Reliable traction is a key feature in a good pair of hiking boots. The Offtrail LTs deliver. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Hiking boots: In my book, they’re both a blessing and a curse. They’re cumbersome and less comfortable than a pair of hiking shoes or trail runners, but they provide reliable ankle support and protection from the elements. And while I generally think of hiking boots as being uncomfortable, it’s certainly not the rule.
Through our women’s guide to the Best Hiking Boots, I’ve had the opportunity to test a handful of incredible boots. That being said, I’m always on the search for better ones. Earlier this year, I got my hands on (or, rather, feet in) The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid Hiking Boots ($220), and I quickly became a huge fan. They’re lightweight, require minimal break-in, and are supportive.
Bottom Line: The North Face Offtrail Hiking Boots are a lightweight and durable pair of hiking boots perfect for backpacking trips and technical hikes. TNF has come a long way with its foams, and is churning out reliable boots and shoes in the hiking space.
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The North Face Offtrail LT Hiking Boots . Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Testing Out TNF Offtrail LT Hiking Boots
I live on Oahu, Hawaii, and while the island is known for its water sports, it is also home to tons of incredible hikes. The state of Hawaii receives an average of 25 to 30 inches of rainfall each year, which is why it’s so lush and beautiful. That being said, the trails are frequently muddy and slippery, so a reliable pair of boots is paramount.
To put The North Face Offtrail LT Mid boots to the test, I went on a handful of hikes near my home. Most of the hikes were slippery, muddy, and had a fair amount of elevation gain, so I had plenty of opportunities to put the boots’ traction to the test. On one of the hikes I went on during my testing, it was actively dumping rain, so I really got the chance to see if the boots could hold their own in trying conditions.
Notable Features
Weight: 15.94 oz.
Uppers: Synthetic, TPU
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Waterproof Membrane
Lining: Textile
Midsole: EVA
Pros: Great traction, minimal break-in period, supportive
Cons: Not many color/size options, lacing system could use some work
Sizing & Fit
Making sure your boots fit properly is critical for a comfortable and supported hiking experience. In street shoes, I wear a women’s size 8, which is exactly what I ordered in the Offtrail LT boots. The size 8 fit exactly as expected, and after taking some time messing with the laces, I was able to find a secure fit. I have very narrow feet, so the Offtrails are a tad wide on me, but that’s something I’m very used to — if you also have narrow feet, you will likely have a similar experience. That being said, I still found the boots comfortable and supportive while hiking, and the width allows your toes to splay out a bit, which is nice over long distances.
These boots are supportive and stable. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Support & Stability
If your hiking boots don’t offer ankle support, then you might as well hike in hiking shoes. The Offtrail LT boots are a mid-height boot, so they come up high enough to support your ankles. Even though I was slipping and sliding on muddy terrain and rocks, my ankles felt incredibly secure. The Offtrail LTs also sport a high, padded tongue, which helps keep debris from entering your boot.
The Offtrail LTs feature a wide platform underfoot, which aids in stability. Additionally, the firm outsole paired with a cushioned EVA midsole delivers a stable feel, even when navigating tricky and technical terrain. Furthermore, the boots sport a structured heel cup that keeps your feet from sliding around.
The Offtrail LTs are comfortable out of the gate. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Comfort
My least favorite thing about hiking boots is how long they take to break in. I’ve had some pairs that take a solid month of hiking until they’re actually comfortable. And the break-in period is not a fun time. My absolute favorite thing about the Offtrail LTs is that they are comfortable out of the gate. TNF’s foams have gotten really good, and they’ve found a
Normally, I’ll wear a new pair of hiking boots on a few dog walks around the block to break them in before hitting the trails. I didn’t do this with the Offtrail LTS and worried I’d regret it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Like all hiking boots, the Offtrail LTs become more comfortable with time, but they are certainly comfortable enough to hit the trails straight away. I’d recommend wearing them on a few hikes before setting off into the backcountry, but The North Face crushed it in the comfort department with the Offtrail LTs.
5 mm lugs deliver reliable traction on a wide range of terrain. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Traction
As the name suggests, the Offtrail LT hiking boots are designed for adventures off the beaten path. The rubber outsoles sport 5 mm lugs, which provide reliable traction on sand, rocks, dirt, mud, and everything in between.
Hikes in Hawaii are so steep and slippery that many have ropes to assist you when ascending and descending. I hit a rope section while wearing the Offtrail LTs and initially gripped the rope for support, only to discover that I didn’t need it. I cautiously tested my footing and found that the Offtrail LTs are insanely grippy and reliable, even on slippery, muddy hills. Incredible.
Muddy and wet on the outside, dry and warm on the inside. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Waterproofing
In Hawaii, having a waterproof boot is essential with all the rain and mud. A waterproof boot is also a non-negotiable for me when backpacking, as the likelihood of encountering a stream crossing, muddy trail, or rain is high on a multi-day trip. Luckily, the Offtrail LT has a PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane that keeps the water out and your feet dry. Even though the Offtrails LTs are waterproof, they are still surprisingly breathable, which is something I greatly appreciate while hiking in warm weather. These strike me as a true year-round pair of boots.
Durability
The only true way to test the durability of a hiking boot is time, but all signs point to a long life for the Offtrail LT. The uppers are made from a Cordura ripstop nylon with extra reinforcements around the forefoot, midfoot, and heel. The boots also have nubuck leather reinforcements around the laces and at the heel, with TPU overlays at the forefoot. I’ve had the Offtrail LTs for a few months now, and so far they’re in tip-top shape (save for some mud).
These boots were made for hiking…for many years to come. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Drawbacks
While there is so much to love about the Offtrail LT boots, the lacing system could use some improvement. I’m not sure if it’s the placement of the metal eyelets or if the laces just need to be reconfigured, but I did have some difficulty finding my perfect fit. They sometimes feel too loose and other times too tight. It’s a small complaint, and as I mentioned, I have narrow feet, so that could be the culprit, but I’ve heard a few other complaints about the laces as well.
My only other real complaint about the Offtrail LTs is that they don’t come in more sizes and color options. They come in all the standard sizes, sure, but they don’t have a narrow or wide option. For someone like me who has narrow feet, or someone on the opposite end of the spectrum, the availability of different widths can be a game-changer.
The Competition
If you prefer a true leather boot, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is one of our top-pick boots for women. The boots provide generous cushion and protection, with just the right amount of flex. Featuring an upper made from full-grain leather, they take longer to break in than the Offtrail LTs, but once you do, they’re incredibly comfortable and durable.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hiking boot, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a great option. They are a touch heavier than the Offtrail, but they are also pretty comfortable on your first wear. It’s tough to find better value than the Moab 3, and they hold up in the performance department, too.
Lightweight, grippy, and durable, the Offtrail LTs are a great pair of hiking boots. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The North Face Offtrail LT Hiking Boots are an incredible pair of boots. Consciously constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, The North Face Offtrail LT Mid requires a minimal break-in period and are comfortable from the moment you hit the trails. A supportive fit coupled with insanely grippy outsoles ensures your feet stay firmly planted on the ground, regardless of the terrain. Whether you’re setting out on a thru hike or hitting a trail near home, the Offtrail LTs are a great pair of boots to reach for.
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