The North Face ditches carbon plates and massive stack height to bring high-altitude trail running back to basics
The Offtrail Ultra features a dual-density Dreambound midsole, 5mm lugs and an integrated gaiter
by Matt Kollat · T3
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The North Face has just launched the Offtrail Ultra, a lightweight trail running shoe designed for moving quickly across steep, rocky and technically demanding mountain terrain.
The shoes are built around the Dreambound midsole made with nitrogen-infused superfoam.
Unlike the full-length Dream foam used in the more cushioned Altamesa 500 V2, the Offtrail Ultra’s Dreambound midsole combines a soft, rebound-focused core with a firmer outer layer for greater stability and protection on technical ground.
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The brand says the two densities are formed together during a single moulding process, removing the need for adhesives between separate layers.
This is said to reduce unnecessary weight while preserving a responsive and protective feel underfoot.
Unlike many contemporary performance shoes, including Hoka's latest Tecton X 4, the Offtrail Ultra has no propulsion plate, exaggerated rocker or especially tall midsole.
It uses a 29mm heel stack with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, giving it a relatively streamlined profile.
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The men’s version has a claimed weight of 264g per shoe, while the women’s model weighs approximately 227g.
When the trail becomes a crux
Underfoot, an updated Surface Ctrl outsole features 5mm traction lugs for loose and rocky ground.
A dedicated scrambling zone beneath the toes is designed to improve grip and control when a route turns into steeper rock.
The reinforced mesh upper balances breathability with protection in areas exposed to abrasion.
An integrated Screeguard stretch gaiter wraps around the ankle to help prevent stones and other trail debris from entering the shoe.
The North Face says prototypes were tested by its top athletes on five continents, including Kaytlyn Gerbin, Tara Fraga and Stephanie Case.
Mountain ultrarunner Zach Miller said the absence of plates, extreme rockers and towering stack heights was central to the shoe’s appeal.
“That simplicity translates to versatility: it climbs, descends, scrambles, corners, and cruises with ease,” Miller said.
The Offtrail Ultra joins The North Face’s Summit Trail Run collection, whose colours and graphics draw inspiration from the 1990 Trans-Antarctica Expedition.
The men’s Offtrail Ultra is available at The North Face UK, The North Face US, The North Face EU and selected specialist retailers for £145 / $190 / €160 (~AU$262).