NORTIV 8 Armadillo walking boots review

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Ever heard of Nortiv8? No? Well nor had I until the brand’s Armadillo 2 walking boots landed on my doorstep.

One thing in particular caught my attention, too. That was, of course, the price. Nortiv8 lists them with an RRP of £80.10 on its website, but on Amazon the boots are available for just under £50.

That puts them in a similar price bracket to the likes of Mountain Warehouse and Hi-Tec’s products.

First impressions

Despite the low price point, these boots don’t feel overly cheap and they look like they could easily fall within the ranges of the brands I’ve already mentioned, or even a company like Merrell.

There’s no immediate sign of poor quality, like you sometimes get from cheap products in the form of loose threads, either.

Alongside the suede and mesh upper, there’s a hefty toe bumper and significant protection around the heel, which is a useful addition if you’re prone to bumping your toes on rocks or roots.

Are they waterproof?

Yes, for the most part, but there is a caveat.

There are signs of a durable water repellent (DWR) coating as there’s some beading up of water in initial downpours, but the outer fabric does quickly wet out and soak up moisture.

Luckily, the waterproof membrane proved to be up to the task during my testing, which included a controlled submersion test.

However, while not a dealbreaker, it’s important to note that there’s no tongue bellews here to keep out debris and enhance water protection.

The waterproof lining also doesn’t come right to the top of the boot, which means the top few centimetres of the boot will let water through.

That’s a shame, as that may well be an issue for anyone crossing deep puddles, boggy ground or streams, or even if you’re walking in a significant downpour.

Do they grip well?

Honestly, they’re okay. If you’re walking in dry conditions or on well-maintained tracks then they’ll be more than up to the task.

However, the tread pattern isn’t as deep or as aggressive as I like to see for serious off-piste adventures, which translates to a slippery experience in anything more than damp mud.

The rubber compound also doesn’t stick to wet rock all that well, though admittedly that’s a terrain that can prove tricky for many walking boots and shoes.

Will they fit me?

As ever, that depends. I typically go for UK11 size boots for my low-volume but wider than standard feet.

The Armadillo 2 boots fit fine for the most part and there is plenty of room in the front for toe splay.

In fact, unusually, I’d go as far to say that these walking boots may be slightly too roomy, as there’s quite a bit of room around the midfoot, too.

The lacing does allow you to lock down the boot fairly well, but there’s still a bit of lateral movement for me toward the front half.

It didn’t prove any significant issues when testing in the Brecon Beacons and on the Cotswold Way, but I’d feel slightly uneasy using these boots on more technical terrain, where I’d want more significant stability and support.

How do they feel?

Aside from the caveats around fit, the boots feel rather nice to wear. There’s a generous helping of cushioning around the ankle and on the tongue, while the insole also feels nicely cushioned.

There’s a huge amount of flex to them underfoot, too, which can boost comfort, but can also leave you lacking in underfoot support.

Personally, I find it another reason for me not to use these boots on more technical terrain where I may be doing some scrambling or walking on particularly uneven ground.

The other thing to note is that, on my scales, each boot weighed 656g, which is quite heavy for a textile boot.

Will suit…

The Nortiv8 Armadillo 2 walking boots would be best for people on a budget that don’t intend to venture into rugged terrain or too far off well-maintained trails.

They’d be a good pick for youngsters doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, too.

Facts at a glance:

• RRP: £80.10
• Uppers: Textile/suede upper
• Outsole: Own-brand construction
• Waterproofing: Own-brand waterproof lining
• Fit: Wide
• Weight: 656g per boot (UK size 11)