The North Face Fastpack Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review
The North Face Fastpack Mid Waterproof ($190) strikes a compelling balance between lightweight comfort and real-deal support, standing out in a category where many boots sacrifice structure for weight savings. We tested it over roughly 40 miles on a road trip down Highway 101—from coastal trails in Oregon to wet, rooty forest paths and redwood groves in California—where it proved comfortable and impressively capable across varied terrain. It can run warm in mild conditions, and those carrying heavy loads or tackling rugged terrain will likely want more stability and protection, but for most hikers sticking to established trails, the Fastpack is a versatile, do-it-all option.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Terrain
Easy/moderate
Weight
1 lb. 14.4 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Synthetic
Pros
Cons
The North Face Fastpack Mid Waterproof
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Boots.
The North Face Fastpack Mid Waterproof offers above-average comfort, though it does require a short break-in period. The boot’s stiff platform is a bit surprising given its cushioned appearance—it's more forgiving than a traditional hiking boot, but not as plush as something like the Hoka Kaha—but that rigidity eases as you move up. The heel counter and collar are structured yet well-padded, while the upper is soft and pliable, allowing for natural movement. All told, the Fastpack isn’t a comfort standout right out of the box, but it settles into a well-balanced, comfortable ride over time.
I broke in The North Face's Fastpack Mid Waterproof on a road trip down Highway 101 from Washington to California, swapping out of cowboy boots around Florence, Oregon. From there, I wore them across a mix of coastal trails, town stops, and casual sightseeing. Early on, I noticed some midsole cramping that lingered through the first couple of days and roughly 20 miles of use. But by the time I was walking beneath the towering redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants, that sensation had fully disappeared, and the boots felt much more natural underfoot. After 40 miles across varied terrain, I had no blisters, no hotspots, and no real fit or comfort complaints. They never reached the walk-on-clouds feel of the Hoka Kaha, but they settle into a stable, structured, and comfortable middle ground that rewards you once broken in.
The Fastpack Mid Waterproof avoids one of the most common pitfalls of lightweight hiking boots: offering a mid-height design that delivers little to no real ankle support. Here, the padded collar is surprisingly structured, rising high enough for two lacing eyelets and dipping lower in the back to provide meaningful coverage without feeling bulky or restrictive. Paired with a stiff heel counter and an effective lacing system (including two metal locking hooks up top), the boot does a great job securing the ankle and heel while still allowing for natural movement.
Underfoot, the platform feels stable and slightly stiffer than most in this category, which adds confidence on uneven terrain. Compared to similar models, support lands clearly above the Hoka Kaha and roughly in line with the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, with a bit more structure through the midsole.
I put that support to the test across a range of terrain—from rooty forest trails in Washington to sand dunes in Oregon, wet coastal rock, and mellow redwood trails. The boots felt predictable throughout, never unstable or sloppy underfoot. On one descent at Poo Poo Point, I slipped and expected to feel it in my ankle, but only registered a quick twinge—an encouraging sign for a boot with a relatively soft upper. While I wouldn’t choose it for sustained technical scrambling, I’d trust it to handle the occasional unexpected scramble without hesitation.
The Fastpack Mid Waterproof features The North Face’s Surface Ctrl SC2 rubber and 5-millimeter, widely spaced lugs, delivering secure grip across a wide range of terrain. The rubber feels firm with a slight give—sticky without being overly soft or gummy—which helps maintain traction without feeling like it’s dragging or wearing down quickly. The lug pattern also sheds mud and sand effectively, keeping the outsole clear and consistent throughout use.
In testing, traction proved reliable across wet coastal rock, sandy dunes, rooty forest trails in the Redwoods, and loose dirt in Washington. I did slip once on a descent at Poo Poo Point, but recovered quickly—and in loose conditions like that, it’s hard to place full blame on the outsole. For most trail scenarios, grip felt predictable and confidence-inspiring.
