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The North Face’s Latest Sneaker Release Rivals Streetwear’s Best

Hairy suede is one of the biggest trends in sneakers right now, and The North Face’s fresh riff on their existing approach shoe showcases why.

A view of the heel of The North Face Clyffe Suede Shoes shown at an angle against a speckled tan backgroundThe North Face

By Ben Bowers

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Late last summer, we covered the launch of a new climbing approach shoe from The North Face aptly named the Clyffe.

Though it was specifically designed for climbing in collaboration with Mellow, a collective of world-class climbers and boulderers, it looked like a sneaker you could wear anywhere, with strong aesthetic nods to skate culture.

A profile view of The North Face Clyffe Suede Shoe against a light grey background.
The North Face initially launched the Clyffe in the summer of 2024. But the new version made from hairy suede makes the climbing approach shoe feel like an entirely different sneaker.
The North Face

Now, the brand has unveiled a new iteration of the Clyffe that’s even more appealing and on-trend.

The Material of the Moment

A view of the heel of a pair of Clyffe Suede Shoes in Stone Slab / Slate Rock with a light grey background.
The new Clyffe Suede comes in a darker shade too known as Stone Slab/Slate Rock.
The North Face

Suede, in general, is having a moment right now. Vogue recently called it “the season’s most luxurious texture” last fall. The Wall Street Journal‘s lifestyle coverage started this year with a guide on how to wear it.

So-called “hairy” suede, sometimes called fuzzy suede, is the trend within the trend, at least in footwear.

Within the last twelve months, we’ve seen multiple hairy suede launches from New Balance, Puma, Adidas, Nike, and Vans, to name a few. Based on leaks and rumors, we expect the trend to stretch easily to the end of the year (and likely beyond).

A gods eye view of The North Face Clyffe in tan against a grey background.
The tongue of the Clyffe Suede is made from color-matched mesh fabric to add breathability.
The North Face

Implemented with Precision

The North Face’s take on the trend flat-out looks excellent on The Clyffe, particularly the lighter Pale Khaki option. I’d call it one of the best executions of hairy suede shoes I’ve seen from any brand.

It looks almost as if the iconic Clark’s Wallabee merged with a pair of Vans Old Skool sneakers and added a non-marking Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole in the process.

As The North Face calls out, 100 percent of the brand’s leather is sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. But not every part of the upper exterior is made with hairy suede.

A profile view of The North Face Clyffe Suede Shoe in grey against a light grey background.
The shoe still features climbing focused details like a climb zone in the toe for smearing and edging.
The North Face

The shoe’s tongue is instead made from color-matched 85% P.E.T. recycled mesh, which should help combat and provide a bit of welcomed airflow.

While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend climbing in these, given how easily suede can ruin in rough weather, the climb zone in the toe is still present for smearing and edging, and the rugged outsole is still there for grip.

Taken alongside other recent solid approach shoe releases from Arc’teryx, traditional footwear brands may need to reassess their outdoor-focused rivals and start paying attention to approach-style shoe designs as a new source of sneaker inspiration.

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