Review: The North Face Activist FUTURELIGHT™

The Activist FUTURELIGHT™ is a low-cut hiking shoe that offers the stability and support of a hiking boot, the lightweight comfort of a trail shoe, and a style that feels just as natural in the city as it does on the trails.

Key Information

Price (at time of writing): R2799
Weight: 393g per shoe / 786g per pair
Water resistant: Yes

Fit & Comfort

My first hike with the Activist was a 20km loop on Table Mountain that included soft, wet mud, steep rock, and mixed rocky and sandy trails. Straight out of the box, the shoes were comfortable, and I completed the hike with no signs of blisters.

The shoe has a medium volume, offering a comfortable fit for a wide range of feet. Even with my wide forefoot, I didn’t feel restricted.

It has no practical value, but I really like the red insoles!

There are additional lace holes at the top of the shoe — similar to those on running shoes — allowing for a more locked-in lacing configuration that helps secure the heel on steep terrain.

Support

Good arch support and a stiffer-than-usual midsole make for a confident hiking experience. The Activist does a great job protecting against sharp stones while absorbing impact on uneven terrain, resulting in less fatigue at the end of the day.

Stable and supportive — ideal for long days with a pack.

Even with a heavy backpack, the cushioning never felt insufficient. The slightly raised ankle collar also offers a reasonable level of protection against excessive ankle flexion.

Grip

The North Face has used a softer, stickier rubber compound on the Activist, providing excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. The tread pattern enhances traction during ascent and braking, although on off-camber, slippery terrain, I had to pay more attention to maintaining sideways traction.

The Activist’s tread delivers great forward traction and braking control.

Sticky rubber outsole provides confident grip in mixed conditions.

Breathability

As a water-resistant shoe, breathability isn’t quite on par with mesh uppers, but even on hot summer days my feet never felt uncomfortably warm. The FUTURELIGHT™ membrane does an excellent job keeping moisture out — perfect for early morning hikes through dew-soaked grass or muddy trails.

The FUTURELIGHT™ membrane keeps water out while maintaining breathability.

Construction

Stitching has been kept to a minimum, with most panels being “welded” together. This design contributes to the Activist’s smooth, sock-like feel and eliminates friction points for greater comfort.

After several months of regular use, the shoes have shown no signs of premature wear. They feel solid and durable, ready for many more kilometres.

Minimal seams and welded panels enhance durability and comfort.

Cons

Sideways traction could be improved, especially on slick off-camber surfaces, but otherwise the Activist performs exceptionally well across the board.

Conclusion

The North Face Activist FUTURELIGHT™ is a stylish, lightweight yet sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoe that delivers the support of a boot with the comfort and versatility of a trail shoe. Highly recommended for hikers seeking one shoe that can do it all.

This shoe was provided by The North Face South Africa for review purposes and is available through Cape Union Mart, both online and in-store.