Between my morning trail walks and afternoon errands with the kids, I needed shoes that could actually keep up with my busy life. Last month at Target, chatting with another mom about comfortable footwear, she mentioned these NORTIV 8 hiking shoes that were getting amazing reviews online. Sarah here, and as someone juggling work, family, and trying to squeeze in some outdoor time, I was intrigued by the promise of lightweight comfort that could handle both hiking trails and daily adventures. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting these through every real-world scenario I could think of. Here’s whether they live up to the hype for busy women like us.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $45 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 9.7 oz (women’s size 8)
- 🧪 Midsole material: EVA mesh insole
- 👟 Upper material: Oxford cloth with TPU overlays
- 🦶 Sole material: EVA and rubber combination
- 🎯 Best for: Light hiking, daily walking, travel
- 🏃♀️ Category: Women’s lightweight hiking shoes
- 👥 Target users: Active women, casual hikers, busy moms
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 25+ hiking sessions, daily wear
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, what struck me most was how incredibly light these shoes feel. At just 9.7 ounces, they’re noticeably lighter than my old hiking boots, and even lighter than some of my everyday sneakers. The grey-pink colorway is much prettier in person than I expected – it’s feminine without being too flashy, and the grey keeps it versatile enough to wear with different outfits.
The Oxford cloth upper feels substantial but not bulky. I was initially skeptical about the durability since they’re so lightweight, but after 8 weeks of regular use, the material has held up well. The TPU overlays provide structure where you need it most – around the toe and heel areas – without adding unnecessary weight.
The Cord Lacing System – Game Changer or Gimmick?
Let me be honest – I was skeptical about the cord lacing system at first. As a busy mom, the last thing I need is complicated shoe closures when I’m rushing to get everyone out the door. But this system has actually become one of my favorite features.
The learning curve is minimal. You squeeze the sides of the plastic toggle to tighten, and squeeze the toggle itself to loosen. Once you get the hang of it (which took me about two uses), it’s incredibly convenient. I can slip these on and get the perfect fit in seconds, which is amazing when I’m transitioning from school drop-off to a morning hike.
However, I need to mention some durability concerns. Several reviewers reported the cord system breaking, and while mine held up during my testing period, I did notice the plastic toggle feeling a bit flimsy. For the price point, it’s acceptable, but don’t expect premium hardware quality.
Comfort and Fit Analysis
I wear a true size 8, and these fit perfectly with regular socks. The toe box is generously sized – great news for women with wider feet or those who prefer room to wiggle their toes. I found them comfortable immediately, with no break-in period needed.
The padded collar is a nice touch that prevents rubbing around the ankle. However, one common issue I experienced (and saw in other reviews) is the tongue shifting to one side during wear. It’s not painful, just slightly annoying, and easily fixed with a quick adjustment.
Performance in Various Hiking Conditions
Over 8 weeks, I tested these shoes in multiple scenarios that reflect how most women would actually use them:
Local Trail Performance
On well-maintained trails with mixed terrain (dirt, gravel, some rocks), these shoes performed admirably. The textured rubber outsole provides good traction on most surfaces. I felt confident on moderate inclines and never experienced slipping on dry trails.
During a particularly challenging 6-mile hike in Sedona with my hiking group, these shoes handled rocky terrain better than I expected for such a lightweight design. My feet felt comfortable throughout, and I didn’t experience any hot spots or pressure points.
Wet Weather and Water Resistance
Here’s where the reviews get mixed, and my experience reflects that variability. The shoes are marketed as water-resistant, not waterproof, and that distinction matters.
In light rain and dewy morning grass, they performed well – my feet stayed dry for about 30-45 minutes of exposure. However, during a heavier rain shower, water did seep through the upper material and along the tongue area. If you’re planning serious wet-weather hiking, these aren’t your best option.
That said, they dry remarkably quickly. After getting soaked, they were completely dry within a few hours, which is impressive for the price point.
All-Day Comfort Testing
I wore these for a full day of Disney World walking (over 12 miles according to my fitness tracker), and here’s what happened: my feet felt great for the first 8 hours, but by the end of the day, I was feeling some fatigue in my arches. The EVA insole provides decent cushioning, but it’s not quite as supportive as higher-end hiking shoes.
Does NORTIV 8 Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s examine the key marketing claims against my real-world experience:
“Lightweight 9.7oz Design Reduces Fatigue”
VERDICT: TRUE – These are genuinely lightweight, and you definitely notice the difference during longer activities. However, the trade-off is less cushioning and support compared to heavier shoes.
“Superior Traction for All Terrain”
VERDICT: MOSTLY TRUE – Good traction on most surfaces, but I wouldn’t call it “superior.” They handle typical hiking trails well but struggle on very wet or muddy conditions.
“Quick, Secure Cord Lacing System”
VERDICT: TRUE WITH CAVEATS – The system works well when it works, but durability concerns are real. The convenience is genuinely helpful for busy lifestyles.
“All-Day Comfort”
VERDICT: PARTIAL – Comfortable for moderate activities and shorter hikes, but the minimal cushioning becomes noticeable during extended wear on hard surfaces.
