NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots Review: A Tale of Two Trails – Comfort vs. Durability

There’s a unique thrill in gearing up for an adventure. The rustle of a map, the satisfying click of a rucksack buckle, and the solid feel of lacing up a pair of hiking boots. For years, I believed that last part required a significant financial commitment. The narrative was simple: if you want dry, comfortable feet and boots that will last more than a season, you have to be prepared to spend a premium. Then, a product like the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots appears, promising the holy grail of outdoor footwear: waterproofing, rugged grip, and all-day comfort at a price that seems almost too good to be true. This is the exact dilemma that sends so many of us down a rabbit hole of research. Can a budget-friendly boot truly stand up to the unforgiving demands of the trail, or is it a compromise waiting to reveal its weaknesses when you’re miles from home?

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

A pair of hiking boots is more than just footwear; it’s the primary interface between you and the trail. They are a key solution for preventing injury, maintaining energy, and ensuring your outdoor experience is a pleasure, not a pain. The right boots provide critical ankle support on uneven ground, protect your toes from rocks and roots, and keep your feet dry and comfortable through mud, streams, and sudden downpours. Neglecting this crucial piece of gear can lead to blisters, twisted ankles, and a miserable day out, turning a beautiful hike into an ordeal you simply want to end.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the enthusiastic day-hiker, the dedicated dog walker, or the weekend warrior exploring local woodlands and coastal paths. They need reliable performance without the expedition-grade price tag. However, this category of boot might not be suitable for those undertaking multi-day treks with heavy packs, alpine mountaineering, or anyone who covers hundreds of miles a month in punishing terrain. For those high-demand users, investing in a boot with a more robust construction, like full-grain leather and a proven waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex, becomes a necessity, not a luxury.

Before investing in any hiking boot, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A boot should feel snug around the heel and midfoot to prevent slipping, but have enough room in the toe box for your toes to wiggle and splay naturally. Remember that your feet swell during a long hike, so trying boots on at the end of the day with your usual hiking socks is a golden rule. Many find that going up half a size is a good starting point.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: A boot’s ability to keep water out while letting sweat escape is a delicate balance. Look for boots with a waterproof membrane. While many brands have proprietary technologies, their effectiveness can vary significantly, especially over time. A boot that isn’t breathable will leave your feet clammy and prone to blisters, even if no external water gets in.
• Materials & Durability: Uppers are typically made from full-grain leather, split-grain leather combined with synthetics, or entirely synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) and nylon. Full-grain leather is the most durable and water-resistant but heavier and requires a break-in period. Synthetic uppers, like those on the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots, are lighter, break in faster, and are often cheaper, but their long-term durability, especially at flex points, can be a serious concern.
• Traction & Support: The outsole is your connection to the ground. Deep, aggressive lugs made from a sticky rubber compound will provide the best grip on mud, wet rock, and loose gravel. For support, look for a mid or high-cut design to protect your ankles from rolling, and a firm-but-flexible midsole that absorbs shock without feeling mushy.

Choosing the right boot is a personal journey, but understanding these fundamentals will help you navigate the vast market and find a pair that truly meets your needs.

While the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots is an excellent choice for a certain type of user, 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: Promising Comfort Right From the Start

Opening the box for the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots, the first impression is genuinely positive. The boots have a classic, rugged aesthetic that doesn’t scream “budget.” The combination of waterproof suede leather and synthetic panels on our black test model looked smart and functional. Picking them up, their lightness was immediately noticeable—they feel less cumbersome than many traditional mid-height hikers. The construction felt solid enough on initial inspection, with a substantial rubber toe cap for protection and a deeply lugged outsole promising serious grip. A nice touch was the inclusion of a spare pair of laces, something you don’t always see, even with more expensive brands.

Slipping them on for the first time was the real surprise. Where many hiking boots require a significant break-in period, these felt comfortable straight away. The padding around the ankle collar and tongue is generous, and the removable insole offers a decent amount of cushioning. For my relatively wide feet, the fit was accommodating without being sloppy, a sentiment echoed by many users who struggle with narrower brands. The initial feeling is one of surprising quality and comfort that belies its accessible price point, setting a high bar of expectation for their on-trail performance.

