Just In - TNF Adversary Mid GTX

Just in for review on OUTDOORSmagic is a pair of The North Face's brand new Adversary Mid GTX lightweight trail-walking boots.


Based on the Adversary GTX hiking shoe, the Mid version, you won't be astonished to learn, is cut higher at the ankle to give both a little more psychological reassurance but also to cushion the ankle bones from rock strikes and keep small stones at bay.

The Adversary may look like a trail-running shoe and it borrows heavily from the technology used by TNF in their running range, but is essentially what the company calls a 'day hiker'. At just over 100 grammes for a pair of size 43s, they're not super lightweight, but we suspect a lot of that weight is in the sole unit.

Cunning technology lurking there including a Vibram rubber outsole, heel cradle technology and dual-density EVA cushioning. You also get an ESS shank for mid-foot stability and Snake Plate forefoot forefoot protection. Uppers are mesh and suede, there are protective toe and heel reinforcements and a Gore-Tex insert.


The Adversary may weigh more than a running shoe, but the idea is that it'll be more durable while still offering the pluses of running shoe technology. We'll try 'em out, see how they do and get back to you. First impressions are that they feel light, roomy and reasonably cushioned.

There's also a women's specific version, the Minx in both Mid and low versions, price is £100. More details at www.thenorthface.com