The North Face made the Women's Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR Hiking Shoe to be as sturdy and stable as a hiking boot but lighter weight and more breathable than hikers for agility on the trail. The mid-cut Hedgehog's uppers are abrasion-resistant and breathable, and EVA midsoles and heel air pods absorb shock and provide rebound so you can go longer. A TPU shank protects your foot from stones but won't weigh you down or compromise responsiveness. The Gore-Tex XCR membrane doesn't let water in, so you can go straight through the stream instead of hopping awkwardly across on boulders.