The North Face Ultra 103 XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

This shoe fits, supports and protects my feet. I was a little concerned with how stiff they were out of the box but after a couple of break-in runs the kick arse on the boulder/rubble switch backs. They grip where others can not, my friend was slipping on small DG pebbles where I could stride thru without a spinning a wheel. SEAYA

Great shoes, durable, and waterproof to the extreme. Definetly a good buy for any rough winter climate area. Great traction with no slippage even on the slickest of ice.

Waterproof and great cushioning. HOWEVER, that is the full extent of anything positive I can say about this shoe. Durability is another thing (and equally, if not more, important). Unfortunately, within 3 weeks of standard use (running/disc golf/day hiking), the soles are falling off BOTH shoes and the rubber toe guard is coming UNGLUED on the right shoe. At this rate, I can only imagine what another month might do... Initially, I was impressed at keeping dry running through shallow puddles, HOWEVER, having worn them for ONLY 3 weeks now, I can honestly say that North Face should be ashamed for putting this poorly constructed product on the market. 'Good-looking but un-functional' has no place in the outdoors (but, this seems the new standard for North Face). From other users reviews, my experience with the 103 GTX XCR is becoming a common trend with their shoes... buyer beware. Maybe NF will go back to producing durable and functional products some day, but reputations are hard to rebuild so it's likely a long uphill climb (in my opinion). Lucky for me, backcountry has a great return policy so, after return, I will purchase either the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX or the Vasque Velocity VST GTX XCR. From my research, these seem much more durable/functional (I will update this review if not).

This is a correction to my previous review. The XCR 103's didn't last long for me. They started to squeak really badly, fitment was always an issue even at the store... took me 3 pairs before I found a pair that fit right. And then the rubber pieces on the bottom of the shoes started ripping off. North Face warranteed them, and sent me the XCR 104's. GET THE 104's !!!!!!! They are WAY better!

I originally bought these about a year ago, North Face's previous model (same name, slightly different design). I had a hard time getting a comfy fit at the store, the heel was tight on most of the right sneakers... Until I found a pair that I was happy with. I had those for about 5 months, one of them started to squeak really bad and the edges of the bottoms were falling apart. North Face warranteed them (YEAH!!!) and sent me these, so far they are a huge improvement. I use them for work, hiking, random stuff and they are holding up great. They do run a little large, I got 11's and they are a little loose, as I normally take a 10.5. But I'm still happy with them.

I have had these shoe for 3 years now and I still wear them, mostly a winter gym shoe the xcr does keep the water out. The problem I had was that the sole started to delaminate (come unglued) around the ball of my foot on the sides of the shoe, it caused it to catch on carpet and would not be glued back into place even with gorillia glue. The shoes durability is not in question they are 3 years old, but the sole has been having problems for at least 2 years, hence they have been relagated from the field into the city/ town as regular sneakers.

I just used my XCR 103s for elk hunting in the Washington Cascade Mountains after my Danner boots shredded my heels. No joke: a three-mile round trip across uneven terrain; up and down 800 vertical feet of scree and switchback; soaked 'em in a creek on the way up in 25 degree weather . . . they performed with amazing efficiency. I never got to test them with meat on my back, though!

These were the most uncomfortable shoes for the first 2 days. However, they're amazing after the first few days. Very comfortable for everyday use. I haven't taken them on the trail yet, but the traction looks like it could be better.

if this is the shoe that fits your foot, then you can't go wrong. I only wish the ultra 102 ws still available. I miss the secondary "gaitor" lacing system. this allowed for custom adjustment of the fit for those of us with different size feet. the combination of sensitivity and durability is hard to beat. hard to find a better performing shoe.

Bought these for evryday use and gym wear. A bit stiff at first, which didn't come as a surprise. I love the quality, design, and graphics. Only had them for a couple days, but they are already starting to break in nicely. The only concern I had was the area just below the bottom of my ankle bone rubbing against the side-wall of the shoe. It does seem to be breaking in though, so I don't think it'll be an issue. I'm not a hiker, but if I were, I'm sure these would work out great.

Love these shoes. They do a great job of controlling mild/moderate pronation. I've worn them on four ultra trail marathons (including two Wasatch 100's) and have been please. Just disappointed the dropped the XCR-free version. If you are running in these size UP. I wear a 11.5 street and wear a 12 (and 13 for 75 mi +)(if they made a 12.5 I'd be in heaven).

