The North Face has always bonded ruggedness and luxury since the brand was born in the 1960s. Its outdoor apparel was pretty innovative when it first came out, using premium materials like synthetic down fills and waterproof-breathable fabrics. With the world moving to synergies all over the place, it is no wonder how we have literal fashion brands venturing outdoors.
Continuing its lineage of bonding luxury with outdoor ruggedness, The North Face has levelled up yet again, although refraining from going full-blown haute couture but also creating a new tier within its own lineup.
The Leather Pack Bootie Hybrid is somewhat of a departure for The North Face, taking one of their most utilitarian silhouettes and wrapping it in premium sheepskin leather. The leather itself comes from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, which means you’re getting material that’s been produced with better environmental practices and safer chemical processes.
That supple leather upper rides on top of some serious tech. There’s 700-fill-power down insulation throughout, keeping those toes and ankles toasty but also pretty low-profile. The DREAM nitrogen foam midsole is The North Face’s proprietary lightweight cushioning system, the same stuff they use across their performance line, paired here with an EVA stability chassis that gives you a solid platform underfoot. The whole setup provides a 32mm height stack at the heel with a 6mm offset.
The bootie features an adjustable cord closure with a lock system that you can dial in even with gloves on — one of those small touches that reveals the mountain DNA still coursing deep through this design. A pull tab at the heel makes it easy to slip on and off the bootie. And while the leather upper isn’t waterproof (keep in mind for British weather), the Vibram XS Trek outsole with 5mm traction lugs is more than equipped to handle slicker surfaces.
Part insulated camp bootie, part sleek urban shoe, the Leather Pack Bootie Hybrid is a bit refined for longer outdoor treks but far too capable to be dismissed as purely aesthetic. The North Face has been flirting with elevated design for years, such as collaborations with Gucci and Supreme, but the Leather Pack is done in-house.
The Leather Pack Bootie Hybrid is available now through The North Face’s website for RRP £245. With winter in mind, and the ease these booties will grip both urban and mountainous environments, it’s recommended to get your feet into these sooner rather than later due to anticipated popularity.
