A lightweight, highly responsive trail runner engineered for athletes who demand speed, precision, and confidence across technical terrain
The North Face today unveils the all-new Offtrail Ultra, a next-generation mountain running shoe built around a category-first innovation: a dual-density DREAMBOUND™ superfoam midsole system engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, rebound, and responsiveness on technical trails. Created for the next generation of adventure runners, the Offtrail Ultra combines lightweight construction with highly responsive cushioning and a protective, mountain-ready design.
Built for mountain running, scrambling, steep descents, loose rock, and rugged alpine routes, the shoe delivers a streamlined approach to technical trail performance without unnecessary complexity. The Offtrail Ultra reflects the line’s “Athlete Tested, Expedition Proven” philosophy, pairing elite athlete insights with mountain-tested durability and performance.
“Adventure running continues to evolve, with athletes pushing deeper into technical terrain and demanding footwear that can move as fast and as confidently as they do,” says Brett Rivers, Senior Global Merchandiser of Performance Footwear at The North Face. “With the Offtrail Ultra, we worked in lock-step with our athletes to innovate a new dual-density midsole design made in one molding process, without needing adhesives to bond the materials together, to provide innovative cushioning built for the demands of mountain running. The result is a responsive and protective underfoot experience that is lighter and more agile in technical terrain.”
The Offtrail Ultra features a dual-density DREAMBOUND™ nitrogen superfoam midsole system engineered for high rebound and long-distance comfort, while the integrated SCREEGUARD stretch gaiter helps keep debris out during demanding mountain efforts. A reinforced mesh upper delivers lightweight durability and breathability, while the updated SURFACE CTRL G2 outsole incorporates high-traction lugs plus a scrambling zone at the toe for added confidence on rock surfaces, improving grip and control on steep and uneven terrain.
Key product features include:
- Highly responsive dual-density DREAMBOUND nitrogen superfoam midsole construction
- Lightweight, protective upper designed for technical mountain terrain
- Integrated SCREEGUARD stretch gaiter for debris protection
- Enhanced SURFACE CTRL G2 outsole for traction on scrambles and steep trails
- Performance-first fit built for fast-moving adventure runners
- Approximate Weight: Men’s ½ pair – 9.3 oz (264 g), Women’s ½ pair – 8.0 oz (227 g)
- Stack: 29mm heel stack height (midsole + outsole) with a 6 mm heel/toe offset
The North Face athletes have tested Offtrail prototypes on five continents, in all conditions. Kaytlyn Gerbin traversed New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Tara Fraga attempted an FKT on Ecuador’s Mt. Cotopaxi, and Stephanie Case conducted a polar training camp in Arctic Norway, to name a few.
“In a world of over-engineered footwear, the Offtrail Ultra stands out for its simplicity,” says Zach Miller, The North Face athlete and mountain ultrarunner. “No plates, no extreme rockers or towering stack heights– just a clean, functional design built for real mountain movement. Even its built-in gaiter is minimalist, offering a snug, sock-like fit that keeps debris out without the fuss of zippers or dials. That simplicity translates to versatility: it climbs, descends, scrambles, corners, and cruises with ease.”
The Offtrail Ultra joins The North Face’s Summit Trail Run collection, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to equipping athletes with innovative gear for exploration, endurance, and mountain performance.
Both the Summit Trail Run collection and the Offtrail Ultra shoe draw inspiration from the iconic 1990 Trans-Antarctica Expedition (TAE). During this historic seven-month, 3,741-mile crossing, The North Face outfitted a global team of six explorers who successfully raised awareness for the protection of the planet. This season’s collection blends that legacy of endurance with the needs of modern athletes through:
A Symbol of Unity: The inclusion of the International Flag of Planet Earth pays homage to the original expedition kit’s inclusion of each of the six explorers’ country flags, a reminder that global exploration knows no bounds.
High-Visibility Heritage: A color palette that honors the original TAE gear while ensuring today’s runners remain visible as they move fast across rugged terrain.
