The North Face’s New 2000s-Inspired Sneaker Is Getting Lots of Love on Social Media

The North Face is well established in the realm of outdoor-apparel-turned-everyday-staples and yet, after more than a half-century in business, the heritage company’s footwear has produced few full-on casual crossovers. 

There have been several beloved hiking boots and trail shoes, and the brand’s 2013 ThermoBall Mules were later embraced by on-trend labels like Skims and Supreme, but the number of iconic footwear models that have caught on beyond the outdoors are few and far between. Now, as the brand celebrates its 60th anniversary, it may have quietly stumbled on its first legitimate lifestyle hit in years.

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The North Face’s Clyffe Ultra shoe has managed to cut through the social media noise, even overshadowing releases from more traditional athletic footwear brands. With an unassuming design that leans into the VF Corporation owned-and-operated brand’s legacy, the Clyffe Ultra is fully capable of delivering in outdoor environments while maintaining casual appeal that’s winning over fans.

The Clyffe Ultra is the most rugged offering in the brand’s Clyffe franchise, which also includes the Clyffe Slip-On, Clyffe Suede and the standard Clyffe shoe. Using climbing shoe inspiration as its muse, the Clyffe Ultra infuses The North Face’s 2000s ultra-running design language with modernized tech. On the shoe’s upper, premium suede is paired with a wide spacer mesh that has retro-informed embroidery and reflective accents. Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber outsoles add durable traction that’s matched with scratch-rubber rands for further protection.

On social media, the Clyffe Ultra’s Desert Stone/TNF Blue colorway has been met with overwhelmingly positive responses, where commenters have praised the shoe’s versatility and potential for more styles. There’s also a more subdued TNF Black/TNF Red colorway available now and given the public reaction, there are surely even more looks on the way.

The North Face Clyffe Ultra is available now for $150 from thenorthface.com and select retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom and REI.