I bought this versatile running shoes one week after I arrived in the United States last 12 July 2008 from The North Face Store in Beverly Hills, California. I was attracted to this running shoes because it offers a dual purpose of being a running shoes for paved roads and at the same time for the trail roads. It could not be denied that I was exposed to the products of The North Face because of Dean Karnazes, my idol in ultramarathon running and # 1 “athlete-endorser” for The North Face.

The momemt I used this shoes during my first practice run at Malibu Creek State Park’s Bulldog Trail, I felt this is the most appropriate trail shoes which is very easy to wear and use. Aside from being lighter than the other The North Face Trail Shoes, this shoes has the BOA Lacing System. All you need to do is to pull or push the BOA tightening system or screw at the back of the heel support of the shoes. Push the Screw and turn it clockwise to tighten the shoes and there is no problem of dangling shoe laces on the shoes. Just Pull the Screw in order to loosen the shoestring. The shoestring is advertised as the most durable shoestring as it is made of the most durable material and it would last a lifetime. However, if there is any chance that this “high-tech” wire/string will snap in the future, there is an available replacement from The North Face On Line Store worth $ 10+ a pair. But the bigger problem is that I really don’t know how to replace the strings. I guess, I have to send back my old & worn-out Arnuva 50 to The North Face Factory for such repair!

Using a Coolmax Trail Socks with this kind of shoes is a good combination for a paved as well as for a trail run. I admit I had a black nail on my right big toe as a result of my 2008 Bulldog 50K Ultra Trail Run last August because I did not tighten the BOA strings so well that my feet had to slide on the steepest downhill parts of the trail as I increased my pace on my downhill runs. This was my first lesson with this kind of trail shoes—tighten the screws for the shoestrings so that the shoes should be snugged well to the feet.

During my last trail run at Mt Batulao and Tagaytay’s TNF 100 route last month, the Arnuva 50 BOA was very responsive on muddy roads and slippery rocks along the way. I did not experience any fall or slide or any problem with my continuous running. Aside from using it on trails and muddy conditions, I used it on paved roads and even the oval track for the past weeks and it performs like an ordinary running shoes.

Since July, I used this shoes to run the Bulldog Trail loop (25K) for four times which is equivalent to 100 kms; ran to Mt Wilson Trail-loop twice; ran Griffith Park Trails once; ran a “runabout” in Los Angeles once; long runs at Echo Park and Silverlake Water Reservoir; trail runs in Tagaytay/Mt Batulao; and my “runabouts”/oval track runs in Metro Manila. In my estimate, I was able to log in almost 400 kilometers with the shoes.

The shoe weighs 12.5 oz (355 grams) for half-pair or 710 grams for one pair. This shoes is lighter than the ASICS-Gel Kinsei 2.

In the US, it costs $ 135.00 (inclusive of 8.25% sales tax in California) which is equivalent to P 6,480.00 (P 48=$1 conversion) but the shoes is being sold in The North Face Stores in Metro Manila for P 8,400.00. This is the most expensive running shoes in the market right now.

The following is the description of the shoes as taken from www.thenorthface.com:

In the endurance-running community, the Arnuva running shoe series has quickly set the standard for long-distance running shoes. It’s no coincidence that it’s a popular choice with The North Face Endurance Team and fueled Dean Karnazes as he ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days back in 2006. The Arnuva 50 Boa is the ultimate ultra marathon shoe for endurance runners who cover both road and trail. With cutting-edge Boa® lacing system, runners can easily make adjustments for a secure fit.

Features

• Built for the athlete who runs trails, dirt paths and roads
• Offers the cutting-edge Boa® lacing system for a rapidly-adjustable, secure fit
• Abrasion-resistant, bomber synthetic nubuck with highly breathable, protective sandwich-mesh upper
• TPU injection saddle for medial/lateral midfoot support
• Northotic™ ergonomically-designed footbed with Poron® forefoot and heel inserts
• Lightweight, dual-density, compression-molded EVA midsole with X-2™ provides high impact cushioning and long lasting support

• Semi-curve lasted, with medial-posted rearfoot Thrust Chassis™ and X-Dome™, which provides mechanical assistance to the midsole and support for overpronators
• Tenacious Grip™ outsole provides excellent on-and-off-road traction, as well as stability and durability under a variety of weather conditions and temperatures
• Boa® multi-adjust lacing system
• UltrATAC” all terrain, all condotion rubber outsole with excellent wet/dry traction for running on road or trail
• *Free return shipping
• *Gift box not available for this item