As stated by several others, the wire lacing/binding has "issues" in that it is not resilient enough to be tightened up and not break after more than a month or two of use.

I love these shoes/boots, but this is my second pair and even though they are covered by a good warranty, if the wire breaks out in the boonies and you can't make a temporary fix, you're up the creek, mate!

Overall/bottom line review: Excellent/outstanding foot bed and support/padding, compromised by a sub-par restraint system.

I owned two pairs of shoes with the Boa system and both of them broke within months of buying them. The first pair (a now discontinued trail model) broke the wire and fabric. I replaced them with a pair of Plasmas, but the wire snapped pretty quickly. Love the shoe and the fit, but the wiring needs to be more sturdy, along with the fabric that holds the wire.

These are my favorite shoes I have every owned. I have 2 pairs because I out grew the first pair. They are super versatile and comfortable. They are cool enough to wear on the hottest summer days, yet I have worn them snowshoeing with a pair of warm socks underneath. The GTX waterproofing works great and doesn't inhibit the breathability noticeably. I personally hate shoe laces so the Boa system was a great alternative. I had my first pair for almost 2 years and wore them almost everyday and the Boa system never failed. I also like them because they are a lot lighter then traditional hiking or backpacking boots but they are just as sturdy. Overall I love these boot and suggest them to above thinking about buying them.

I've owned these for a couple of years now. They fit perfectly and the BOA system has not failed. I do not use them for trail running, just to look good in snow and bad weather, not to mention the great traction. The wire system is great, and makes for easy on and off, especially when going to the gym. The wire has cut into the "tongue" area a little bit, but nothing to prevent me from purchasing another pair, if and when these wear out. They are warm and comfy. I give them 2 thumbs up.

first off these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I'm on my feet 14 hrs a day. Up and down ladders on roofs through the mud, ice, snow, sand, oil, kayaking, hiking whatever. the laces broke on another pair that i had. but i had no problem returning them and getting a brand new pair. this is the place to buy your backcountry gear hands down the best people to work with.

these shoes are awesome, and so far the BOA lace system has not failed. I wore these shoes all day today in 90+ degree heat and my feet stayed cool even while moving around all day. Not only are they well ventilated and waterproof, but they are the most comfortable shoes i've ever worn. We'll see how the BOA holds up to the test of time, but for now i would recommend these to anyone looking for a good all purpose hiking shoe.

This is the 3rd generation of these shoes that I have owned and I can not tell you enough how amazing they are. As long as I can continue to afford them I'm going to continue to buy them. Exceptional support, waterproof, warm, the lacing system is awesome and holds the foot incredibly well (though I have broken the boa before, but north face was quick to respond in shipping me lacing replacements). Traction is solid - especially on the rock and they're really durable. I hope they never stop making them!

This is the 3rd generation of these shoes that I have owned and I can not tell you enough how amazing they are. As long as I can continue to afford them I'm going to continue to buy them. Exceptional support, waterproof, warm, the lacing system is awesome and holds the foot incredibly well (though I have broken the boa before, but north face was quick to respond in shipping me lacing replacements). Traction is solid - especially on the rock and they're really durable. I hope they never stop making them!

I am an US Army infantry combat veteran from the most recent war and have worn boots for most of my life. I have owned different shoes, all with the conventional lacing system, and can tell this is by far the best pair I have ever owned. Not only do I enjoy the arch support more than the combat boots, which compressed my arch (bilateral pes planus), it is far more comfortable than anything I have ever worn on my feet. The only thing that comes close is my Vibram fivefingers watersocks. The lacing system is rugged enough and it should not break unless if you plan on squeezing your feet until they bleed. It is about time I pamper myself a little with these since I am so used to wearing boots until my feet blister and then walking through it until the skin becomes tough. I was looking for something that I could trail run, canyoneer, hike, and backpack in. For me this is a perfect all-around shoe that is lightweight and provides enough ankle-support for an experienced trekker. It saves me money as well for then I will not need to buy three different pairs of shoes and/or boots for separate applications.

