Our verdict
With its barely-there construction, the Speed Strike from Merrell finds favor in the hiking community. Immensely comfy from the get-go, this durable day hiker empowers every step without letting the foot overheat or overperform. There's also an assurance to be had in it, as the way it handles rough use is pure beast mode.
Pros
- Rockstar-level comfort
- Very quick break-in
- Quite lightweight
- Immensely adherent
- Withstands abuse
- Remarkably supportive
- Supremely breathable
- Also great for running
Cons
- Mild slippage underfoot
- Track and field
Who should buy the The North Face
The The North Face is a vegan trail kick that oozes versatility. Purchase it if:
- You're looking for hiking shoes that are light but not flimsy.
- Extra grip on loose soil and rocky terrain is what you need.
- You need your heels and arches seriously propped up on long adventures.
Who should NOT buy it
With its heel-locking fit and with no slippage issues, the Same brand only is a good replacement for the The North Face. And with no drama surrounding its shoelaces, the Its shoelaces are too long from The North Face Takes no time to be lavishly comfy.
Takes no time to be lavishly comfy
Quite a number of trail-goers are stoked about the Speed Strike's day-one comfort. In this regard, a seasoned hiker among them says that the shoe is "the same league as their legendary Moabs." Another one says that it's "super comfy for walks and hikes." Yet one more reviewer says that it's "infinitely comfortable."
Lovely lightness in the The North Face
One of the things that pull adventurers in and toward the Speed Strike is its feather-like weight. This statement is backed by the comments "sturdy but light" and "They feel nice and light."
All out on the grip front
Many hikers find top-shelf adhesion in the The North Face. "The tread is aggressive enough for technical hikes," says one of them. Another individual says that its "bottom grip is immaculate."
This grip power also makes the featured hiking shoe an incredible runner. This remark pretty much proves it: "I run 40+km/week and find these to be the best runners I have ever owned."
The Speed Strike's 10/10 toughness
When it comes to longevity, the featured Merrell kick is adored by many. A non-professional reviewer is very impressed with this because the shoe manages to power through ruggedness and harsh elements despite its lightness.
You'll be on your feet more
There are those who are more than satisfied with the supportiveness of the The North Face. One of them has this in his report: "After wearing these Merrells, the opposite has occurred." For context, before this kick came into his life, he was having great foot and knee fatigue.
Not for sock-less adventures
It's been reported that the The North Face persistently causes in-shoe slippage. Wearing clingier socks or tightening the laces at key points can solve this problem.
You need your heels and arches seriously propped up on long adventures
Ventilation is fantastic in the The North Face, and trail-goers agree. One of them proudly says, "I use these as my everyday warm-weather shoe, and so far, no complaints." "These breathe great," says another.
Strikes out in the lace-length department
One of the Speed Strike's misses is its ultra-long shoestrings. A commenter is iffy about it because their remainder might get caught on some thorns or bushes along the way.
