Okay, so I'm a girl but i rolled the dice and ordered these in my men's size. I own a pair in women's and they are hands down the best hiking boots ever. Well TNF did me right again- these boots rock!!! They fit great, no need to break in and I can't wait to get them out on the mountain...

I previously wrote a review when I first received these boots that was critical of the fit around the ankles. After some wearing around the house, I decided to take advantage of Backcountry's incredible return policy and get a half size smaller boot. What a difference a half size makes! These boots are great! Good on the feet, and no annoying rubbing on the ankles with the right size.

It's taken me over two full years of almost constant wear to reveal the weakest link in this pair of Fortress Peak GTX's. They still fit like a glove and, despite partial tread delamination of the forward instep, remain completely waterproof.

Break-in is nonexistent. They work from Day One, with quality stockings; in my case, SmartWool. My motto: Never skimp on footwear.

FACT: These are the finest hiking boots I've yet had the pleasure to own. Job well done, "North Face!"

These are very excellent boots! I am in the military currently serving in Afghanistan. When I first received these boots through the mail( five days to Afghanistan, not bad!) I wore them around casually for a week. I then wore them on a mission that required us to ruck 80Km with over 100lbs of equipment attached to us in the mountains and desert. I had not one hot spot on my feet the entire time. These boots are by far the best boots I have ever worn!

Light, comfortable, although the first trip i took them on I got some pretty bad blisters on my heels. The padding on the inside of the heel is not that great but after that first trip i havent had anymore problems.
I would recommend ordering a half size smaller than your usual shoe size, or better yet order two pairs and keep the best fit.
Great all-around boot for the price.

Very good. A bit warm for the desert, but very comfortable. I broke them in by wearing them around for a couple weeks around the office but I didn't really need to. Maybe go half a size smaller than what you would usually wear.

These boots were pretty much great right out of the box. I made two long hikes with these right out of the box and the only discomfort I felt was above the ankles and around my Achilles which could have been easily avoided had I taken some time to break them in better. Other than that there was no discomfort in my feet at all, the felt great! I love the old school style and the feel is great.

These boots are the first shoe purchase I made online thanks to backcountry.com's stellar return policy. I bought the boots a half size larger to accomodate thicker backpacking socks. The boots feel a little big in the toe, but my foot fits well, so this is not a problem--especially as my feet expand noticiable as they get warm. These are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever purchased, as far as my feet are concerned. However, my ankles would put up a good argument that they might not be, as the ankle collar on the boot has a material that gips the sock and causes some uncomfortable (but not unbearable) rubbing after a few hours. I am hoping this goes away after some additional break-in time. Otherwise this is a great boot.

one rule of hiking is always protect your feet. these boots breathe well and do not let any water in. they have good ankle support and after a day of hiking you feet still feel good. I have not done any summer hiking in these boots but they might be a little warm.

These boots kept my feet very comfortable. I used them for camping, hiking, climbing and repelling. They felt great, my feet didn't hurt and they stayed dry. Great boot for great price!

Take this with a grain of salt folks, as I just received the boots, but right off the bat they are pinching the top of my ankles where the tongue meets my ankle bones. I am going to wear them and see if this goes away. Other than that, really well constructed, and a gorgeous design. Clean and simple.

These boots are nothing short of perfection. I live in Maine where the winter storms get pretty bad. The boots hold up to all of the harshest conditions. The style is sharp, the fit is great, and the gore-tex keeps the feet toasty and dry. I do have one complaint however, I'm pretty sure that TNF stopped making this boot because I could'nt find these boots in my size anywhere else. Why you would ever stop making such a perfect boot is beyond me!

I've put these boots to the absolute test! I've worn many many boots on many different occasions and these boots are the best I've used them for 5 or 6 week long treks with a pack upwards of 50 lbs and have never had a spot anywhere on my foot even on the first outing with no break in time what so ever! I've used them snow shoeing and just on a couple of day hikes crossing river beds and streams with out any leakage any where on the boot. I highly recommend these boots even if your looking to spend more money, these boots top them all.

I am absolutely delighted with the fit of these Boots,they are so light and comfortable. I was able to walk distance(offroad)straight away with no "Breaking in" period whatsoever. I can't wait to hit the heights of the Scottish mountain tracks with them. you provide a great and prompt service together with sound and up front advice, thank you very much, we will do business again.

I was hesitant to depart from my love of Salomon's gnarly GTX footwear, but I wanted a more protective trail shoe... plus I wanted the ability to stomp in bigger puddles.

Still 100% waterproof after 3 mos, still super comfy. Some peeps complained a/b stiffness at first- I say they are pansies- these babies felt sweet from the get-go. I even made an emergency 2-mi dash to a trailhead right after getting them and no blisters at all. Heavy enough that I wouldn't want to do that again though. Only SLIGHT downside.

