Northside Hiker Hiking Ankle Brown – Buying Guide
ReviewNorthside Rockford Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot: Trail-Ready on a Budget? Let’s Find Out.
So, I’ve been trying out the Northside Rockford Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots lately, and figured I’d share my thoughts. I’m no mountaineer, just someone who enjoys a good weekend hike, so I’m always on the lookout for gear that doesn’t cost a fortune but can still hold its own on the trail. Can the Rockford Mid deliver? Let’s dive in.
First Look
Right off the bat, these boots look like hiking boots, you know? The distressed leather upper gives them a classic vibe, which I appreciate. It definitely feels a step up from those all-synthetic boots that sometimes feel a bit cheap. The padded collar and tongue seemed comfy enough, and I’m always a fan of hook lacing – makes it so much easier to adjust the fit when you’re already halfway up a hill.
Hitting the Trail
Okay, so the big claim is that these are waterproof. And honestly, that’s a must-have for the kind of weather we get around here. I didn’t go wading through any rivers, but they definitely kept my feet dry during a pretty decent rain shower. Plus, they say the lining wicks away moisture, and I gotta say, my feet weren’t a swamp at the end of the hike, so that’s a win.
Now, comfort-wise, the insole is decent. I’ve worn boots that felt like walking on clouds, but for shorter hikes, these were perfectly fine. The outsole? It’s got okay traction on dirt and gravel, but I’d think twice before taking these on anything too gnarly – you know, super slippery rocks or crazy steep climbs. Just being honest.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Leather Upper: Classic look and feel, and the leather comes from a Leather Working Group certified tannery, which is a nice touch.
- Waterproof: Seam-sealed, so you should be good in wet conditions.
- Moisture-Wicking Lining: Helps keep your feet dry and comfy.
- PU Outsole: Dual-density for grip and long-lasting wear.
- Ankle Height: Gives you some support around the ankles.
- Shaft Circumference: About 8 inches around.
- Weight: Around 3 pounds – not too heavy, not super light.
- Eco-Friendly: The leather in this product was produced by a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, supporting more-responsible leather production.
A Few Things to Consider
One thing I noticed is that these boots are made by a smaller company. That’s cool in some ways, but it might mean they’re not as easy to find as some of the bigger brands.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Northside Rockford Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are a pretty good deal for casual hikers who want a solid boot without emptying their wallet. They’re comfy enough, waterproof enough, and grippy enough for most easy to moderate trails. But if you’re planning on tackling some serious mountain climbing? You might want to spend a bit more for something more hardcore. Just my two cents!