I am an US Army infantry combat veteran from the most recent war and have worn boots for most of my life. I have owned different shoes, all with the conventional lacing system, and can tell this is by far the best pair I have ever owned. Not only do I enjoy the arch support more than the combat boots, which compressed my arch (bilateral pes planus), it is far more comfortable than anything I have ever worn on my feet. The only thing that comes close is my Vibram fivefingers watersocks but they cannot take the shock very well like these can when you jump off ledges that are 5+ feet. The lacing system is rugged enough and it should not break unless if you plan on squeezing your feet until they bleed. The goretex lining works well at repelling water and my foot gets enough air. I am glad it has the reinforced toecap (I'm sure you can agree) and the tread on the end of the heel is great for some awkward climbs for it is angled rather than flat. It is about time I pamper myself a little with these since I am so used to wearing non-breathable boots until my feet blister and then walking through it until the skin becomes tough. I was looking for something that I could trail run, canyoneer, hike, and backpack in. For me this is a perfect all-around shoe that is lightweight and provides enough ankle-support for an experienced trekker. It saves me money as well for then I will not need to buy three different pairs of shoes and/or boots for separate applications. I like this website as well for having such great products that are easily Q&A and reviewed.

I especially like the Vibram soles. Haven't worn out a bit.
Light weight I would think it's not a hiking boot. All the guy's at the gym heads pop up when I ratchet the shoes and say "What's that"!
I guess I'm just carefull with the ratchet and it hasn't broke...Yet....!
Reall cool in the summer months, I just rotate them out but I don't have too!
I guess this rachet thing will catch on as time goes by and them some cheap company will get a hold of the idea and spoil the quality.
The spring has sprung on me quite a bit in situations where I needed the shoe to hold together, but I just reach down and tighten again. This is a excellant concept....now they can only improve on it. I don't think the shoelace companies will like it, unless that's the place you take them when they break.
That BOA construction is strong.
Have not binded on me in key grooves.
I have severe arthritis in my feet from the service, all that ground pounding and these are such a delight to just slip into with relative ease.
Thumbs Up!!!

Now, let me preface this review by saying that TNF Plasma hiking shoes are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. However, the BOA system is not for me. Reason being, when you tighten the system down snug for a hike, the wire lacing that crosses the toes will pinch. The wires that wrap around by the ankles constricts movement and pinches as well. They are however, extremely comfortable and I would recommend them for anyone who stands alot or for kicking around town, but not on a serious backpacking trip.

These shoes are great love the lacing BOA system easy on and easy off can tighten with just a spin bought two pairs. I was afraid they would discontinue them, Never had a shoe I like more Here in Alaska its nice to have a shoe that can adapt to the chances in climate, and this shoe can. Great shoe looking to buy the winter model.

Ordered & rec these great looking boots after reading all the reviews. Opened the box put them on & thought oh yeah this is what I wanted. I cranked them down & walked aroung the house for a few minutes & got readyto take them off & the rachet system broke on one of them!! It is made of cheap plastic & its only as strong as it weakest link. In all the reviews I read not one thing about this problem. I did read about the Wire breaking but not the Rachet system itself. Its in 2 pieces now, I wish I could machine a small one made to last, because I love the fit of this boot. I wish they made it with laces instead. I have now ordered the Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR with laces. I hope it fits as well as this one did. Beware of this product!

These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. Then after 6 months of hard / daily use, one of the BOA laces broke. I did not want to send them to T.N.F. and be without them so I contacted BOA and they sent me out new laces. Unfortunately I was not able to get the new lace to re-thread in the shoe, so I ended up sending them to the T.N.F. A couple of weeks later, I had a brand new pair sitting on my door step, no questions asked. Even the best product is subject to failures but due to this is absolutely great customer support on behalf of both BOA and T.N.F. I would not hesitate to buy there products in the future. I'm so happy to be back in the best shoes ever!