Bottom line: Yes, please.

I've had these boots for almost 2 years and they have held up to everything I've thrown at them. I took them on a backpacking trip on the Ozark Highland Trail without even breaking them in first and they kept my feet very comfortable, dry, and gave ample ankle support. For the price, these boots are wonderful. I have the brown and they look great for casual wear too. I like to throw them on whenever the it rains or the weather gets a little chilly.

Solid construction, looks great, comfortable, good price - couldn't ask for more!

I got these boots and loved them until the pain just above my ankle so severe I had to return them but other than that great boot comfortable all day before the pain showed up.

From my first hike almost three years ago to my pending Mt Whitney hike this summer. These boots have performed quite well. Aside from a few little things as loose sand on slick rock. they do their job well.

Under-sized and very stiff. Would require a long break-in repleat with blisters, etc. I would have tried a 1/2 size up if it were available.

I haven't taken these out on actual romp yet, but they have logged many miles on the local trail around my house which are a mix of trail contions: dirt, large loose gravel, grass, and black top and these boots have performed well so far ... I'll write back after my first serious trek.

love this boot. just got back from mt katahdin in maine. 12 miles with alot of climbing/scrambling. wore these boots straight out of the box. no problems. great fit, old school look, excellent support. found them to be true to size(usually TNF runs small for me. worked well in the heat for a winter boot. i may get a second pair.

I've been wearing all-leather hiking boots since they were called "waffle stompers." There are some great boots out there but this North Face Fortress Peak is stealing their thunder. TNF has been able to combine Gore-Tex weather protection with the all-terrain traction of Vibram in a boot that doesn't break the bank! And they don't break your feet either; their leather uppers and gusseted tongue are pliable while being supportive making break-in time minimal—you don't have to wear them out before they’re comfortable!

I used these incredibly comfortable boots during a seven day canoe/backpacking excursion on Michigan’s' Isle Royale National Park in August 2006. Each "end-of-day", was not due to "barking dogs", but because we ran out of light. I did break them in for 3-4 months prior to the trip, but I felt they were "broken-in" almost immediately. We trekked with 75lb canoes over several portages (one 2.9 mile), and some 50+lb packs without a sore foot encountered. No blisters due to perspiration build-up or ill-fitted boots. I wore two pairs of socks, one cotton under a quality hiking sock, not once did I feel there was any moisture held in the cotton under sock; in addition, any moisture we encountered to the outer surface of the boot was repelled without difficulties. A very pleasant waterproof and breathable boot that always resulted in "End-of-day comfort".

This boot is the best boot ever. Its great for everything from construction to hiking. North Face needs to start making it again in the khaki color with the red laces fo sho.

I normally wear Columbia boots. Typicly the Titanium Diablo's, but right before my trip I had an eye blow out so I had to get some new boots pronto. I was dreading the thought of breaking in new boots 2 weeks before a trip. These boots required very little break in. More than some have suggested here, but it didn't take long. My trip to Mount Rogers turned into an unexpected spring snow storm slog, but not once did my feet get wet, or did I have major traction issues. Buy these NOW!

I bought this boots a month ago so I can't say much about the durability yet, but they appear to be a pretty solid boot. I have had a couple trial runs with them and so far I am very impressed. My first trial run was backpacking on the Oregon Coast. I trudged through calf deep mud and flash floods. The boots kept my feet nice a dry, and with a hose and a wash rag the clean up was easy. After that I took them to the Bitteroot-Selway Wilderness Area in the snow for some snowshoeing/ski-mountaineering. The waterproofness once again didn't let me down, and my feet stayed warm the whole trip. The stiffer Vibram sole makes them work well for snowshowing and alpine scrambling. I would recommend these boots to anyone who needs a good classic mountaineering leather boot for both the winter and the wet season. I have yet to find out if they overheat in the summertime.

I purchased the above boots three weeks prior to a helatious journey to the 'Dolly Sods' of West Virginia. With all the makings (rough terrain, rivers and streams) of an extreme hike I was concerned that I would not have enough time to break them in properly. Well I am pleased to tell you that these boots performed beautifully. After a 7.5 mile hike on one day and 5.5 miles the next I was suprised that my dogs weren't barking. I was also impressed with how warm these boots were able to keep me. With tempratures that ranged from 10 degrees to 50 degrees my feet were dry warm and comfortable the whole weekend. Bottom line is that whether you have only a short time to break them in or all the time in the world these are the boots that you need. PEACE AND LOVE

very good boots, they need some breaking in but after that - my favourite!