Where the Fastpack’s traction starts to show limits is on more technical terrain. The thicker, slightly cushioned sole and only moderately sticky rubber don’t offer the same precision or ground feel you’d want for exposed scrambling or delicate foot placements. For that kind of terrain, something with stickier rubber or a firmer platform with a climbing zone (like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX or TX4 Evo approach shoe) is a better tool. But for established trails and mixed conditions, traction here is dependable and well-rounded.
Right out of the box, the Fastpack Mid Waterproof impressed me with its build quality. The boot’s materials and construction feel dialed, with clean finishing details: tight seams, minimal glue residue, and a cohesive overall design that suggests care in manufacturing. The ripstop nylon upper with generous TPU overlays feels almost bombproof, the coated foam midsole adds an extra layer of durability compared to softer, more exposed designs, and the sole feels stiff and built to last despite its ample cushioning. All told, it feels like a durable rendition of a trail-runner-inspired hiking boot and one that will last much longer than lighter alternatives.
After roughly 40 miles across varied terrain—including coastal rock, wet beaches, sand dunes, rooty forest trails, and city pavement—the boots are holding up well. The ripstop nylon upper shows no signs of tearing or meaningful abrasion, and the TPU overlays and reinforced zones still look essentially new. There are a few minor scuffs on the coated foam midsole and some light wrinkling in high-flex areas, but nothing that raises concern about long-term durability. While the synthetic build likely won’t match the lifespan of a burly leather boot under heavy use, the materials feel impressively robust so far. At $190, the Fastpack Mid Waterproof stands out as a strong value for a boot that should handle hundreds of miles.
The Fastpack Mid Waterproof offers slightly above-average protection for a lightweight hiking boot. I kicked plenty of roots and rocks across Redwoods forest trails and Oregon coast terrain and felt the impact, but never any pain. The brunt of those hits was absorbed by a thin rubber toe cap that wraps around the sides and offers more protection than it initially appears. Above that, the ripstop nylon upper with TPU overlays holds up well for typical trail use, though it’s not designed for the sustained abuse of rock scrambling or off-trail travel. And behind, the substantial heel and collar add a considerable amount of confidence and protection when moving downhill on loose terrain.
Underfoot, protection strikes a nice middle ground: You’re not completely isolated from the terrain, but there’s enough cushioning and structure to absorb sharp edges and uneven ground without discomfort. I came to appreciate this balance—enough to know what I was stepping on without it completely punishing me.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Responsible Leather
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Bluesign Approved
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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Annual Impact Report
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At 15.2 ounces per boot (1 lb. 14.4 oz. for the pair), the Fastpack Mid Waterproof lands firmly in the lightweight category for a mid-cut, waterproof hiking boot. You can go slightly lighter with models like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (1 lb. 12.2 oz.) or Keen Targhee Apex (1 lb. 10.4 oz.), but you’ll give up a noticeable amount of ankle support, stability, and overall protection. It sits right in line with options like the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX (1 lb. 15 oz.), one of the most popular lightweight boots out there, while offering a more structured feel underfoot. Compared to burlier boots that push toward 2.5 pounds—like the Hoka Kaha 3—the weight savings here is significant and immediately noticeable on trail.
In use, the Fastpack feels about as close to not wearing a boot as you can get while still benefiting from a mid-height design. I rarely noticed them on foot, which is impressive given the 31-millimeter heel stack and substantial outsole construction. At the end of long days hiking in the Redwoods, when we’d load up the car to drive between camps and trailheads, I never felt the need to take them off—something that speaks volumes about their approachable weight and all-day comfort.
Waterproofing & Breathability
The Fastpack Mid Waterproof uses The North Face’s DryVent membrane, which performs as expected for a waterproof boot. On my first stream crossing at Fern Canyon in Redwoods National Park, water beaded cleanly off both boots with no hesitation. Even during multiple deeper crossings when I intentionally stood in moving water to test the boots’ limits, my feet never got wet, only slightly cold from prolonged exposure.
I did notice some inconsistency between the two boots over time. By the second and third crossings, one boot’s ripstop upper began to darken and show water marks after drying, while the other continued to bead water effectively. It didn’t impact waterproof performance, but it’s worth noting—this could point to a DWR variation or minor manufacturing inconsistency, and it’s something I’ll keep an eye on with more miles.
