NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review: A Budget Hiker’s Gamble or a Hidden Gem?

There’s a specific kind of magic in a last-minute decision to escape to the hills. The weather forecast looks promising, the pack is mostly ready, but then you glance down at your everyday trainers and a wave of doubt washes over you. They won’t survive the mud, the rocky ascents, or the inevitable stream crossing. This was the exact scenario I found myself in a few months back. I needed a pair of dedicated hiking shoes, but I wasn’t prepared to invest a fortune for a weekend trip. The search began for that elusive sweet spot: a shoe that promised rugged performance, waterproof reliability, and all-day comfort, but at a price that wouldn’t make my wallet weep. This is the exact niche the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes aim to fill. But in the world of outdoor gear, “affordable” can often be a code word for “compromise,” and the real question is whether the compromises made here are worth the significant savings.

Key Considerations Before Choosing Your Next Pair of Hiking Shoes

A pair of men’s hiking shoes is far more than just footwear; it’s a critical piece of equipment that serves as the foundation for every step you take on the trail. It’s your primary interface with the ground, responsible for providing grip, stability, protection, and comfort over miles of unpredictable terrain. The right pair can be the difference between an exhilarating adventure and a painful, blister-filled ordeal. They are designed to absorb shock, shield your feet from sharp rocks and roots, keep you dry during sudden downpours, and prevent slips on treacherous surfaces. Neglecting the importance of proper hiking footwear can lead not only to discomfort but also to potential injuries like twisted ankles, strained muscles, and painful falls.

The ideal customer for a robust pair of hiking shoes is anyone who spends significant time outdoors, from the casual weekend dog walker exploring local woods to the dedicated trekker tackling challenging mountain paths. If you find your regular trainers lack the necessary grip, leave your feet sore after short distances, or get soaked at the mere mention of a puddle, then a dedicated hiking shoe is a worthwhile investment. However, this type of footwear might be overkill for those who stick exclusively to paved city parks or indoor activities. For them, a lighter, more flexible running or walking trainer would be more suitable. It’s about matching the tool to the task at hand.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A hiking shoe should be snug but not tight, with enough room in the toe box for your toes to wiggle. Remember that feet swell during long walks, so trying on shoes at the end of the day can provide a more accurate fit. Pay close attention to width, as some brands, including NORTIV 8, are noted by users to have a narrower fit.
• Performance & Waterproofing: Consider the primary function. Is waterproofing your top priority? Look for shoes with a dedicated waterproof membrane. Assess the outsole’s lug pattern and material; deeper, more aggressive lugs made from sticky rubber provide better traction on mud and loose ground. The shoe’s stiffness also plays a role, with more rigid shoes offering better support on rocky terrain.
• Materials & Durability: The materials dictate the shoe’s lifespan and performance. Synthetic leathers and fabrics, as used in the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, offer good value and require less break-in time but can be less durable than full-grain leather. Pay close attention to the quality of the stitching, the reinforcement around the toe and heel, and the construction of the lace eyelets, as these are common points of failure.
• Comfort & Support: Long-term comfort is determined by the midsole and insole. An EVA or MD midsole provides essential shock absorption to reduce fatigue. A good insole should offer arch support. Also, consider breathability; a waterproof shoe can sometimes trap heat and sweat, so finding a balance is key for all-weather comfort.

Choosing the right shoe is a foundational step for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s about ensuring your feet are the last thing on your mind as you enjoy the view from the summit.

While the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes is an excellent choice for a specific budget, 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 and Feel

Pulling the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes from their box, the first impression is one of surprising substance. For a shoe in the budget category, they feel solid and look the part. The Army/Green/Black/Orange colourway we tested has a distinctly rugged, tactical aesthetic that feels ready for the outdoors. The synthetic leather uppers are stiff to the touch, and the prominent rubber toe cap and reinforced heel counter give an immediate sense of protection. Running a hand over the shoe, the stitching appears neat, and the materials, while clearly not premium, don’t feel flimsy upon initial inspection.

The outsole is perhaps the most impressive feature out of the box. The thick rubber and deep, multi-directional lugs promise serious grip. They feel much more aggressive than what you’d find on a standard pair of trainers. Picking them up, they have a noticeable weight, reinforcing the idea of a sturdy build rather than a lightweight trail runner. The lacing system is straightforward, and a pleasant surprise, echoed by some user comments, was the inclusion of a spare pair of laces. Slipping them on for the first time, the fit is snug, and the removable insole provides a decent amount of initial cushioning and arch support. There’s a definite sense of being well-protected, though they clearly require a break-in period to soften up.

Putting the NORTIV 8 Hiking Shoes to the Test: A Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

A hiking shoe’s worth is not determined on the shop floor or by its spec sheet, but out on the trail, in the mud, rain, and over miles of unforgiving ground. We took the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes through their paces across varied conditions—from damp, grassy fields and muddy woodland trails to gravel paths and rocky scrambles—to see if their on-paper promises translated into real-world performance. Here is our detailed breakdown of how they fared.

