NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots: Budget Buy or Trail Boot?

Reviewed by

Seb and Michelle

We've tested over 6,500 products in the last 5 years – collaborating with over 4,000 brands and bringing our style of reviews to multiple platforms. Every video, every review and every post has started with a video we shot ourselves after testing these products. More about me →

We Have a Whole Line of These — and Dad Needed a Pair

Okay, so my husband and I absolutely love NORTIV 8 shoes. Like, we have a whole line of them at this point. When the brand wanted to send me another pair for review, my first thought was — you know what, I need to get a pair for my dad. He lives up in northern Canada where it actually freezes hard in winter. We’re talking ice, snow, the whole thing. So I had them send a pair his way, specifically these — the NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots. And, I was already pretty confident they’d be a good fit, given how much we’ve loved the brand so far.

But I wanted a different kind of test. I wanted to see how they held up on someone who wasn’t living on a Caribbean island — someone dealing with real cold-weather, slippery-surface conditions. That’s exactly what my dad put them through.

Short version: he loved them. Longer version coming right up.

The Boot Itself — What You’re Working With

So let’s talk about the boot. These are the waterproof ankle-high hiking boots from NORTIV 8. The outer is nylon, the sole is rubber, and the insole is EVA — that’s ethylene vinyl acetate, which is the same foam material used in a lot of athletic footwear for cushioning and shock absorption. The insoles are removable too, which is a nice touch if you want to swap in your own orthotics.

That rubber sole is one of the first things I pointed out when looking at them. It’s really awesome — thick, substantial, and designed for non-slip traction on uneven terrain. The lining inside is fabric and microfiber, so there’s a nice level of interior protection keeping your foot comfortable against the upper material.

The shaft circumference sits at 29.4 cm and the pair weighs 1.45 kg total. They come in sizes ranging from US 6.5 all the way up to 15, and they’re available in both standard and wide widths. Colors available are brown, black, and tan. And they toss in an extra set of laces, which I think is really great — especially for a boot at this price point.

One more thing worth flagging: NORTIV 8 holds sustainability certifications on these — at least 50% recycled material (RCS Blended) and at least 50% organic material (OCS Blended). For a budget boot with over 22,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star average, that’s a solid package.

My Dad Put Them On and Said This

My dad is an 8.5. These are an 8.5 and they are true to size. That’s the first thing worth noting — no sizing up, no guessing. When he put them on and walked around, he said these are super comfortable. Right away. No break-in period complaints, no rubbing or tightness.

And he definitely sees himself wearing these, especially in winter. That part didn’t surprise me, but it was still good to hear him say it unprompted. He’s not someone who’s going to hype up a shoe just to be nice about it.

The waterproofing is a big deal for his conditions. Northern Canada in winter means your feet are constantly at risk — puddles that freeze over, packed snow, slush near doorways. Having that waterproof protection in the boot means his feet stay dry and warm even when he’s walking on ice. For that use case specifically, these are kind of ideal.

And the ankle support piece — I love how high this boot goes. There’s a lace clasp right near the top so you can really lock in that upper section. Your ankle is going to be nice and secure. That matters a lot when you’re walking on unstable surfaces. Slipping on a patch of ice with a loose ankle is how people get hurt. This boot addresses that.

The “Hiking Boot” Label Sells These Short

NORTIV 8 calls these hiking boots. And sure, they absolutely work for hiking. But for me, this is kind of like an all-season, all-weather boot. That framing matters because it changes who should be looking at these.

Someone browsing for “hiking boots” might pass right by these because they’re not planning a trail hike. But someone who needs a tough, waterproof, ankle-supportive boot for winter walks, muddy terrain, yard work, camping trips, or even just dealing with a wet commute — this is exactly what they need. The waterproof construction means it is really nice and protected inside there. That’s not just trail utility, that’s everyday cold-weather utility.

Could you wear these in summer? Sure, especially if you’re hiking. They may not be your everyday summer shoe for just walking around, but on a trail where you need foot protection and traction, they’d hold up fine even in warmer temps.

The NORTIV 8 brand actually lists these as suitable for hiking, hunting, camping, climbing, fishing, backpacking, trekking, and traveling. That’s a wide net. And based on what we’ve seen across our collection of these shoes, that versatility is legit — not just marketing language.

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NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boots

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Who These Are Built For

My dad is the clearest example: someone in a cold climate who needs real waterproof protection, ankle stability, and comfort without spending a lot. Northern Canada winters are brutal. These boots make sense there.

But they also make sense for someone just getting into hiking. If you’re not sure yet how serious you’re going to get about trail walking, dropping a fortune on technical boots is a gamble. These give you legitimate waterproofing, solid traction from that thick rubber non-slip sole, and ankle support — the three things you actually need for beginner to moderate trails — at a price that doesn’t sting if you only end up going out a handful of times.

Campers would get a lot out of these too. Walking around a campsite in wet grass, moving between the tent and the fire area, doing some light trail walking in the morning — this boot handles all of that and then some. And since it comes with an extra set of laces, you’re set even if one breaks.

