The North Face Smedge 2 Review
What they say: The Smedge rocks. Literally. This breathable approach shoe excels on craggy, rock-strewn routes that require a low volume fit and a high-friction, sticky rubber grip. With a lightweight design, the Smedge promotes agile, quick movement while scrambling up boulders where mistakes can be crucial. While some approach shoes may stick to rocks, their performance fades quicker than chalk dust. The Smedge is built to stand up to gnarly footing, all-season long.
Specs:
Midsole:
- Compression-molded EVA midsole provides ultimate cushioning
- Protect your feet from impacts with the ergonomically designed Northotic footbeds and compression-molded EVA midsoles that add cushioning and comfort
Support and Cushioning:
- Your feet are protected and supported by the abrasion-resistant, breathable sandwich-mesh uppers with TPU welded medial lateral support cages to provide structure
Outsole:
- Get purchase on the trail and rocks with the climbing-shoe like, sticky Smearacle rubber outsole with a forefoot smear pod and 1.6 mm scratch rubber toe rand with flex grooves
Upper:
- 1.6-1.8 metal-free suede upper
Features:
- Dirt and brush are kept out of your shoe by the gusseted tongue
- Gusseted tongue provides protection from unwanted debris
Prevent overextending your foot with the stiff, midfoot steel shank and lasting board
My Review
From previous posts, you should know that I am big fan of Merrell.
Pros: They are durable and stick well to dry rocks. I decided to try the Smedge 2 because it is supposed to hold up well on rocky, rough terrain. It does. Once the newness wore off of the soles they also stick quite well to rocks.
Cons: I always get an half size larger to avoid the loss of toenails (which hasn’t really helped) Unfortunately, these shoes were already a bit bigger than Merrells so now I have a full size larger. Also, the outside of the padded collar rubs on the underside of my ankle. After a few 10+ mile hikes however they are much more comfortable .
Overall Rating: 
UPDATE: I used these shoes through a very narrow slot sandstone canyon and they stuck very well to the rock. The “smearicle” factor was great.
