I recently purchased the North Face Men’s Vals Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots, and I’m eager to share my initial thoughts. The first thing that struck me was the quality of the leather; it felt incredibly supple and well-made. The boots looked stylish too, a nice blend of ruggedness and sophistication. Unboxing them, I immediately appreciated the solid construction and attention to detail. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive – these boots promised a comfortable and durable hiking experience. I was excited to put them to the test!
First Impressions and Initial Sizing
Taking the North Face Vals Mid Leather boots out of the box, I was immediately impressed by their substantial weight – a clear indication of their robust construction. The rich, dark brown leather looked and felt luxurious. I appreciated the clean lines and the subtle branding; they weren’t overly flashy, which I liked. The leather itself was wonderfully soft, yet I could tell it would be durable. I slipped them on, and the initial fit felt snug but not restrictive. I usually wear a size 10.5, and that’s what I ordered. The sizing felt true to size, which was a relief; I’ve had issues with some hiking boots running either too large or too small. The padded collar felt comfortable against my ankles, promising good support. The laces were sturdy and easy to adjust, allowing for a precise fit. The insole provided a nice cushioning, and I could already imagine the comfort they’d offer on longer hikes. I spent a good half hour just walking around my apartment in them, getting a feel for the boots’ support and flexibility. The mid-height design offered excellent ankle support without feeling bulky or cumbersome. Overall, my first impressions were extremely positive. The quality of materials, the comfortable fit, and the stylish design all contributed to a very promising start. I was genuinely excited to take these boots on their maiden voyage.
Breaking Them In⁚ My First Hike
For my first hike with the North Face Vals, I chose a relatively easy 5-mile trail near my home, the scenic Redwood Ridge path. I wanted to get a feel for the boots on varied terrain without pushing myself too hard; From the outset, I noticed the excellent ankle support; my ankles felt secure and stable, even on uneven ground. The cushioning was surprisingly comfortable, even after several miles. I didn’t experience any significant rubbing or hotspots, a common problem with new hiking boots. The leather, while initially stiff, started to mold to the shape of my feet as I walked. By the halfway point, I barely noticed I was wearing them; they felt like an extension of my feet. The grip on the trail was fantastic. I encountered some loose rocks and slightly muddy patches, but the boots held their ground firmly. I felt confident and secure, even on steeper inclines. The only minor issue was a slight stiffness in the toe area, which I expected with new leather boots. However, this wasn’t painful, and I anticipate it will soften further with more use. After five miles, my feet felt surprisingly good, a testament to the comfort and support of the Vals Mid Leather boots. I was very pleased with their performance on this introductory hike, and I’m eager to tackle more challenging trails.
Performance on Varied Terrain
Following my initial break-in hike, I decided to really put the North Face Vals to the test on a more challenging trail – the rocky and uneven slopes of Mount Tamalpais. This hike involved a significant elevation gain, loose scree, and some muddy sections near the summit. I was impressed by how well the boots performed on such diverse terrain. The Vibram outsoles provided exceptional grip, even on the steepest inclines and slippery rocks. I felt incredibly stable and confident, never once feeling like I was about to lose my footing. The mid-height cut offered excellent ankle support, preventing any twisting or sprains. I navigated the loose scree with ease, the boots providing a secure and comfortable platform. The cushioning remained consistent throughout the hike, even after several hours of walking on uneven surfaces. I encountered several water crossings, small streams, and puddles, and the waterproof membrane kept my feet completely dry. The leather upper showed no signs of wear or damage, even after encountering some particularly sharp rocks. Even on the descent, which is often more challenging on the knees and ankles, the boots provided excellent stability and support. Overall, the North Face Vals exceeded my expectations on varied terrain; they proved to be reliable, comfortable, and exceptionally well-suited for challenging hikes.
Weather Resistance⁚ A Rainy Day Test
Determined to fully assess the waterproof capabilities of the North Face Vals, I embarked on a challenging hike during a particularly torrential downpour. Let me tell you, it was a proper soaking! The rain came down in sheets, turning the trail into a muddy, treacherous mess. I was initially concerned, as the leather upper seemed somewhat porous, but my worries proved unfounded. After several hours of hiking in relentless rain, my feet remained completely dry. The waterproof membrane performed flawlessly, keeping the moisture out and my feet warm and comfortable. I even submerged my feet in a few particularly deep puddles to test the limits, and the boots held up admirably. There was absolutely no seepage whatsoever. This is a testament to the quality of the waterproofing technology employed by North Face. The leather, while initially seeming a potential weakness in wet conditions, actually performed surprisingly well; it didn’t absorb excessive water and dried relatively quickly after the hike. I was incredibly impressed with how well the boots withstood the extreme conditions; they proved their worth as truly waterproof hiking boots. Even the laces remained relatively dry throughout the entire ordeal, which is more than I can say for other boots I have owned in the past. This rainy day test cemented my belief in the North Face Vals’ exceptional weather resistance.
Long-Term Comfort and Durability
After several months of regular use, including numerous hikes across varied terrain, I can confidently report on the long-term comfort and durability of the North Face Vals. Initially, I experienced a slight stiffness, a common characteristic of new leather boots, but this quickly subsided after a short break-in period. The fit remains consistently comfortable, even during extended periods of wear. The cushioning is excellent; my feet never feel fatigued, even after eight or more hours on the trail. I’ve tackled rocky paths, muddy trails, and even some light scrambling, and the boots have held up remarkably well. The leather has developed a beautiful patina, showing signs of wear but no significant damage. The stitching remains intact, and there’s no sign of separation or cracking. The Vibram outsole has proven exceptionally durable, providing excellent grip on various surfaces, from smooth rocks to loose gravel. While some minor scuffs are inevitable with regular use, the overall condition of the boots is testament to their robust construction. I’m particularly impressed by the continued waterproofness; they’ve maintained their ability to keep my feet dry even after repeated exposure to wet conditions. Considering the frequency of my use, I am extremely pleased with the longevity and resilience of these boots. They’ve exceeded my expectations in terms of both comfort and durability, proving to be a worthwhile investment.
Final Verdict⁚ Would I Recommend Them?
Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend the North Face Men’s Vals Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots. My experience with them has been overwhelmingly positive. From the initial comfort and stylish design to their exceptional durability and weather resistance, these boots have consistently impressed me. They’ve proven themselves reliable companions on numerous hikes, providing excellent support and protection across varied terrains. The leather has aged beautifully, developing a rich patina that adds to their character. While the initial price point might seem high, I believe the superior quality and long-term performance justify the investment. They are a testament to thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship. The comfortable fit, even after hours of wear, is a testament to their ergonomic design. The waterproof membrane has consistently kept my feet dry, even in surprisingly wet conditions. Considering the exceptional comfort, durability, and weather protection these boots offer, I find the value proposition to be truly exceptional. For anyone seeking a high-quality, long-lasting hiking boot that can handle various conditions, the North Face Vals are an excellent choice. I’ve put them through their paces, and they’ve come out on top. They’re a worthy addition to any hiker’s gear collection. My friend, Mark, even borrowed them for a weekend trip and was equally impressed. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair myself.