My Overall Assessment
After 8 weeks of testing these shoes in various conditions, here’s my honest assessment:
Detailed Scoring
- Comfort (1-10): 7.5 – Great for moderate use, but lacks support for extended activities
- Durability (1-10): 6.0 – Upper material holds up well, but lacing system has concerns
- Traction (1-10): 7.0 – Good on most surfaces, struggles in wet conditions
- Value for Money (1-10): 8.5 – Excellent performance for the price point
- Style (1-10): 8.0 – Attractive, versatile design that works for multiple occasions
- Water Resistance (1-10): 6.0 – Light moisture protection, but not reliable in heavy wet conditions
- Weight (1-10): 9.5 – Outstanding lightweight design
- Ease of Use (1-10): 8.5 – Cord lacing is convenient when it works
Overall Score: 7.5/10
What Other Women Are Saying
The community feedback aligns closely with my experience. Common praise includes the lightweight feel, affordability, and convenience of the lacing system. The most frequent complaints center around durability concerns with the cord system and mixed experiences with water resistance.
Many reviewers with wider feet specifically praise the generous toe box, while women with narrow feet sometimes find them a bit loose. The consensus on sizing is mostly “true to size,” but there’s enough variation to suggest trying them on if possible.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| ✅ What Works | ❌ What Doesn’t |
|---|---|
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Who Should Buy the NORTIV 8 Women’s Hiking Shoes?
Perfect for:
- Casual hikers who prioritize comfort and convenience
- Busy women who need versatile shoes for multiple activities
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking good value
- Travel enthusiasts who want packable, lightweight footwear
- Women with wider feet who struggle to find comfortable hiking shoes
- Anyone who hates dealing with traditional laces
Not ideal for:
- Serious hikers tackling technical or challenging terrain
- Women who need maximum arch support
- Those frequently hiking in wet or muddy conditions
- Anyone prioritizing maximum durability over convenience
- Users who need waterproof (not just water-resistant) footwear
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you need more durability and don’t mind the weight, consider Merrell or Columbia hiking shoes in the $80-120 range. For better arch support, look into brands like HOKA or Salomon. If waterproofing is crucial, Gore-Tex lined options from established outdoor brands would serve you better.
Final Recommendation
For $45, the NORTIV 8 Women’s Hiking Shoes deliver solid value for casual outdoor enthusiasts and busy women who need versatile, comfortable footwear. They’re not going to replace premium hiking boots for serious adventures, but they excel at what they’re designed for: lightweight, convenient shoes that can handle daily life and weekend trail walks.
The convenience factor alone – being able to slip these on and get the perfect fit in seconds – makes them worth considering for busy lifestyles. Just be aware of the durability limitations and have realistic expectations about their capabilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these shoes true to size?
Most women find them true to size, including myself (size 8). However, they run slightly generous, so if you prefer a snug fit or have narrow feet, you might consider sizing down a half size. The roomy toe box is great for wider feet.
How waterproof are they really?
They’re water-resistant, not waterproof. They’ll handle light rain, morning dew, and small puddles, but don’t expect them to keep your feet dry in heavy rain or when crossing streams. They dry quickly when they do get wet.
Will the cord lacing system break?
Some users have experienced issues with the plastic toggles breaking, though mine held up during 8 weeks of testing. For the price point, it’s a reasonable trade-off for the convenience, but keep regular laces as a backup if you’re concerned.
Can I wear these for daily activities, not just hiking?
Absolutely! They’re actually great for errands, travel, and daily wear. The lightweight design and quick-on convenience make them practical for busy lifestyles. I regularly wore mine for school pickups, grocery shopping, and casual outings.
How do they compare to more expensive hiking shoes?
You’ll notice differences in cushioning, arch support, and build quality compared to $100+ shoes. However, for casual hiking and daily wear, these perform admirably well. The weight advantage is noticeable and appreciated during longer activities.
Are they good for wide feet?
Yes! Many women with wider feet specifically praise these shoes. The toe box is generously sized, and they don’t feel constricting. Several reviews mentioned ordering regular width instead of needing wide sizes.
What’s the expected lifespan?
With regular use (2-3 times per week), expect 6-12 months of good performance. The upper material is reasonably durable, but the lacing system and outsole will show wear over time. For the price, that’s acceptable value.
Do they provide good arch support?
The arch support is moderate – fine for casual activities but not exceptional. If you have specific arch support needs or plan extended hiking, consider adding aftermarket insoles or looking at higher-end options.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 7.5 | Great for moderate use, limited for extended activities |
| Durability | 6.0 | Upper holds up well, lacing system has concerns |
| Traction | 7.0 | Good on most surfaces, struggles when wet |
| Value for Money | 8.5 | Excellent performance for the price point |
| Style | 8.0 | Attractive, versatile design |
| Water Resistance | 6.0 | Light protection, not reliable in heavy conditions |
| OVERALL SCORE | 7.5/10 | Solid value for casual hiking and daily wear |
Bottom Line: At $45, these shoes deliver impressive value for women seeking lightweight, convenient footwear for casual hiking and active lifestyles. While they won’t replace premium hiking boots for serious adventures, they excel at bridging the gap between athletic shoes and outdoor footwear for busy, active women.
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