Great pair of shoes. I went with a 12 because I had a pair of North Face shoes before that ran a little narrow. These seem to be a little too big, but work great with comfortable socks. Great grip and great for trail running/light hiking.

While they did a good job at keeping my foot dry initially, they basically fell apart after three months of daily (mon-fri.) use. The soles de-laminated and holes developed in the places where the shoe creases. Honestly, I thought I was getting a shoe made for serious use in the outdoors, instead I bought an attractive shoe that performed for a couple of weeks then fell apart. North Face should be ashamed of themselves, they used to pride themselves on making truly reliable outdoor gear. This shoe is worthless for what they advertise. You might as well buy any other sneaker, im sure they will perform as well and will probably cost less.

These shoes are more of a looker than a performer. The waterproofing worked well until tears developed in the crease areas. It only took four months of daily trail use. In addition, part of the tread started to come off in the first month before I ever even wore them on trails. They are definitely not "hardcore trail runners." If you are in the market for a pair of shoes that look good, and temporarily keep your feet dry, then these are the shoes for you.

These are great shoes... can be used for hiking, snoeshowing, or just about any sport. In addition, they are great to wear around town (especially in rain/snow)...the waterproofing works well! These shoes are definitely on the heavy end of a running shoe... I would probably go lighter unless you are traversing sloppy terrain. I think of them as more of a lightweight hiking shoe and a great one at that.

I've had about 6 pairs and I use them for everything!

Freakin' great shoe...yes it is a hiking shoe but I do everything in them...basketball and softball. They hold up great...extremely tuff shoe!

I bought these shoes because of all of great reviews they got and they lived up to every expectation i had.I have been using them for a light hiking shoe and they are extremely comfortable. I went to Ireland and tore them up a bit on long hikes that were nothing but sharp limestone but the preformed very well. They also kept my feet exceptionally dry even after romping through several creeks. Also I haven't had any of the problems with size, fit, or the sole coming peeling off

What can I say, i have bought now four of these shoes and love them. What I like about them is I have some ankle problems due to my hemophilia and need a real stiff shoe in the fore foot and lots of cushion in the heel and very firm arch support. These XCR do all that. I walk a lot and have done a lot of hiking whith these shoes in Isreal to Austrilia and never had a shoe that felt as good on my ankle as these. If you want a great and durable trail runner or walker, these are them. Get two pairs though because the newer model does not feel near this good.

I've only taken them on one trail run/bush whack as there's still alot of snow on the ground, but they held up well and no complaints

These shoes rock!!! I have a mate who talked these shoes up so much i brought a pair for work. It took a couple of days to wear in a after constant use, after that these shoes only got better and more comfortable. Have been running, hiking and every day use very comfortable!!! I thought lets try out that lovely stuff called GORE-TEX. Was washing the car with a high pressure hose and tried it on the shoes WOW dry toes and clean shoes!!! I definatley recomend these shoes to anybody for any activity although they are slippery on a wet smooth concrete but i definatley rate these as a sweet comfortable shoe. ENJOY!!!

Great shoes...after you break them in. I also wouldn't recommend them for running on any kind of hard surface (pavement, cement, etc.), these shoes are much too stiff for those surfaces. However, if you're using them for trail running, hiking, and walking...they're AMAZING. I went snowshoeing all winter with these bad boys and right now I'm blazing the trails with them too. Bottom line, use them for what they're meant for and you won't regret the purchase.

I wore these shoes every day for 6 months while working as a guide in Torres del Paine Natl Park in Chile's Patagonia region...unless tramping around in deep snow, these shoes were perfect -- for jogging, walking, hiking, around camp, whatever, these shoes are freggin versatile for the active traveler...now on to my second pair!

I used these shoes on a two day 25 mile hike with a 40+ lb. pack and paid the price. Im flat footed, but have used other shoes that worked 100% better (i broke the shoe in before hand). There is no real traction to the shoe. The shoe is pretty heavy and not very pliable. We hiked The Big Thicket outside of Conroe, TX and it rained non-stop, and the gore-tex worked perfect. Feet stayed pretty dry. The shoe is also very durable and tough. Short hike, Yes. Running or long hike, No.

These shoes are very comfortable. However, the are true to size. I normally wear a 12 in most shoes, but these are a little long. The traction is and stability are great. Very good shoe.

