This is an update of my previous review; after a number of months, a serious defect has surfaced: the Kevlar laces eat through the lower fabric eyelets. I see this as a design flaw, not something that is unique to this pair. I advise not purchasing this product.

I purchased these Salomon's for several reasons: 1.) I have an old pair of more traditional hiking shoes from the same company; 2.) Backcountry is a vendor in whom I have absolute trust (returns accepted even in Y3K); 3.) The shoes are Gore-Tex; and 4.) I am OK with red (actually "rust"). Now, for the details:

The shoes are marketed as "trail running"; on that topic I cannot comment, having torn my quad tendon off of my right knee cap. On the other hand, I have never run on trails, preferring to fall on smooth, safe pavement. My hiking has been done on intermediate and easier paths, topping out on the "hard" designated areas at Acadia ( not the "ladder" variety; too much gravity for my taste). In other words, I am a recreational hiker. Accordingly, I look for a shoe that protects the sole of the foot and provides some stability, in an otherwise chaotic life. Given those demands, the Salomon's serve the purpose and are a bit of overkill.

Aspects you should consider: the shoes are, if anything, over engineered. The Kevlar "Quickfit" is more of a curiosity than an advantage. Kevlar may be good for bulletproof vests, but it does abrade; the wear is showing, as is some fraying of the shoe materials. In addition, if you like to snug the lower lacing, this is not the product for you. I have started utilizing a medium (as opposed to light) weight sock; that has helped with fit. However, adjustment is required every hour, or so.

I would guess that the shoe weighs somewhere between a true running shoe and a low cut hiking boot. Hence, it may serve the needs of a true "trail runner". Since I am not in that category, that is mere conjecture.

All in all, this is an interesting product that tries a bit too hard to be different. "Different" with a purpose is fine; in this case, a shoe with traditional lacing and light weight may be preferable.

One other criticism: the left shoe creaks when walking. My guess is that there are layers of material moving against one another. Quality control problems, perhaps?

In essence, I will probably not return the product; however, I would not purchase it again. My suggestion: try it for yourself. With Kevlar and a unique lacing system, it is a conversation piece.

This product is not worth $10.00, much less the price paid. Flimsy and without any inherent quality.

The item was shipped in soiled condition; very surprising.

After some less than stellar purchases from The North Face, this was a winner. It was purchased for my daughter, who is a muscular and trim size "6". The "small" fits quite well. It is light weight, but reasonably warm. She says it is stylish; who am I to argue?

I purchased this for my nephew; I was pleasantly surprised. It is of good quality and runs true to size.

I have found some North Face products, especially the more moderately priced ones, to be of disappointing quality. Not so, in this case.

I mean no offense to other reviewers, but I have no idea what product they are referring to.

I have become increasingly disappointed in the quality and value of The North Face products, particularly those costing less than $200.00. I use that price point because items at that level, or greater, seem to embody traditional North Face quality; below that, they are mediocre, poor or plain dismal. In the case of the fleece pullover, even at the sale price it simply costs too much. While not terrible, it is something that one would expect in Target or Walmart; for no more than $19.95. The North Face is not the only name brand whose quality had been compromised in the interest of profit. However, it is a shame to see it deteriorate. BTW: it continues to be a pleasure to deal with Backcountry; good service and an excellent return policy.

I have bought The North Face products, like many, over the years. Some are excellent, others very poor. This item falls into the latter category. It is flimsy and only of mediocre quality. I have seen jackets at half the price that were superior. My opinion is that The North Face makes so many items, that one has to be careful to select those that live up to the manufacturer's reputation. The only redeeming aspect is that this site is a completely reliable merchant.

I returned the jacket for one (1) reason: the cuffs were huge.

I fall between a large and extra-large and ordered the latter. While it was too big, my impresion was that even a "large" would have been unacceptable. The diameter of the cuffs was literally two (2) inches larger than they should be. Very strange.

It is, however, nice to deal with a reliable merchant like this.

The "fit and finish" were surprisingly poor. The item was returned; the only redeeming aspect was dealing with this site.

The sweater is made of a thin cotton weave; however, the most troublesome aspect is the elastic banding. Very poor. The item is being returned.