The North Face M Syncline GTX, W Syncline GTX

Verdict

Talk about mixed conditions: Over the course of 14 hours and 6,500 feet of vertical gain on Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, I dealt with crumbling volcanic rock that shifted underfoot, loose gravel, slushy snow, glaciated hardpack, and mist so thick it settled like rain. This high-cut, Gore-tex-lined boot barreled through it all without giving me so much as a hot spot or a drip of internal condensation. The nylon mesh upper with nubuck reinforcements is light but tough, and offered ample ankle support for up to 30-pound loads on the uneven terrain. The Vibram tread gripped securely on slush, mud, and hardpack. Ideal for medium- to narrow-width feet.thenorthface.com

Best For

Hikers looking for a waterproof boot with comfort for dayhikes and support for weekends

Tester Data

> Anthony Cerretani

> Duration May to July

> Locales/conditions CO, Iceland; rain, snow, ice; rocky, muddy trail

> “The high, gusseted tongue kept water, stones, pebbles, and debris from sneaking in, even when I was scrambling down steep scree slopes.”
Lightweight, breathable, durable day hiking boot designed to cover technical terrain in the backcountry. UPPER/ 1.6-1.8 mm BLC
compliant waterproof nubuck upper / Abrasion-resistant and breathable textile mesh / Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort Range waterproof
breathable membrane / Gusseted tongue provides protection from unwanted debris / Northotic™ ergonomically designed footbed
BOTTOM/ Heal Cradle™ technology encompassing a dual-density, lightweight EVA midsole with an injection-molded EVA X-2™ heel insert
/ Full-length, nylon-perforated shank for optimal support and stabilty as well as push-through protection / Midfoot nylon shank for
Demitasse Brown/Slickrock Red* additional underfoot stability / Exclusive Vibram® rubber outsole provides excellent traction over varied terrain