On the Trail: Putting the NORTIV 8 Boots Through Their Paces

A boot’s true character is only revealed on the trail. Static comfort and good looks mean nothing when faced with slick rocks, boggy fields, and steep, muddy inclines. To give the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots a fair and thorough test, we put them through a variety of conditions over several weeks, from casual woodland walks with the dog to more demanding hikes in the hills, mirroring the kind of use its target audience would expect.

The Comfort Conundrum: A First-Step Sensation

The single most praised attribute of these boots, both in our testing and across countless user reports, is their immediate comfort. It’s truly remarkable. We took them for a 10km hike straight out of the box, a gamble that would be foolish with most new boots, and experienced no hotspots, rubbing, or pinching. This is a huge selling point. The flexible MD midsole does an excellent job of absorbing shock from harder ground, reducing foot fatigue over a long day. As one user aptly put it, they are “probably the most comfy boots I have put on.”

Much of this comfort stems from the forgiving fit. Those of us with wider feet often have to endure a painful break-in period as the leather stretches, but the NORTIV 8’s upper has enough give to accommodate different foot shapes from the start. The lacing system allows for a secure lockdown around the ankle, preventing heel slip, while the toe box remains spacious. This combination of a flexible sole, ample cushioning, and a non-restrictive fit makes them feel more like a sturdy pair of trainers than a traditional, rigid hiking boot. For day hikers and casual walkers, this level of immediate, fuss-free comfort is a massive advantage and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to confirm this widespread praise.

Grip and Stability: Confidence on Slippery Ground

Comfort is one thing, but a hiking boot is useless if it can’t keep you upright. Here, the NORTIV 8 performs admirably. The outsole, featuring what the brand calls Multi-Directional Traction (MDT), is genuinely impressive. We tested it on a range of surfaces that challenge even premium footwear: wet, mossy rocks, slick tree roots, and steep, muddy descents that turn to virtual slip-and-slides after a downpour. The deep, well-spaced lugs bit into soft ground with confidence and provided a surprisingly secure footing on slippery surfaces.

One user review mentioned tackling Jacob’s Ladder in the Brecon Beacons during heavy rain, noting the “great grip” proved incredibly useful. Our experience mirrored this. While descending a particularly treacherous, muddy track through a local wood, the boots shed mud effectively and allowed for a controlled pace where other footwear would have struggled. The mid-height cut provides a decent level of ankle support, bracing against minor twists and turns on uneven terrain. For the price, the stability and traction on offer are standout features, providing a level of trail confidence that you would typically expect from a more expensive boot.

The Waterproofing Paradox: Dry Today, Wet Tomorrow?

This is where the story of the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots becomes complicated. The boots are marketed as waterproof, featuring a waterproof suede leather upper and an internal membrane. In our initial tests, they lived up to this claim. We deliberately walked through flooded fields, stood in shallow streams, and hosed them down after muddy walks. For the first few weeks, our feet remained perfectly dry. Several users report similar initial success, with one noting their feet stayed dry even when submerged “up to the ankle.” It seems the waterproof system, when new and intact, works as intended.

However, a clear and consistent pattern of failure emerges over time. The crux of the issue lies at the main flex point of the boot, where the material creases above the ball of the foot. After a month or so of regular use, this area begins to break down. This is not just a cosmetic issue; this repeated stress appears to compromise the integrity of the internal waterproof membrane. What starts as a completely watertight boot can, in the space of a few weeks, become a sponge. We began to experience dampness near the toes after walking through wet grass, a tell-tale sign of membrane failure. This experience is corroborated by a huge number of users who report the waterproofing “completely failed” or “only lasted a few weeks.” This inconsistency is the boot’s greatest weakness—it offers the promise of dryness but cannot reliably deliver it long-term.

The Durability Dilemma: A Short-Lived Partnership

The waterproofing failure is a symptom of a larger, more fundamental problem: poor long-term durability. The materials and construction that make the boot so lightweight and comfortable out of the box are also its downfall. The synthetic PU and suede upper, particularly at the high-stress crease point, simply doesn’t hold up to the rigours of regular walking. We observed peeling on the surface and fraying near the seams after about 1.5 months of use.

