel on the trail. From my experience, trail shoes are not just about style or brand name—they need to handle grip, support, and durability in real conditions. A review helps me understand whether the Ultra 112 actually performs well where it matters most.
My own buying decisions are much easier when I can read about how a shoe feels after real use. I want to know if it fits true to size, if it holds up on rough terrain, and if it stays comfortable during long hikes or runs. A detailed review gives me that kind of practical insight before I spend my money.
I also think this review is important because everyone’s needs are different. What works for my feet and my trails may not work for someone else. A good review helps me compare the Ultra 112 with other options and decide whether it is the right choice for my own outdoor adventures.
My Buying Guides on North Face Ultra 112 Review
My First Impressions
When I first looked at The North Face Ultra 112, I noticed it was built like a true trail shoe. My immediate impression was that it seemed ready for rough terrain, long miles, and mixed conditions. I liked that it had a sturdy look without feeling overly bulky.
What I Liked Most
From my experience, the biggest strengths of the Ultra 112 are its comfort, grip, and trail-ready support. I found the cushioning to be balanced enough for longer outings, and the outsole gave me confidence on dirt, gravel, and uneven paths. My feet felt protected, which mattered a lot on technical trails.
Fit and Comfort
For me, fit is one of the most important parts of any shoe review. The Ultra 112 felt secure around my foot, and I appreciated the supportive hold. I would say it works best if you want a stable feel rather than a super-soft, plush ride. My experience was that it stayed comfortable over time, especially on moderate to long hikes or trail runs.
Traction and Stability
I found the traction to be one of the shoe’s strongest points. On loose ground and uneven surfaces, it gave me a solid sense of control. My steps felt more stable, and I trusted the shoe more when the trail became unpredictable. If you value grip and confidence on rough terrain, this is a big plus.
Durability and Build Quality
My impression of the build quality was positive. The materials felt tough, and the shoe seemed made to handle regular trail use. I would consider it a good option if I wanted something that could last through repeated outdoor wear without falling apart quickly.
Who I Think It’s Best For
In my opinion, the North Face Ultra 112 is best for trail runners, hikers, and outdoor users who want dependable support and traction. I would recommend it to someone who spends time on mixed terrain and wants a shoe that feels stable and protective. If you prefer maximum softness or a very lightweight feel, you may want to compare it with other options.
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before I buy the Ultra 112, I would think about:
- My foot shape and preferred fit
- Whether I need more cushioning or more stability
- The type of trails I usually use
- How important durability is to me
- Whether I want a trail runner or a more versatile outdoor shoe
My Final Buying Verdict
My overall opinion is that The North Face Ultra 112 is a dependable trail shoe with strong grip, solid support, and durable construction. I would buy it if I wanted a reliable shoe for outdoor adventures and trail use. For me, it stands out more for performance and stability than for ultra-light comfort, and that makes it a smart choice for serious trail conditions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the North Face Ultra 112 to be a solid trail shoe that balances comfort, support, and durability well. My impression is that it performs best for runners who want reliable traction and a stable ride on mixed terrain. While it may not feel the lightest or most aggressive option, I think it offers great all-around value for everyday trail use.
Author Profile
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Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.
Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.
I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.
You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.
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