NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review: The Budget Hiker That Punches Way Above Its Weight

There’s a unique misery that every hiker, walker, and outdoor enthusiast knows intimately: the slow, creeping dampness that signals the failure of your footwear. I recall a trek through the Peak District that started under a deceptively clear sky. An hour in, the heavens opened. My “weather-resistant” boots, which had cost a pretty penny, betrayed me. Every step became a squelch, a cold reminder of a poor gear choice. That discomfort doesn’t just ruin the moment; it can lead to blisters, chills, and a premature end to an adventure you’d been planning for weeks. The search for a truly waterproof, comfortable, and durable hiking shoe can feel like a quest for a mythical creature, especially when you’re trying to balance performance with a sensible budget. This is the exact problem the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes promise to solve, aiming to deliver premium features without the staggering price tag. We decided to put that promise to the ultimate test.

Before You Lace Up: A Hiker’s Guide to Choosing the Right Footwear

A pair of men’s hiking shoes is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for navigating the unpredictable challenges of the great outdoors. It’s the critical interface between your body and the terrain, designed to protect, support, and propel you forward. The primary benefit is protection—from water, sharp rocks, and impacts—while providing the stability needed to prevent slips and twisted ankles. Good hiking footwear absorbs the constant shock of walking on uneven ground, reducing fatigue in your feet, legs, and back. This allows you to hike longer, safer, and with far greater enjoyment, turning a potentially arduous journey into a rewarding experience.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who regularly engages in outdoor activities, from casual woodland walks and dog walking in all weather to more demanding day hikes and trekking on varied trails. They value durability and function over flashy branding and understand that dry, comfortable feet are the foundation of any successful outing. This category also includes individuals who work outdoors and need a sturdy, protective shoe that can withstand daily wear and tear. Conversely, these shoes might not be suitable for those who require highly specialized footwear, such as technical mountaineers needing crampon compatibility or ultra-light trail runners prioritizing speed and minimal weight above all else. For those individuals, dedicated climbing boots or minimalist running shoes would be more appropriate alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Waterproofing & Breathability: The most critical feature for UK trails is waterproofing. Look for shoes with a dedicated waterproof membrane. However, this must be balanced with breathability; a shoe that traps sweat can be just as uncomfortable as one that lets rain in. Materials like leather combined with textile linings aim to offer the best of both worlds.
• Traction & Outsole Performance: The sole is where the rubber meets the trail, quite literally. A high-quality rubber outsole with deep, multi-directional lugs (the cleats on the bottom) is essential for grip on mud, wet rock, and loose gravel. Assess the tread pattern—aggressive lugs provide better traction in challenging conditions, which is a key feature we looked for in the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes.
• Materials & Durability: Hiking shoes take a beating. The outer material is the first line of defence. Full-grain leather offers maximum durability and water resistance but can be heavy. Suede or nubuck leather, as seen here, provides a good balance of durability and flexibility. Pay close attention to high-wear areas like the toe cap and heel, which should be reinforced.
• Support & Comfort: A shoe’s internal structure is vital for preventing foot fatigue. Key elements include a shock-absorbing midsole (often made of EVA or MD foam), a supportive insole with arch support, and a padded tongue and collar for ankle comfort. A removable insole is a bonus, allowing you to use custom orthotics if needed.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find a shoe that not only fits your foot but also perfectly matches the demands of your adventures.

While the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the NORTIV 8: First Look at Build Quality and Design

Pulling the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes from their box, the first impression is one of substance. These don’t feel like flimsy, budget shoes. The weight is noticeable but reassuring, suggesting robust construction rather than excessive bulk. The black leather upper has a handsome, matte finish that, as one user correctly pointed out, looks and feels more like a fine suede than a traditional nubuck. This gives it a versatile aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place on a high street, yet the rugged design elements leave no doubt about its intended purpose.

Running a hand over the shoe reveals thoughtful details. The rubber toe cap is thick and seamlessly bonded to the leather, promising serious protection against rocks and roots. The reinforced heel cup feels firm, designed to lock your foot in place and provide stability. The lacing system combines traditional metal eyelets with a single fabric loop near the ankle—a point of minor concern for some users regarding long-term durability, but in our initial assessment, it feels sturdy and allows for a snug, customised fit. The wide, well-padded tongue and collar immediately suggest that comfort is a priority in this design. Overall, the initial look and feel far exceed the expectations set by their price point, inviting comparisons to brands that command a significantly higher investment.

