The NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Work Tactical Hiking Boots are a lightweight black lace-up boot with a side zippe. I've have a pair for a week or so now, so just want to share my thoughts. They feel light, they look good, and my feet stayed dry on a hike in a heavy rain. As for my i think they are not a safety boot, and 8 days is too short to judge how long they last.
This review covers what I tested and it's just my opinion everyone has his own taste for everything 🙂
Quick Verdict
Buy them if you want a light, waterproof boot for walks, easy trails and everyday wear, and you like the tactical look.
Skip them if your job needs a safety toe, you carry a heavy pack on long hikes, or you want a boot with a long track record. For a heavier-duty hiker, look at the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof.
Check the current price on Amazon
NORTIV 8 Tactical Hiking Boots: Specs
| Spec | NORTIV 8 Waterproof Work Tactical Hiking Boot |
|---|---|
| Height | High-top (per listing) |
| Closure | Lace-up with a side zipper (visible in my photos) |
| Waterproofing | "8-hour SGS-tested waterproof barrier" (per listing) |
| Midsole | E-TPU, described as ultra-lightweight (per listing) |
| Outsole | Deep-lug rubber (per listing) |
| Toe | Reinforced toe, not a rated safety toe |
| Colors | Black, Dark Brown, Coyote |
| Tested | Black, US 11 |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 stars, 104 ratings |
Specs from the Amazon listing and my own pair, retrieved 2026-11-15.
Notes After 8 Days
I tested the black pair in US 11. In 8 days I wore them on a few forest walks, a few days at work and one hike in heavy rain. I don't use them as safety boots at work. I wear them as everyday boots, and that is where they fit best.
Comfort and weight
They feel very light and comfortable. That is the first thing I noticed and it hasn't changed. The listing credits an E-TPU midsole for the light, cushioned feel, and I can say the boots don't feel bulky on the foot. I didn't weigh them, so I won't give a number.
Look and design
I like how they look. The black version is low-key and goes with jeans as easily as with outdoor clothes. There is a side zipper next to the laces, and the toe has a reinforced cap.
Waterproofing
I walked in heavy rain on a hike and my feet were dry afterward, so the waterproofing worked as advertised in that test. The listing's "8-hour" figure is a time rating, so I'd treat these as boots for rain, wet grass and puddles. I wouldn't wade in them. After 8 days I can't say how the waterproofing holds up over a season.
Outsole and grip
The outsole has a deep-lug tread, as the listing says. I walked on forest paths, wet grass and pavement without any trouble. I haven't tested them on slick indoor floors or steep loose trails, so I won't claim anything there.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: light and comfortable from the first walk.
- Pro: kept my feet dry in heavy rain.
- Pro: a good look for everyday wear, and a side zipper for convenience.
- Con: not a safety boot. The toe is reinforced but not rated, so it won't pass a site that requires ASTM safety toes.
- Con: too new to judge durability. I've worn them 8 days, and Amazon has only 104 ratings so far.
- Con: a light boot is not built for heavy packs on long, steep hikes.
Who Should Buy the NORTIV 8 Tactical Hiking Boots?
- Good fit: forest and park walks, light day hikes, dog walking, commuting and everyday wear in wet weather.
- Poor fit: jobs that require a safety toe (see our best steel toe boots), long backpacking trips, and anyone who wants a boot proven over several years.
NORTIV 8 vs Merrell Moab 3 Mid vs Columbia Transverse Hike
| NORTIV 8 Tactical Hiking Boot | Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Columbia Transverse Hike Waterproof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon rating | 4.4 (104) | 4.5 (5,454) | 4.5 (3,783) |
| Style | Tactical, side zipper | Classic mid hiker | Waterproof hiker |
| Track record | New in June 2026 | Large review base | Large review base |
| Best for | Walks and everyday wear | Longer trail hikes | Easy-to-moderate hikes |
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has a waterproof membrane, a bellows tongue that keeps debris out, a protective toe cap and a contoured removable insole, per its listing. It costs about twice as much as the NORTIV, and it has far more reviews. Pick it if you hike longer trails and want a boot with a long record. Pick the NORTIV if you want something lighter for walking and daily wear.
Columbia Transverse Hike Waterproof
The Columbia Transverse Hike Waterproof costs a little more than the NORTIV and has about 36 times as many ratings. Choose it if you want a hiking boot from a larger brand with a bigger review base behind it.
NORTIV 8 Military Tactical Side Zip
The NORTIV 8 Men's Military Tactical Work Boots with side zip is the brand's long-running tactical boot. It is ankle-high and has a YKK side zipper with a hook-and-loop strap, per its listing, and 4.4 stars from 11,657 ratings. That makes it the safer buy if durability reports matter more to you than the newest design. See our best tactical boots for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the NORTIV 8 tactical hiking boots waterproof?
The listing claims an 8-hour SGS-tested waterproof barrier. In my test, a hike in heavy rain, my feet stayed dry. I haven't tested them in standing water or over a full season.
Are they steel toe or safety boots?
No. The toe is reinforced, but the listing doesn't give a safety rating, so don't buy them for a job that requires ASTM safety toes.
Do the NORTIV 8 boots run true to size?
I tested a US 11 and can't speak for other sizes. Amazon doesn't have enough ratings yet to show a clear pattern, so buy from a seller with easy returns.
Are they good for hiking?
They work for walks, forest paths and light day hikes, and I'd choose them for that. For long hikes with a loaded pack, a boot like the Merrell Moab 3 Mid is the more proven choice.
Can I wear them every day?
Yes. They are light and comfortable, and the black version looks fine with jeans. See our lightweight hiking boots for other light options.
The Bottom Line
The NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Work Tactical Hiking Boots are light and comfortable, they look good, and they kept my feet dry in heavy rain. The trade-offs are no safety rating and no long-term data yet. If you want a light waterproof boot for walks, easy trails and everyday wear, check the NORTIV 8 on Amazon. If you hike longer or want proven durability, go with the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. For more picks, see our best waterproof hiking boots and best hiking boots for men.
