The NORTIV 8 Armadillo 2 Hiking Boots are already my third pair of the footwear from this brand. They are very comfortable, with a true out-of-box comfort, but they are definitely not waterproof.
Key features
- Mid cut.
- Great ankle support and comfort.
- Easy to put on and off.
- Available in several colors.
- No break-in time.
- Incredible price.
- Not waterproof.
What is in the name
This brand has a series of mid-cut boots and low-cut shoes on the market, and they are all among the best-selling items on Amazon. In fact, as of the moment of writing this text, the boots presented here are the number one on Amazon in the group of men’s backpacking boots, see the picture below.
The number 2 in the official name indicates the fact that this is Armadillo 2, i.e., the second version with some upgrades and modifications in the design. The changes they introduced here are summarized in the picture:
From my own perspective, this is already my third pair. I have the Armadillo 1 mid-cut, and also low cut shoes from the same brand. Both are described in detail in my reviews so please follow the links to see more.
The mentioned NORTIV 8 Men’s Low Top Waterproof Hiking Shoes I use in my daily life and this means practically every day in these winter months. I must say, I am very satisfied with them.
The mid-cut boots (Armadillo 1), I have used in the mountains for real mountaineering tours, and they performed great.
Regarding the mentioned upgrades in the Armadillo 2, some of them are about the inner structure, so this is something one cannot really see. But the upper is indeed improved.
In the picture below you can see the overlays that look like a suede leather. The fabric underneath the overlays is also much stronger now, and this is completely different from the Armadillo 1.
So I am convinced that the Armadillo 2 boots are indeed much stronger that Armadillo 1 shown below where the overlays are a synthetic material and the layer underneath is much thinner.
As you realize from the pictures, this is a mid-cut design and the collar is exceptionally comfortable. The lacing system includes no less than 7 pairs of eyelets, hooks, and loops.
They have added rubber overlays on the front and on the back, and this rubber material continues to the soles that are truly slip-proof and with a great traction and stability. I was pleasantly surprised with this aspect of the boots. The picture below shows them before use because I wanted to show you the deep lugs.
But here they are after some walks through the forest:
The shock-absorbent cushioned insoles are also very pleasant, see the picture:
My testing
Are Nortiv 8 Armadillo 2 boots really waterproof?
On Amazon, they give a screenshot with a testing certificate regarding waterproofness, see the picture below. From this perspective, I can only say ‘sorry Nortiv 8, you did not really need this‘. These boots are definitely not waterproof, and their statement is simply absurd.
I tested them myself and initially I could not feel leak inside, and this was even recorded in my video. However, later I realized that they had water underneath the removable insoles.
So, to be completely fair before making any serious claim, I even repeated the test and the picture below shows what I was doing.
I stress that I kept them in water for around 5 minutes only, so their statement about passing a 4-hour waterproof test looks ridiculous. But read the following.
From what I have realized, they absorb water like a sponge, but very slowly. The water then slowly penetrates through the fabric and through whatever is inside. So you may think they are waterproof, as I did, but do not rush with conclusions.
After those 5 minutes of keeping them in water, I could feel that the inner liner was becoming wet. However, the gravity of the problem became clear later.
I checked the boots after 15-20 minutes and realized that the thick padding was completely soaked with water. This was even in the collar and tong areas that were not in water at all.
One hour later, the complete collar padding all the way to the top was wet. Incredible. It will take days before I am able to use these boots again.
How about comfort of these Armadillo 2 boots?
These boots are very comfortable and there is no doubt about this. In principle, they do not require any break-in time, but make sure that you test them initially with thick socks to avoid problems, and start with shorter walks first.
The gusseted tongue is greatly padded and the same holds for the collar. The bottom is the same as in the Armadillo 1 boots, so I know for sure that traction is excellent on any surface.
When you inspect the inner, you see a liner that feels like a thin padding, and you have already seen the inner soles. This is why they feel warm, I have been testing them in winter conditions and they perform great.
Who are these Nortiv 8 Armadillo 2 boots for
Regarding the size, from my own experience, these boots run wide. I have the EU number 42, or US number 9, and I would rather have them half a size smaller.
I feel this in the toe area and also with the tongue which I feel is too big when I tighten the laces. The table below shows the sizes they currently have on Amazon.
But you can check also on their site for more options regarding sizes and colors.
Regarding the best use, with their mid-cut and pleasant collar, these boots can be used for hiking and for a variety of terrains. The grip is very good so the soles are nicely designed, and the boots offer a very comfortable ankle support.
I can see them also as boots for hunters and for many other activities. Currently, I myself use them for long walks in the woods, but next summer I shall take them to the mountains.
The front is reinforced with a rubber cap, so this comes good for hiking on a rocky terrain and for work as well, and also for backpacking and traveling.
Regarding the weight, they are not the lightest option on the market, but I would describe them as moderate.
Regarding the price, you have already seen about their number 1 bestselling position on Amazon. The price is the reason, they are incredibly affordable.
Final thoughts & rating
In conclusion, the NORTIV 8 Armadillo 2 Hiking Boots present a mixed bag of features and performance. While they offer commendable comfort, ankle support, and a sleek design, their claim of being waterproof falls short in real-world testing, and you should not use them in wet conditions.
The improvements in the Armadillo 2, particularly in the enhanced upper, make them a more durable choice compared to their predecessor Armadillo 1.
The boots, though not the lightest, provide reliable traction, making them suitable for various terrains and outdoor activities.
Despite the waterproofing disappointment, their affordability and overall performance position them as a reasonable choice for hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts that plan to use them in a dry environment only.
Below you can see how I rate the boots against my usual rating criteria so that you can easily compare it with other items of this type:
NORTIV 8 Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots Armadillo 2
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Great ankle support.
- Very goof traction.
- Warm.
- Incredible price.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY
For more options, please check under the category Mens Footwear. In particular check my Mammut Sapuen High GTX Boots that are very technical and waterproof.
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