The North Face hiking boots

The North Face is a globally recognized American outdoor recreation product company. Founded in 1966 in San Francisco by Douglas Tompkins and Susie Tompkins, it originally started as a climbing equipment retail store. Over the decades, it evolved into a premier manufacturer of performance apparel, equipment, and footwear for mountaineers, hikers, and endurance athletes.

While the brand has its roots in California, its manufacturing footprint is global. Production typically occurs in countries such as Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, which is common for large-scale technical footwear brands. The brand is famous for its innovation in materials, such as DryVent and FUTURELIGHT technologies.

Since 2000, The North Face has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of VF Corporation. VF Corporation is a major American apparel and footwear company that also owns other iconic brands like Vans and Timberland. The brand remains headquartered in Denver, Colorado, following VF Corporation's relocation of its corporate offices.