On the Trail: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis of the NORTIV 8

A hiking shoe’s true character is only revealed on the trail. Static impressions in a living room mean nothing when faced with slick mud, unforgiving rocks, and sudden downpours. To that end, we subjected the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes to a series of real-world tests across woodlands, coastal paths, and rain-soaked hills to see if its performance could match its promising first impression. We focused our evaluation on the three pillars of any great hiking shoe: its ability to keep water out, provide all-day comfort and support, and maintain a confident grip on the ground beneath.

Weathering the Storm: A Real-World Waterproofing Test

NORTIV 8 places “Waterproof” front and centre in this shoe’s name, so this was our first and most critical test. We didn’t wait for a rainy day to find out. Inspired by a user who took a bold approach right out of the box, we found a shallow stream and stood in approximately three inches of cold, running water for over a minute. We watched the water flow over the rubber toe cap and around the seams where the leather upper meets the sole, fully expecting to feel that dreaded icy trickle. Nothing. Our socks remained completely, bone-dry. This test confirmed that the waterproof construction isn’t just a marketing claim; it’s a functional reality. The integrated waterproof lining, combined with the treated leather outer, creates a formidable barrier against the elements.

Beyond this deliberate soaking, we wore them through long, wet grass—often the undoing of lesser “waterproof” footwear—and during a persistent drizzle on a coastal path. In every scenario, the shoes performed flawlessly. Our feet stayed dry and comfortable, allowing us to focus on the hike instead of our gear. This level of reliable water protection is a feature you’d typically expect to pay a premium for, making the performance of the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes in this area particularly impressive. For UK hikers who know that a dry forecast is never a guarantee, this is perhaps the single most important and reassuring feature of the shoe.

All-Day Comfort and Support: From Pavement to Peak

Waterproofing is useless if the shoe is too uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour. Comfort is a complex equation of fit, cushioning, and support, and the NORTIV 8 addresses each element with surprising effectiveness. Several users noted the shoes feel a little stiff at first, and our experience confirmed this. The robust leather and sturdy sole require a brief break-in period. We recommend wearing them around the house or on short walks for a few days before tackling a major hike. Once they relax, however, the comfort level is excellent.

The flexible MD (Phylon) midsole is the star of the show here. It does a fantastic job of absorbing shock, reducing the jarring impact of walking on hard, rocky ground. After a 5-mile trek that mixed trail with sections of road, our feet felt noticeably less fatigued than they have in more rigid, less forgiving boots. The removable insole provides a decent amount of arch support, which is a welcome feature for those prone to plantar fasciitis. As one user noted, the ability to swap it out for a custom orthotic is a huge plus. The wide, padded tongue distributes lace pressure evenly across the top of the foot, preventing any uncomfortable hot spots. Sizing seems to be close to true, though those with wider feet might consider going up half a size for extra room, a sentiment echoed in feedback. We did note the potential for heel slip if the shoe is too large, so tightening the laces properly, especially using the top fabric loop to lock the heel in, is crucial for a secure fit.

Grip and Grind: Traction Across Diverse Terrains

A hiker’s confidence is directly tied to the reliability of their footwear’s grip. The slick rubber outsole on the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes is designed for exactly that: confidence. The tread pattern features deep, angular lugs that bite effectively into soft ground like mud and loose soil. On a particularly slick, muddy descent, the shoes provided a secure footing, preventing the kind of micro-slips that can quickly lead to a fall. This aggressive tread is what one user rightly praised for its performance on wet and snowy paths.

We also tested them on smooth, wet rock slabs along a coastline, a notoriously tricky surface. While no shoe can offer perfect grip here, the NORTIV 8 performed admirably. The rubber compound is tacky enough to maintain good contact, and the flexibility in the forefoot allows the shoe to mould to the surface, maximizing the contact patch. This adaptability is key to its versatility. The robust construction extends to the anti-collision rubber toe cap, which proved its worth on several occasions when we inadvertently kicked a hidden rock. It absorbed the impact completely, protecting our toes from injury. This combination of an aggressive, reliable outsole and built-in protection makes the NORTIV 8 a trustworthy companion for a wide range of outdoor activities, from casual hikes to more demanding work environments.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes is strongly supported by a chorus of satisfied customers. The general sentiment is one of surprise and satisfaction, particularly concerning the shoe’s incredible value proposition. One user perfectly captured this, stating they are “$350 quality shoes,” a high compliment that highlights the premium feel and performance relative to the modest cost. This idea of punching above its weight is a recurring theme.

