You don’t need boots that cost more than your tent to enjoy a proper stomp through the Peaks or the Lakes. Trust me, I’ve tested pricey pairs that leaked in a drizzle and cheap ones that gave up halfway up Kinder Scout.
The truth? You can find a hiking boot that won’t drain your wallet or ruin your weekend—if you know what to look for. Let’s see if Nortiv 8 boots are the real deal or another ‘too good to be true’ bargain.
Nortiv 8: First Impressions and Design
First thing’s first. I remember tearing open the Nortiv 8 box on a drizzly Wednesday, boots still slick with that “new gear” smell. They looked more solid than most shoes at this price. The leather and mesh mix felt hard-wearing, not flimsy. The toe cap looked ready to fend off half a hillside of pointy stones. Colours? Nothing wild, just earthy tones that don’t scream “tourist.”
The weight surprised me. Decently light, which is rare for budget boots. The ankle padding felt plush without being bulky – like they’d thought about all-day comfort and not just the shelf appeal.
Key Features of Nortiv 8
Nortiv 8 touts a waterproof construction, but if you’re like me, you know “waterproof” is a word that gets thrown around far too loosely. These boots are best called water-resistant. They have a membrane to keep out the usual wet grass and splashes. That’s enough for most UK walks and camps.
Support is decent. There’s a stiff-ish heel counter at the back and a padded collar, keeping your feet steady on rough ground and stopping those nasty ankle rolls. The toe box? Generous, so you’re less likely to get pinched toes or lose a toenail on a downhill.
For traction, there’s a lugged rubber sole. Lugs aren’t as deep as the boots I’ve worn up Ben Nevis, but they’ll cling well to muddy goat tracks and grassy banks. Weight-wise, each boot feels lighter than you’d expect – a lifesaver when you’re clocking up miles after a poor night’s sleep. For parents or dog walkers racking up steps, that's a blessing.
Water Resistance in Real Camps: Put to the Puddle Test
Brands love to brag about waterproofing, but British rain isn’t impressed by marketing. I’ve marched through soggy woodlands, splashed through puddles and accidentally left these boots out overnight during a Sudden Great British Downpour.
For their price, the Nortiv 8s put up a good fight. They’ll keep your feet dry through wet grass, short rain showers, and shallow puddles. If you stand in a stream for an hour, you will get soggy toes. And, after a few weeks or months of rubbing and flexing, some moisture can sneak in, usually round the toe or the tongue. That’s normal for any boot at this end of the market.
Regular spraying with waterproof treatment helps. If you’re expecting to ford rivers or tramp bogs every weekend, you’ll want to shell out for something pricier.
Fit and Comfort on the Go
Nobody wants to be limping by lunchtime – and thankfully, the Nortiv 8s held their own. Straight out the box, I took them through a full-day jaunt near the Dales – over hills, through sheep fields, and into the pub by evening. No hot spots, minimal rubbing.
There’s decent wiggle room at the front, and if you’ve got wide feet, the wide-fit option is a rare treat. They do come up a bit big, though. I went down half a size and got a snug, comfy fit. The insole’s nicely cushioned, which helps you avoid that clunky, heavy boot feel. After hours on the trail, my legs were tired, but my feet? Still game for a stroll. That’s a proper thumbs up from me.
Grip and Performance: Not Bad for the Price
Let’s be honest – grip is where cheaper boots usually show their limits. But the Nortiv 8s surprised me. Their chunky rubber soles bite well on woodland paths, gravel tracks, and even soggy grass after a proper downpour. I tested them on a muddy hill just after a storm, and they didn’t slip or clog up too badly.
That said, don’t expect miracles on rough terrain. If you’re heading into soaked moorland or scrambling over wet rocks, they’ll start to lose their edge. The tread is a bit shallow for anything too gnarly, and you’ll feel the difference compared to pricier boots built for serious climbs. Still, for park walks, weekend trails, and everyday hikes, these boots do the job just fine.
Durability and Toughness
I’ve battered these boots through bramble, loose scree, and a stubborn bracken patch that ate my last pair. The mixed suede and mesh upper shrugs off most scrapes. Scuffs do show up but only as badges of honour. The rubber toe cap takes the knocks from stones and tree roots.
After months of walking twice a week, the soles do show wear – nothing dramatic, but the tread is shallower than when new. That matches what other campers have told me. These aren’t the boots you’ll pass on to your grandkids, but if you walk 5-10 miles a week, they’ll last you a couple of years.
Who the Nortiv 8 Suits Best?
These boots fit anyone who walks a lot but doesn’t climb mountains for a living. Day hikers, dog walkers, and campers who clock up weekend miles will get their money’s worth. They’re a smart pick if you’re new to camping, or want something to keep for festivals, garden jobs, or just walking in the local park. If you’re after a lightweight boot for wet weather, these score high.
Where Nortiv 8 Boots Fall Short?
If you’re planning a Lake District scramble or tackling long, rocky ascents in summer, you’ll want something tougher and more technical. These boots can get warm – hot weather fans might overheat.
Their water resistance dips with heavy use, so if “dry feet at all costs” is the goal, up your budget. Tread life isn’t up to constant rocky abuse, and serious mountaineers should look for deeper-lugged soles. They’re not for running, either.
Pros and Cons
Final Verdict: Are Nortiv 8 Boots Tough Enough?
So, are the Nortiv 8s tough enough for the average camper or hiker? In short – yes, within their limits. If you expect them to replace your heavy-duty mountain boots or survive a year of Cairngorm bashing, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want comfort, decent waterproofing, and solid protection for British trails and campsites, they’re a very smart buy.
I’d sum up: if I was kitting out a beginner, or just needed something for dog walks, weekends away, or general camping, I’d trust these. Keep them proofed, clean the mud off, and don’t expect miracles in the Alps.
You’ll get a boot that laughs off rain, shrugs off puddles, and saves your feet on long rambles. Skip the high street “fashion hiking boots” – these are the best value I’ve seen for real-world campers. If you’re after technical gear or true winter mountain boots, look elsewhere. Otherwise, Nortiv 8 is a budget hero ready for action.