The Million-Dollar Question: Waterproofing Performance

The headline feature of these shoes is their waterproof construction, a claim we were eager to test. NORTIV 8 employs a combination of synthetic leather and an internal waterproof membrane designed to keep feet dry. On our first test, a walk through long, dew-soaked grass and several shallow puddles, the shoes held up surprisingly well. Water beaded off the surface, and our socks remained completely dry, which was an encouraging start. For the price, this level of initial water resistance is impressive. This positive experience aligns with some of the most glowing user feedback, such as the user who took them to Salzburg and praised their performance in “rain, sludge and deep snow,” stating they never once had “wet or damp feet.” Another was delighted after two rainy days of dog walking with “no water ingression at all.”

However, the story of the NORTIV 8’s waterproofing is one of inconsistency. As we dug deeper into the broader user experience, a contradictory picture emerged. Numerous reports tell a different tale, one of failure. One hiker noted that “the moment I encountered long grass on my hike, these shoes failed miserably. They started leaking, leaving my feet soaked.” Another stated that with “just the dew of the morning on a sunny day,” their feet got wet. This stark contrast suggests a significant quality control issue. It seems you might get a pair with a perfectly sealed membrane, or you might get one that leaks on its first real challenge. While our test pair performed admirably at first, the volume of negative feedback makes it impossible to universally recommend them for wet conditions. The waterproof feature is, therefore, a gamble. If you get a good pair, it’s fantastic value; if you don’t, the primary feature has failed. You can see the full feature set and user reviews to gauge the range of experiences for yourself.

Traction and Stability on the Trail

Where the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes truly shine is underfoot. The outsole is a beast. The brand calls it Multi-Directional Traction (MDT), and it’s not just marketing jargon. The thick, durable rubber is shaped into a pattern of deep, angular lugs that bite into soft ground with confidence. On muddy slopes and loose gravel paths where lesser shoes would slip, we felt remarkably secure. The sole provides a wide, stable platform that inspires confidence, allowing for a more aggressive walking pace without fear of losing your footing.

The shoe’s construction also contributes to its stability. The reinforced heel cup holds the foot firmly in place, minimizing lateral movement, while the robust rubber toe cap provides excellent protection against accidental kicks to rocks and roots—a feature we were grateful for on more than one occasion. For a low-top shoe, it offers a decent amount of support. However, we did note one user’s cautionary tale of them being “extremely slippery on the wet stone floor.” While we didn’t experience this on wet rock, it’s a reminder that no single tread pattern is perfect for every surface, and smooth, wet surfaces can challenge even the most aggressive outsoles. For general hiking, trekking, and trail use, however, the grip offered by these budget-friendly hikers is a major selling point and performs well above its price tag.

The Elephant in the Room: Durability and Build Quality

This is where our review must take a sharp, critical turn. While the initial performance was promising, the long-term durability of the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes is, based on overwhelming evidence, its Achilles’ heel. Our test pair has held up through several weeks of moderate use, but the sheer volume of users reporting catastrophic failures within a very short timeframe is impossible to ignore. This isn’t a case of isolated incidents; it’s a clear pattern of premature breakdown.

The most commonly cited failure point is a split developing where the flexible upper material meets the rigid rubber toe cap. One user reported this happened on two separate pairs, the first lasting 17 months, but the second only six. Another stated that after buying them in April, “by the end of May they had split at the same place on both boots, useless.” Another common complaint involves the lacing system. We found reports of eyelets coming loose or pulling out of the material after only a few uses—one user was “only sitting fishing” when it happened. Another experienced an eyelet coming away after only wearing them for “max 1 hour every other day” for a month. These are not issues of cosmetic wear and tear; they are fundamental structural failures that render the shoes unusable. Users have described them as “horrible cheap shoes” that “literally fell to bits” in two weeks and having “awful build quality” that “never lasted more than 8 hours.” This is the critical trade-off for the low price. The materials and construction methods are simply not robust enough to withstand the repeated stress of walking, let alone serious hiking. While you might get lucky, the odds of receiving a pair that will fail prematurely seem unacceptably high.

All-Day Comfort vs. Breathability

Out of the box, the NORTIV 8 shoes are reasonably comfortable. The MD (molded EVA) midsole does a competent job of absorbing shock, reducing the impact on joints during long walks on hard ground. The removable insole offers better-than-expected arch support for a stock insert, though serious hikers would likely want to replace it with a more specialized one. We wore them for a full day of mixed-terrain walking and finished with feet that were tired but not sore or blistered, a definite plus.