The waterproofing is another point of universal praise. The user who tested them by standing in three inches of water and reported his feet “stayed completely dry” provides powerful, real-world validation of the shoe’s core feature. Others confirm their effectiveness in “bad weather” and “wet and snowy conditions.” However, the feedback is also balanced. A few users mention the initial stiffness, confirming our finding that a break-in period is necessary. The most specific critique came from a user who experienced some heel slip after sizing up and expressed a minor worry about the durability of the fabric lacing loop compared to a metal eyelet, a fair observation for those planning extremely rugged, long-term use.

How Does the NORTIV 8 Compare? A Look at the Competition

While the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes make a compelling case, it’s important to see how they fit within the broader market. Other established brands offer strong alternatives, each with a slightly different focus.

1. Columbia Crestwood Low Rise Hiking Shoes

The Columbia Crestwood is a titan in the hiking shoe world, known for its immediate out-of-the-box comfort and lightweight design. It often features Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof breathable membrane and a Techlite midsole for superior cushioning. Compared to the NORTIV 8, the Crestwood may feel slightly lighter and require less of a break-in period. However, the NORTIV 8 often wins on sheer value and perceived ruggedness, with its leather construction and beefy toe cap feeling more protective. A hiker prioritizing a lightweight feel for fast-paced day hikes might lean towards the Columbia, while someone seeking maximum durability and protection for their money would likely prefer the NORTIV 8.

2. adidas Eastrail 2.0 Hiking Shoes

Coming from a sportswear giant, the adidas Eastrail 2.0 brings a distinctively athletic feel to the trail. It’s often lighter and more flexible than the NORTIV 8, feeling more like a sturdy trainer than a traditional hiking shoe. Its Traxion outsole provides excellent grip, particularly on dry to moderately wet trails. The key trade-off is in robustness. The NORTIV 8’s leather upper and reinforced construction offer superior protection and durability for more rugged, rocky terrain. The Eastrail 2.0 is an excellent choice for hikers who stick to well-maintained paths and value a nimble, trainer-like feel, whereas the NORTIV 8 is better suited for those tackling more unpredictable and challenging environments.

3. sole london Men’s Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots

This alternative shifts the focus from a low-top shoe to a mid-cut ankle boot, with an emphasis on winter conditions. The higher cut provides additional ankle support and better protection against deep puddles or snow. It often features insulation for added warmth, making it a specialist for cold-weather hiking. In contrast, the NORTIV 8 is a more versatile, three-season shoe. Its low-top design offers greater flexibility and is less cumbersome for daily wear or warmer weather. A user who primarily hikes in cold, wet, or snowy conditions might prefer the added warmth and support of the sole london boot. For all other conditions, the NORTIV 8 offers greater versatility and comfort.

The Final Verdict: Is the NORTIV 8 the Best Value Hiking Shoe for You?

After extensive testing on and off the trail, our conclusion is clear: the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer one of the best value-for-money propositions on the market today. They deliver on their core promise of being waterproof, comfortable, and supportive, with a build quality that genuinely rivals shoes costing two or three times as much. The reliable waterproofing, excellent shock absorption, and confident traction make them a trustworthy choice for a huge range of activities, from weekend hikes and daily dog walks to demanding outdoor work.

While they may require a short break-in period and have minor points of contention like the thin-feeling laces, these are incredibly small trade-offs for the level of performance you receive. We wholeheartedly recommend them to any day hiker, outdoor enthusiast, or worker who needs a durable, dependable, and comfortable shoe without emptying their wallet. If you’re tired of compromising on quality to meet a budget, this is the shoe that proves you don’t have to. You can confidently invest in a pair that will keep your feet dry and supported on countless adventures to come. To see the full specifications and make them your next trail companion, you can check the latest price and available sizes online.

Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API