The wide size range — US 6.5 all the way up to 15, in standard and wide widths — means this isn’t a boot that shuts out people with bigger or wider feet. That’s a practical detail that gets overlooked a lot in budget outdoor footwear. These don’t.

And if you’re shopping for someone else — like I was for my dad — the true-to-size fit takes the guesswork out of it. Order the size they normally wear, and it’ll fit. That’s a big deal when you’re buying footwear as a gift.

NORTIV 8 vs. Other Budget Trail Boots

There are a few names that tend to come up when you’re shopping budget waterproof hiking boots — Columbia Crestwood, Merrell Moab (budget tier), Timberland White Ledge. These are the usual comparisons.

Here’s the trade-off landscape: Merrell and Columbia carry more brand recognition, and some people feel safer buying a name they know. But the NORTIV 8 sits at the #1 Best Seller spot in Men’s Hiking Boots on Amazon for a reason. Over 22,000 reviews at a 4.4-star average doesn’t happen by accident. That volume of feedback — most of it positive — tells you these are genuinely performing for a lot of different people in a lot of different conditions.

The Columbia Crestwood is a close comparison. Similar waterproofing claims, similar ankle height, similar rubber outsole approach. Where NORTIV 8 pulls ahead in this range is the extra lace set included, the wide-width availability, and the sustainability certifications — details that a lot of budget boots at this level skip entirely.

If you’re doing aggressive technical mountaineering or serious multi-day backcountry trips, you’d want to step up to a higher-tier boot with more structural rigidity and a stiffer midsole. These aren’t that. But for everything up to moderate trail hiking, cold-weather walking, and outdoor lifestyle use, they hit the mark. And we’ve had enough NORTIV 8 shoes in our house to say this brand delivers consistently across their lineup.

A Few Things to Know Before You Order

They are true to size. My dad is an 8.5, he got an 8.5, it fit perfectly. So don’t second-guess your normal size when ordering these.

If you’re ordering for someone in a colder climate, the waterproofing is real — it is really nice and protected inside there. But these aren’t insulated winter boots. They’ll keep your feet dry from external moisture like snow and slush, but if you need dedicated cold-weather insulation for sub-zero temperatures, you’d want a boot with added thermal lining. For regular cold-weather wear and snowy conditions like what my dad deals with, they’re going to be absolutely fantastic.

The lace clasp at the top of the ankle shaft is something I’d actually take a second to use properly. Thread your laces through it and lock them in. That’s what keeps your ankle nice and secure on uneven ground. Don’t skip that step — it’s there for a reason and it makes a real difference in how stable the boot feels when you’re moving.

The extra set of laces is included in the box. That’s a small thing but it’s the kind of thoughtful detail that shows up more in products from brands that actually care about what they’re putting out. Hold onto them — boot laces take a beating over time, especially in wet and freezing conditions.

And if for some reason they don’t work out, NORTIV 8 offers a 30-day refund or replacement policy with free returns on Amazon. So the risk of trying them is genuinely low. Check the current price and availability directly on the product page — you can find them here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the NORTIV 8 hiking boots true to size?

Yes, they’re true to size. We ordered an 8.5 for my dad who wears an 8.5, and they fit him perfectly right away. No need to size up or down — just go with your normal shoe size.

Are these boots actually waterproof or just water-resistant?

They’re waterproof. The interior is well-protected and the construction keeps moisture out. For wet trails, slush, and snow, they do the job. If you’re standing in a river or submerging them, that’s a different question — but for real-world wet conditions like rain and snow, they hold up.

Can you wear these in summer?

You can, especially if you’re hiking. They may not be your everyday summer shoe for casual walking around, but on a summer trail where you need foot protection and solid traction, these work fine. They’re kind of like an all-season, all-weather boot that leans colder-weather but isn’t limited to it.

Do they come in wide widths?

Yes. NORTIV 8 offers these in both standard and wide widths across their size range of US 6.5 to 15. That’s a broader size spread than a lot of budget trail boots offer, which makes these a good option if you’ve had trouble finding a good fit in cheaper footwear before.

What comes in the box with these boots?

The boots come with an extra set of laces included — which is a really great bonus, especially for outdoor use where laces take wear and tear. The insoles are also removable and cushioned, so you can swap them out for custom orthotics if you need to.

Are these good for someone dealing with snow and ice?

They’re a solid choice for cold, snowy, icy conditions. The non-slip rubber sole provides real traction, the ankle support locks your foot in on unstable surfaces, and the waterproofing keeps moisture out. My dad lives in northern Canada and said he definitely sees himself wearing these especially in winter. Having that protection is going to be absolutely fantastic for that kind of climate.

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What’s the return policy if they don’t fit?

NORTIV 8 offers a 30-day refund or replacement policy with free returns through Amazon. So if the fit isn’t right or something isn’t what you expected, you’re not stuck with them. It takes the risk out of trying a new brand.

Learn more

NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boots

Get the best price on Amazon →

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

About the reviewer

Seb and Michelle

We've tested over 6,500 products in the last 5 years - collaborating with over 4,000 brands and bringing our style of reviews to multiple platforms. Every video, every review and every post has started with a video we shot ourselves after testing these products.

Read more about me →