However, the comfort is compromised by a significant lack of breathability. The very membrane that provides the waterproofing also traps a substantial amount of heat and moisture. Our feet became noticeably warm and sweaty, even on a cool day. This was a consistent theme in user feedback, with comments like “they don’t let my feet breath very well,” “Hot in the warm weather,” and “Non breathable at all.” This can be more than just a comfort issue; sweaty feet can lead to blisters and other skin problems on long hikes. For warm-weather hiking or for people whose feet tend to run hot, the poor ventilation in these shoes could be a deal-breaker. It’s a classic compromise in budget waterproof footwear, but one that is particularly pronounced here, making them better suited for cooler, wetter conditions—provided the waterproofing holds up.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through the collective experience of dozens of buyers reveals a product that is deeply polarizing. The sentiment is split into two distinct camps: those who are thrilled with the value and those who feel utterly let down by the quality. There is very little middle ground.

On the positive side, the success stories are compelling. The user who wore them in Salzburg during harsh winter conditions is a perfect example of the shoe’s potential, stating, “rain, sludge and deep snow these performed top knock, not one day did I have wet or damp feet, great grip. For the money worth every penny.” Others echo this, with comments like “Just what I wanted comfortable good looking and waterproof” and a German user who was “positively surprised” and called them “Hammer!!! for this price.” These reviews paint a picture of a capable, comfortable, and weatherproof shoe at an unbeatable price.

Unfortunately, the negative feedback is more frequent and more detailed. The recurring theme is a catastrophic failure in durability. We saw numerous accounts mirroring one user’s experience: “After just over a month both shoes have started to split on the sides, now not a happy chappy, can no longer recommend these shoes.” Another buyer summed up a list of faults, including a narrow fit, undone stitching, uncomfortable heel insulation, and zero breathability, asking rhetorically, “Need I go on?” This feedback is crucial because it highlights the significant risk involved. The low price is tempting, but it comes with a very real chance of the product failing within weeks or a few months of light use.

How Does the NORTIV 8 Compare to the Competition?

In the crowded market of men’s walking shoes, it’s essential to understand where the NORTIV 8 stands. While its price is its main attraction, how does it stack up against other popular choices? We looked at three key alternatives to provide some context for your decision.

1. Jack Walker JW007 Vent Waterproof Walking Trainers

The Jack Walker JW007 occupies a similar budget-friendly space as the NORTIV 8 but with a focus on being “ultra-lightweight.” For hikers who prioritize agility and minimizing weight over rugged protection, this could be a more appealing option. It’s built more like a trainer, offering greater flexibility and likely better breathability due to its “Vent” design. While it also features a waterproof membrane, the primary trade-off will be in durability and underfoot protection. The NORTIV 8’s beefy construction and aggressive sole are better suited for rougher, rockier terrain, whereas the Jack Walker is ideal for well-maintained trails, fast-paced day hikes, and those who find traditional hiking shoes too heavy and cumbersome.

2. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab 3 represents the next tier up in both price and quality. It’s one of the most popular and trusted hiking shoes on the planet for a reason. For the extra investment, you get significantly better materials, proven durability, superior out-of-the-box comfort, and brand-name components like a Vibram outsole. The Moab 3 is the shoe for the serious walker or hiker who wants a reliable, long-lasting product and is willing to pay for it. It serves as a benchmark for what a good hiking shoe should be. If the durability concerns of the NORTIV 8 are your primary deterrent, the Merrell Moab 3 is the safe, reliable, and highly recommended alternative.

3. XPETI Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

The XPETI boots offer a different form factor entirely. As a mid-height boot, its key advantage over the low-top NORTIV 8 is enhanced ankle support and protection. This is a crucial feature for hikers tackling unstable, rocky terrain where a rolled ankle is a constant risk. The XPETI models often blend aggressive styling with robust features, similar to the NORTIV 8, but with that added ankle stability. If your planned adventures involve carrying a heavier pack or traversing challenging landscapes, stepping up to a boot like this is a wise decision. It’s a middle ground between a low-cut shoe and a full-on mountaineering boot, offering more support than the NORTIV 8 without a massive price jump.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

After extensive testing and analysis of user feedback, our verdict on the NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Shoes is one of extreme caution. This is a shoe of contradictions: it offers impressive traction and, for some, reliable waterproofing at a price that is hard to beat. However, these potential benefits are completely overshadowed by a significant and well-documented risk of catastrophic durability failures. The materials and construction are simply not reliable enough for us to recommend them for any serious or frequent use.

So, who are these shoes for? They might serve a purpose for the extremely budget-conscious individual who needs a pair of shoes for a single, light-duty event, like a muddy festival or a short, one-off walk, and is willing to write them off afterwards. They could also be a backup pair to keep in the car for emergencies. But for anyone looking for a dependable shoe for regular dog walking, weekend hikes, or any activity where reliability is key, we strongly advise looking elsewhere. The potential savings are not worth the high probability of the shoes splitting or breaking after only a few weeks. Your money would be better saved and invested in a more reputable and durable alternative, such as the Merrell Moab 3. If you understand the risks and still feel the rock-bottom price is worth the gamble for your specific, limited needs, you can check the latest price and availability.