I love these shoes! I am a ramp worker for an airline in Southeren AZ, and if you have been here when it rains you can feel for what I am about to say. It pours here and with the gaiter on these shoes no water gets in. My feet are dry during the monsoon rains. The shoes are stiff at first but mine broke-in in about four days. I only have two complaints, the tread wears a little too fast and the glue that holds the hard toe on by the reflector came off a little. Other then that best shoe and work purchase I have made.

Tougher than a son-of-a-buck. For those that don't plan to use them for trail running, you are missing out. The North Face Ultra 103 XCR is to trail running what the Nike Tailwind is to road running. The lab rats at TNF got it right with this shoe system. The optional gaiter attachment is to die for. Add gaiters, lace up, hit the trail, and never have to remove a rock from your shoes again. I would highly recommend. Best trail runner on the market. Hot Dog!

It seems that that TNF has changed their fit and sizing. These shoes are boats compared to what I've become accustomed to from TNF. The size - size 8 - fits like an old style 8.5 or 9. I already did one exchange for a half size smaller - down from my usual size of 8.5. The shoes are heavy and very stiff - something that didn't come across in the description. That being said, these seem well made (though cosmetically different from the product pics), etc.

I read reviews from internet which said either great shoes or sometimes the glue peels apart; I bought and were great, then after a few months the glue did start to peel on one shoe. I loved them and they were great on concrete where I work so I exchanged them for new pair. customer service was excellent, hope this pair doesn't peel as I would rather have the shoes than a refund!

I read reviews from internet which said either great shoes or sometimes the glue peels apart; I bought and were great, then after a few months the glue did start to peel on one shoe. I loved them and they were great on concrete where I work so I exchanged them for new pair. customer service was excellent, hope this pair doesn't peel as I would rather have the shoes than a refund!

I ordered a size 10.5, which I normally wear for my other sneakers, but they felt oversized. I returned and got a pair in 10 which fit much better. I don't do any trail running as I live in NYC. I basically wanted a pair of nice looking waterproof sneakers to wear around town, especially when it rains. I have worn them in rain and my feet did not get wet at all. NOTES: Not much cushioning in shoe, especially in the heel. I've only worn the shoes for a week but the sole is rather stiff and inflexible - maybe over time it will soften up. I do like the styling of the shoe (lux blue/goldenrod color).

Ok I am not a trail runner but I wear them to workout in and in my everyday work and travel too. I have to say that they are great shoes. My only rub is that the reflective material on the toe and piping on the sides is a bit annoying. I get why its there but I really don't need the extra reflection just to run through airports! I tried to black it out but it rubs off and the shine is back. Not a deal killer, just a bit of a negative.

Like the way they feel for cruising around.....and really like the way they look. Though I'm not sure if running the trails on 'em would be the best for me. The "Montrail Hurrincane" from '02~'05 were the best for me on trails.

These shoes are extra comfortable and they fit TRUE TO SIZE. No need to upsize. They feel like you are putting on a pair of mini boots, but don't get confused, they are sneakers. They have a rugged feel and you know you are putting on a quality shoe each time you lace them up.

I was looking for a new pair of shoes to handle both my everyday life and trail running. I heard good things about this shoe decided to go for it. The shipping speed was not the best, but the shoe more than made up for it. The shoe fits well and is very comfortable. The only thing that bothered me was that from the moment I took the shoes out of the bag, they had a slight smell of what I thought to be dog food. This went away after a thorough washing though. Overall, great shoe. I would recommend these to any of my friends.

These look FANTASTIC. Could not be happier with them on that front, as trail shoes often look pretty geeky. Keeps feet dry, and when I got water inside the top the moisture left quickly. Very bad grip on concrete or asphalt -- if you're an urban outdoorsman, pick something else.

I bought these for cold weather walks and hikes. They keep my feet warm and dry, but they breath well. I highly recommend these shoes.

I wore these through hundreds of miles in the Swiss alps, through snow, streams, mud, rocks... just about all terrain, and it has barely shown signs of wear. I absolutely love the gore-tex lining... I can forge streams without getting wet while the other people have to go the long (and boring) way around. It fits true to size, and is about the most comfortable shoe. I didn't even need to break these in.

This shoe is worth the money. It provides great support and comfort, especially during rainy weather. The shoes are also comfortable enough to wear around town or other casual settings. I definitely recommend these shoes.