As I mentioned in the “comfort” section above, the flat and minimalist insole is a polarizing feature and the lack of sculpting around the heel and non-existent arch support were a letdown for me. With modern hiking shoes in 2019 looking more and more like beefed-up, bouncy trail runners, the differences were readily apparent.

Since its formation, The North Face has become one of the best known and most trusted brands in the world when it comes to outdoor and sporting clothing and equipment.But of all the shoes I’ve tested over the past few years—including other The North Face products like the well-loved Ultra 110—the Hedgehog Fastpack is among the least comfortable I’ve worn. Flat and cheap insole lacks the sculpted and comfortable fit that comes with competitors like the Merrell Moab 2, Oboz Sawtooth II, and Salomon X Ultra 3. The shoe was a little stiff out of the box, its sparse padding offered noticeably less cushioning than many modern designs, and the cheap-feeling insole was flat and provided essentially zero arch support (this can of course be a positive for those with flat feet). Move faster in these all-terrain hiking shoes, with grippy Vibram® outsoles that ensure you never lose your footing. We’d love to see a non-waterproof version become available for those that live in dry areas or put a premium on breathability.

That said, the light upper material has a lot of give and is pretty flexible overall, so my feet didn’t stay in place through off-camber terrain (the flat insole also played a role in this). But considering this shoe is intended for fast-paced hiking (hence the “Fastpack” name), the weight isn’t all that impressive. On the plus side, the Hedgehog was pretty sturdy underfoot, felt reasonably light, and the lacing system—with actual metal grommets—tightened evenly.For you, this means more springy support for as long as the hike lasts; less time spent worried about the terrain at your feet and more taking in the beauty of nature around you.

CRADLE™ Made for hiking, Cradle™ Guide technology utilises a dual density midsole to guide your gait cycle and support, stabilise and cushion your foot. I also don’t love the inclusion of metal grommets on the lacing system as those are prone to popping out as the miles add up, but I haven’t had any problems with mine.To be clear, comfort and fit often go hand-in-hand and the Hedgehog Fastpack has been around long enough to have its legions of fans.