Carbon plates and towering midsoles increasingly define ultra-distance trail shoes. The North Face Offtrail Ultra heads in the other direction, using an unplated, relatively low-profile platform built for technical off-trail terrain.

Its Dreambound midsole combines two densities of nitrogen-infused superfoam in one molding operation. A firmer exterior and bottom layer provide durability and underfoot protection, while a softer core supplies rebound and cushioning.

Forming the two zones together eliminates the separate adhesive layer used in conventional laminated midsoles, contributing to a men’s weight of approximately 9.3 ounces per shoe. A 29 mm heel stack and 6 mm drop keep the geometry restrained by current ultra-distance standards.

Underfoot, a full-length Surface Ctrl rubber outsole incorporates Thinweb technology to reduce outsole weight. Its 5 mm multidirectional lugs target technical and rocky ground, while a dedicated scrambling zone at the toes—developed using athlete feedback—adds traction when running gives way to hands-and-feet movement.

The upper combines a seamless dual-wrap forefoot with a hydrophobic ripstop rear quarter. A bonded internal frame and TPU overlays reinforce high-wear areas, while an integrated ScreeGuard gaiter helps prevent trail debris from entering. The design extends the Offtrail family beyond its technical hiking footwear, while the broader Dreambound range positions the foam as The North Face’s lightest, most cushioned midsole technology.

The men’s Offtrail Ultra is available in White Ash/TNF Black and Papaya/Canal Blue. The women’s version comes in Papaya/Canal Blue and Deep Burgundy/Lali Guran. Both are available now for $190.