These The North Face boots are just what I needed, fit is great and so far in 3 weekend trips totally waterproof.

It's night and day between the cheaper boots I've used but makes for good comparison. I've had a chance to put close to 100 miles of backcountry and cross country hiking on 'em so far and they feel great. Only after a solid day of 12 to 13 miles over rocks and hills do my feet start to feel it, but I think that could be my body telling me to friggin' stop already! Doesn't matter. I'd buy 'em again.

I actually bought these boots not to hike with as much as every day walking and motorcycle riding-I have over the years developed a arch problem. I have tried numerous inserts-cheap and expensive and nothing worked-bought these boots on a gamble and am totally satisfied,could not ask for anything more comfortable,love them-they are as advertised and will definitely buy another pair....

Just used these boots an a 4 day 45 mile backpacking trip. It rained every day and we had to walk through 3-4 inches of water and my feet stayed dry. They run a little big, i normally wear an 11 and should have gotten a 10 or 10.5. Overall, good boots.

I bought these boots several months ago, and I love them! They have held up fantastically. I took them to the Wind Rivers in Wyoming during a small snow storm, and they kept my feet dry and warm. The Vibram soles are sturdy, and the Gore-Tex lining is guaranteed to keep you dry. Great hiking boot!

These boots are the most comfortable hiking boots I ever had, they are very lite. I also like the vintage look and the colors. They are out of the ordinary

The boots are great, thanks for caring. I will be buying more stuff soon.

I just recieved my boots and have been wearing them around to get them broken in and they feel great. I will be off to the mountains of afghanistan in the coming weeks and I have full confindence in these boots to keep my ankles strait and hold up against the harsh environment of the hindu kush mountains. thanks I will be a return shopper.

Very happy with them. The felt great right out of the box. They are suddenly the first pair of boots I reach for hiking, walking the dogs, or working in the yard.

Straight out of the box took 'em on a 50 miler (60lbs pack) through the the Windrivers, WY. Not a blister, hot spot or even a drop of water got in. Loved the boots, couldn't have asked for better performance. Lots of room in the toe box which I loved, size ran a tad large which worked out perfect after putting on a thick 'ole hiking sock. I highly recommend these boots.

Just returned from Peru and completing the 5 day Inca Trail. Boots performed remarkably well, no blisters, great support, light and still look like new (except for a few hard earned scratches)... I too highly recommend these boots.

The North Face Fortress GTX boots are the warmest hiking boots I have ever owned. I have only had them out on short winter hikes, and snowshoeing but they performed perfectly. I also love that The North Face has gone to a more classic design, and done away with all the extra leather and nylon which is making it's way onto many other hiking boots. These boots have everything you need and nothing you don't! One note, I had to size down a half size due to a larger than normal toe-box, so you might want to buy two sizes and see which one fits you best.

Love these boots. They feel like shoes. Right out of the box, ready to go. Felt a small eyelet pushing on top but only for first few miles. It softened with the durable leather. Great job North Face.

These boots are simply amazing. They feel great all day. They require almost no break in time. I wore them around town a couple of days and had no trouble with them at all. These are a great pair for anyone needing a great boot.

this is an awsome boot if you have normal feet. Much to narrow for my feet so three stars for a great boot -2 for not avalible in a wide!!

GREAT BOOTS!!!
Definitely break them in before any serious hiking. Very solid and form to the foot. Perfect in the Chicago snow storms that we have had here over the past 3 weeks.

I just got back from a seven day journey through the Bitterroots of Idaho. First trip in the new boots. The reviews were right, they definitely run a 1/2 size big. I normally wear size 11 but had to send them back and get the 10 1/2. They handled me and my 60 pound pack for 10 miles w/o a problem. I have only one complaint about the boot. You can't trust them on wet rocks. Great for hiking, bad for boulder hopping.

I recently received a pair of size 9 Fortress Peak boots. A gearhead from this site recommended I size them as I would my running shoes: I'm an 8.5 in regular shoes, but I buy my running shoes a half-size larger to accommodate for foot swelling. I took them outside for a three block walk down to the post office, and I experienced the same tongue pinching around the ankle that grizzlyadam did. I only experienced this discomfort on my left foot, which is slightly smaller than my right (a real inconvenience when I'm buying shoes, to be sure). I just dropped the boots off at the P.O. to exchange them for an 8.5, hoping that the same discomfort I felt will be mitigated by a smaller size. Hopefully my experience is the same as grizzlyadam. I'll weigh in on them when I get the new size.
I was impressed by the lightness of the shoe, and the security of the lacing system. I'm excited to get the correct fit and put them to work on some trails.

I wear size 18 shoes and deez people doesn't make dem dat size.