The North Face Fire Road - Review
W’s Fire Road $90
M’s Fire Road $90
A common question I get about trail running shoes is, “Can I run on the road in these?” and my answer is usually, “You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it.” Not any more.
I recently received a pair of the New ’08 Fire Roads from the North Face and have been wearing them about a month now. It is definitely one of the cushiest trail shoes I have ever run in. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this trail shoe on the road. On the trail, it is almost too soft for my taste. However, I think many people who have complained over the years about trail shoes being, “Too Stiff” or “Not enough cushion” will find this shoe a dream come true.
Overall, I think The North Face has hit a home run with this trail shoe. Good fit, great looks, and most importantly, performs well.
Features
- Abrasion-resistant, synthetic leather with highly breathable open mesh
- Structured TPU welds for lightweight support
- Northotic™ ergonomically-designed footbed with Poron® forefoot and heel inserts
- Ultra lightweight, compression-molded EVA midsole
- X-2™ polymer rearfoot crash pad provides cushioning and reduces overpronation at heel-strike
- Semi-straight lasted, with a flat waist and midfoot medial post to provide an extremely stable and consistent footprint on uneven terrain.
- Innovative ESS forefoot Snake Plate™ gives ultimate protection from stone bruising without sacrificing flexibility
- UltrATAC™ outsole, incorporating firmer density lugs under the ball and waist, provides responsive ride through toe-off
Chad Baird, Footwear Product Manager
