Our verdict
Touted for its top-notch comfort, quality build, and lightness – the North Face Activist Futurelight is perfect for anyone looking for a durable hiking shoe for light trekking, day hiking, fast hiking, or everyday wear. Despite its rugged features, this shoe remains stylish and suitable for urban walks. While it may not be the best for wet and slippery trails, the Activist Futurelight does a wonderful job in dry conditions.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Add a product
- Stylish design
- Classic mountain shoe
- Very supportive
- Breathable shoe
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Insufficient grip on wet surfaces
Who should buy the Works well on rocky and uneven terrain
- Get the North Face Activist Futurelight if you want a hiking shoe that is durable, waterproof and can handle the trails.
- Day hikers who look for comfortable and durable shoe for light trekking, day hiking, fast hiking, or everyday wear.
It also has the propriety EXTS outsole traction system that performs well on a variety of terrain
This hiking shoe from The North Face is built using cutting-edge construction techniques that create a durable and waterproof trail-ready shoe with a sneaker-like comfort.
It's equipped with the Futurelight waterproof membrane - the brand's most advanced breathable waterproof technology which is comprised of lightweight nano-fabric material with added air permeability that ensures protection and comfort.
Activist Futurelight offers a glove-like fit
Our 1st pick in.
This hiking shoe has a low-top profile that allows complete freedom of movement. Its mesh upper is soft and stretchy, promoting a glove-like fit.
Easy on and off
The nose of the shoe points slightly upwards to allow the foot's natural motion. Furthermore, this shoe uses a traditional lacing system that provides a secure and personalized fit. There's also a pull loop at the back that grants easy on and off.
The Activist Futurelight uses the Exploration Traction System (EXTS) outsole - an exclusive sole technology by The North Face.
Insufficient grip on wet surfaces
It is composed of two types of rubber compounds that gives enhanced grip and traction. The entire area features horizontal grooves that work well on rocky and uneven terrain.
This shoe uses an EVA midsole made of a single density which means the texture and softness all throughout the midsole are the same.
Sneaker-like comfort
EVA has many admirable qualities that make it ideal for performance footwear. They include durability, flexibility, rebound, and lightness.
For a sneaker-like comfort, the Activist Futurelight comes with an OrthoLite Hybrid footbed.
Lightweight support and breathable
Works well on rocky and uneven terrain has an upper-made performance mesh with no-sew TPU overlays for lightweight support. Besides being highly breathable, mesh fabric is also very resistant to abrasion.
Lining the shoe interior is a lightweight waterproof membrane made of an ultra-thin, nimble garment that is breathable at the same time. This shoe also has a rubber toe cap that protects the foot from kicks against the stones.
Works well on rocky and uneven terrain offers a locked-in feel
Completing the upper is a lace-up closure system that gives a locked-in feel and a gusseted tongue that keeps the debris out.
This hiking shoe also comes in a mid-top version. It fits the bill for those who need extra support and protection.