This is a recurring nightmare for many owners. Photos in user reviews consistently show the exact same failure point: a split or hole developing in the upper where the boot flexes. For some, this happened in less than three months; for others, six or eight. One user, a dog walker covering high mileage, saw their soles completely worn out in under four months. Another noted, “Buy cheap, buy twice,” after a seam parted on their third hike. This isn’t an isolated “one-off fluke”; it’s a clear design and material limitation. While the boots are fantastic value for the first month, their lifespan is tragically short for anyone who hikes regularly. This transforms them from a bargain into a false economy, as you’ll likely be buying a replacement pair far sooner than you’d hoped.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other hikers reveals a deeply polarised experience that hinges almost entirely on durability. The narrative is remarkably consistent: an initial period of delight followed, for many, by profound disappointment. On the positive side, praise for the “out of the box” comfort is nearly universal. One happy customer, who bought a second pair, found their first pair was still “so comfortable, water tight, and warm” after some time, using them for walking dogs in the sea. Another user with wide feet celebrated the fit, stating, “most size 10’s squeeze or pinch. Not these, realy great fit.”

However, this positive sentiment is heavily outweighed by complaints about longevity. The boots’ failure point is almost always the same. As one user bluntly states, “Very comfortable but……Bought in November, so less than 5 months, and both boots have split in the same area.” Another shared a photo of a hole, explaining, “This means that if I am walking through any surface such as grass that is wet… my left foot gets soaked.” This common story of the boots splitting or peeling after just a few months of moderate use defines the product’s reputation. It’s a boot that many people love at first, but that ultimately lets them down.

How the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots Compares to the Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand the NORTIV 8’s true value, we need to place it alongside some key competitors in the hiking footwear market. These alternatives often come at a higher price point but offer different strengths in durability and technology.

1. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab is a legend in the hiking world, often called the “Mother Of All Boots.” The Moab 3 continues this legacy of reliable, all-round performance. Compared to the NORTIV 8, the Merrell offers a more proven track record of durability. Its construction feels more substantial, and it’s known to last for hundreds of miles. While still very comfortable, it may not have the instant, slipper-like feel of the NORTIV 8 and might feel slightly firmer underfoot. A user might prefer the Merrell Moab 3 if they are a regular hiker who values proven longevity and is willing to invest a bit more for a boot that is almost guaranteed to last several seasons.

2. Berghaus Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots

The Berghaus Hillmaster II represents a significant step up in both quality and price. This is a classic, full-grain leather hiking boot featuring a premium Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. Its primary advantages over the NORTIV 8 are immense durability and superior, reliable waterproofing. The leather construction means it will mould to your foot over time but requires a proper break-in period. It is also heavier and more rigid. This boot is for the serious walker or trekker who frequents the fells and mountains in all weathers and sees their footwear as a long-term investment. It’s overkill for casual dog walks but unmatched for rugged reliability.

3. adidas Eastrail 2.0 Rain.rdy Hiking Shoes

The adidas Eastrail 2.0 occupies a different niche, leaning more towards a hiking shoe or “trainer-hiker” hybrid. It’s extremely lightweight and agile, making it feel fast on the trail. Its RAIN.RDY technology provides waterproofing, but the low-cut design offers less ankle support than the mid-cut NORTIV 8. A hiker would choose the adidas Eastrail 2.0 for well-maintained paths, fast-paced day hikes, and situations where agility and low weight are prized above the rugged protection and ankle support of a traditional boot. It’s an excellent option for those who find traditional boots too clunky.

Final Verdict: A Great Boot for a Short Time, But Can You Afford the Gamble?

The NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots is a boot of contradictions. On one hand, it delivers a level of out-of-the-box comfort and a forgiving fit that is genuinely best-in-class for its price point. The grip is tenacious and confidence-inspiring on challenging terrain. For the first few weeks of use, it feels like you’ve discovered an incredible bargain. However, the overwhelming evidence from our testing and other users points to a fatal flaw: a critical lack of durability. The materials simply do not withstand the repeated stress of regular walking, leading to splits in the upper and a swift failure of the waterproofing.

So, who should buy it? We can only recommend this boot for the truly occasional walker who prioritises immediate comfort for infrequent, light-duty hikes on predominantly dry days. If you need a cheap pair to leave in the car for a spontaneous walk, it might suffice. But for anyone who considers themselves a regular walker, a dog owner out in all weathers, or a weekend hiker, the risk of these boots failing within a single season is too high. It’s a classic case of a false economy. While the initial comfort is seductive, you are better off investing more in a proven, durable alternative that won’t leave you with wet feet and disappointment just a few months down the trail. If you understand the limitations and still feel the initial comfort is worth the risk, you can check the latest price and availability online.

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