As for breathability, it’s the usual tradeoff that comes with waterproof footwear. During warmer efforts, the boots ran a bit warm and slightly stuffy—not unbearable, but noticeable by the end of the day. Like most waterproof boots, they developed that familiar “end-of-day” smell that signals sweaty feet. None of this is out of the ordinary, and it didn’t change how I used them, but it’s the expected cost of keeping your feet dry. If you primarily hike in dry environments, I’d recommend opting for a non-waterproof hiking boot instead.
I typically wear a size 13 and opt for wide when available. Since the Fastpack Mid Waterproof doesn’t come in a wide version, I went with a standard 13, banking on The North Face's claim of a wider platform. Overall, the fit runs true to size, and the extra space was noticeable—the toe box felt roomy without being sloppy, which is a nice balance for a standard-width boot. The midfoot did feel slightly snug at first, though it’s hard to separate that from the midsole break-in period. Either way, it’s worth noting for wide-footed hikers, as the standard width may take a bit of adjustment.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX ($190): A Trail-Tested Alternative
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is practically synonymous with “lightweight hiking boot,” and a strong alternative if you like the Fastpack’s overall concept. It offers a similarly structured platform with excellent torsional rigidity and support, but with a firmer, closer-to-the-ground feel compared to the Fastpack’s more cushioned ride. The Fastpack counters with slightly better ankle support thanks to its taller collar (the Salomon only has one eyelet at the ankle), while both deliver reliable traction across mixed terrain. The X Ultra 5 also gets the edge in waterproofing and durability, with a more breathable Gore-Tex membrane and a tougher, more protective build, including a more substantial toe cap. All told, the Salomon is the better pick for hot (yet wet) climates, rugged use, and hikers who prefer a more precise, ground-connected feel, while the Fastpack leans more toward comfort and everyday trail versatility. For a deeper dive, read our review of the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX.
The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX ($220): Built Tougher
Within The North Face’s own lineup, the Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX is the burlier, more backcountry-ready option. It’s built with tougher materials like Cordura ripstop, features a rock guard for added underfoot protection, and uses a 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane for reliable waterproofing. Compared to the Fastpack, it’s noticeably more stable and protective on technical terrain, but also heavier (2 lb. 3.3 oz.) and less agile. In short, the Offtrail is the choice for rugged, off-trail use and heavier loads, while the Fastpack excels as a lightweight, comfort-driven hiking boot better suited for day hikes, moderate trails, and covering ground quickly. To learn more, read our TNF Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX review.
Pairing responsive midsole foam with a stable platform and a supportive, above-the-ankle collar, the Fastpack Mid strikes a compelling balance between lightweight comfort and real-deal support. It’s not as breathable as some Gore-Tex alternatives and can feel a bit out of its element on rugged, technical terrain.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
One of the best all-around boots we've tested, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX delivers impressive support, protection, and durability for its low weight. However, it's not stiff or protective as a true mountain boot, and the thick tongue can make ankle tension harder to dial in.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Built for technical terrain both on and off the trail, the Offtrail Hike LT Mid GTX offers impressive comfort, durability, and protection. It’s more supportive than most synthetic hiking boots, but its heavier weight and wide platform can make it feel bulky and less precise on rock.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Fastpack Mid WP for You?
The North Face's Fastpack Mid Waterproof is a great fit for hikers who want a lightweight, trail-runner-inspired boot that still provides considerable support and protection. It excels on established trails, day hikes, and moderate backpacking trips where its stable platform, reliable traction, and approachable weight make covering miles feel easy. That said, it’s not the best choice for highly technical terrain or heavy-load hauling, where more specialized boots offer better precision and protection. If you’re looking for a versatile, comfortable boot that leans toward speed and everyday usability, the Fastpack is a strong option.
Go for it if you want a lightweight, supportive hiking boot that blends trail-runner comfort with enough structure for long days on varied terrain.
Pass on it if you need a highly technical boot for scrambling or heavy loads, or if you prioritize maximum breathability and prefer to avoid the tradeoffs of waterproof footwear.
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