|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
We tested the Sawtooth Ridge II on paths throughout the Dolomites, up Vie Ferrate and down scree slopes, while approaching long alpine faces before returning, fairly exhausted, back to the crag. This test included all types of terrain therefore, to put this aggressive Trail XT shoe through its paces and, to tell the truth, us too. And a demanding test was exactly what this shoe needed.
The Sawtooth Ridge II was designed for "off-trail" use, i.e. for all those difficult situations that range from wet bumby terrain to steep descents and easy scrambles. This explains the very particular form, with its slingshot rand that holds the shoe together and the rubber toe, designed to increase contact area on small footholds. This toe worked well, it has to be said, at both protecting the toe and providing stability on rocky terrain.  Construction The use of a breathable rectangular ripstop mesh upper and the captivating design highlight the great attention to detail and materials employed, typical of The North Face. The lacing is precise and the tongue well-padded, and only the internal removable sole could be improved upon slightly: we would have preferred something more robust so as to give the foot arch greater support. Roll Control Thanks to the Roll Control system the shoe regulates and controls lateral rotation so as to avoid many possible accidents. The toe on the other hand is soft and therefore more sensitive on rough terrain, where falls are more likely.  Outsole The particular outsole design and the new TNF Climb 100 rubber are without a doubt one of the Sawtooth Ridge II’s strongpoints. The shoe’s grip depends entirely on this, and off-trail it proved to be excellent, above all on wet and slippery terrain. This is a true step forward and as a result, thankfully, we managed to slip over less. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The lacing and padded tongue in detail. Click to enlarge
 |
|||
|
|||
