The North Face Rucky Chucky GTX XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

This is a good shoe and I have no issue with its performance. However, anyone that might normally wear a half size shoe (size 12.5) could have issues getting a good fit. In most cases, for me, 12 is too small and 13 is too big. However, I bought a 13 because I thought a little more space would be the better option than getting a shoe that was too small. Not with this shoe, there is way too much room in the mid-foot and toe box for my foot. I tried different thicknesses in socks and adjustments with the laces but just couldn't get the fit I like to have in a trail-running shoe. I didn't give up without a fight I put a 100 miles in them...but now I wish I could trade them for a size 12.

Little disappointed with these shoes for a couple of reason:

1) I wear a size 12 in every other brand of shoe. When I first put these on the first time they felt great. After walking around in them for a while lately I realized they were too small. There seems to be plenty of room in the back and the width is just right, but my toes press against the front making walking long distances not uncomfortable.

2) I understand that Gore-Tex is both an insulator and water blocker, but these shoes make my feet HOT! Even in mild weather, under non-strenuous walking conditions, my feet are very sweaty when wearing them. This is when I am wearing all types of socks including regular cotton socks and sweat wicking athletic socks. My Merrell Gore-Tex hikers do not have this problem at all. These shoes were advertised as warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In my case this is only half-accurate.

On the plus side they look awesome. Very nice design, but when you are paying this kind of money for trail running or light hiking shoes you expect more.

I would not recommend these shoes to a friend. Probably will not try North Face shoes again.

Purchased these shoes for a Trail Marathon I completed on December 6, 2008. There were 20 degree temps, snowy trails, several creek crossings. My feet should have been soaked like the other runners but remained completely dry and warm. 26.2 miles and my feet were comfortable due to the great support. I run in the regular Rucky Chucky in good weather, but would recommend these shoes as a number 1 purchase for any serious trail runner or even for casual wear. Great shoes!

i picked these up for exercise and an alternative to my winter boots for days that aren't so snowy and cold. when i got them, i didn't have my winter boots with me...the first day I wore them, i went and shoveled snow...my feet were warm and dry the entire time. they are one of the most comfortable pair of trail shoes i've ever owned. i'm seriously considering the purchase of another pair...i can't imagine a sneaker getting any more comfortable.

This is a great all around shoe. It is lightweight yet holds together nicely and firmly when traversing rocky, root infested trails. Running through water/mud is no problem as they dry quickly, making them a great shoe for the warmer months of the year. I would say thicker socks are required for cold weather running, as their quick drying capabilities cause them to be less insulated than other shoes I've purchased. The tread is sufficient for everything I've put it against - standard sized knobs/cleats on the bottom make them comfortable on the flats AND proficient on mildly treacherous terrain. The toe box is wide (definitely a plus in my book!), so if you have a narrow foot you may want to use thick socks while running. Also, I felt these were not quite true to size - if wearing thick socks (sorry to be redundant about the socks) then you will most likely not notice this difference. Conversely, if wearing thin, road running socks you might find your foot slips a bit too much - a 1/2 size down should be considered for these individuals. This is the first pair of North Face shoes I've owned and could not be more pleased - definitely a good purchase an a solid deal on this site. Will look to buy again (or something similar) when mine wear down. Happy trails!

Already loved the regular Rucky Chucky shoe. The GTX was fantastic right out of the box. Did a walk/jog in 2-4" of fresh snow on a 10 degree day and my feet stayed dry and warm. The stability was great on the backroads and trails. Highly recommended!

I wanted a pair of gortex running shoes for hiking and mountain activities year round and I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I am really impressed with how well these shoes keep my foot stable and help to prevent my ankle from rolling.

Just got these a few weeks ago and ran once in dry conditions and today (1/1/09), the day after we got 10 inches of snow.

The shoes are a bit stiff and not too forgiving on asphalt & concrete. I would not recommend any hard surface runs longer than 5k in these shoes.

On slushy & snow packed surfaces, it's a whole different story. Traction and stability are great on snow, whether loose or packed, and the hard surface stiffness becomes an advantage in the snow and on soft dirt shoulders. While going can be tricky on icy spots, the sole grips well enough for one to maintain balance.

I also love the gore-tex material. No wet feet and no cold toes! Can't say enough how important that is on a 23-degree day.

The reason I wanted a trail shoe is for days like today and for running on local trails. Today's run convinced me that I made the right choice. I would recommend a trail shoe for anyone who lives up north and wants to be a year-round runner.

I got these shoes for work, in the flatlands, for constant rough loading and unloading. I had North Face shoes before, and was very happy with them. And, I am even more happy with these Rucky Chuckies, for they are stiff, sturdy and very stable not only for front-and-back footwork, but for side-to-side and diagonal lunging. My only issue with these is that the tongue is a little underdeveloped, because if I overtighten the laces, they cut in a little. Overall I am quite satisfied.