The North Face Verbera Hiker GTX

Light hiker: Nice and light! Waterproof but breathable—I hiked 15 miles, 92 degrees in Florida with wool socks and didn't think my feet got too hot. These boots will tend to "fold" half way up the ankle forcing the upper part of the heel cradle to dig into your ankle if you are carrying more than about 25lbs. Roomy—Watch the width! I have a narrow-small profile foot so I know I could have used some after market inserts and would buy a narrower boot next time, if I had not been hiking flat ground I believe my foot would have slid around a lot.

Activities: 1. Hiking/climbing Turtle Peak near Las Vegas very small day pack. 2. Hiking 15 miles in Florida heavy load (30lbs). 3. General hiking in Florida including through water.

My Foot: Narrow and low profile with a good arch, I can wear a 7 dress shoe and a 9 running, this boot is an 8 and is perfect in length

The Good: Definitely waterproof to the tipity top and yet breathable. I hiked in Las Vegas and in Florida with wool socks and not once did my feet overheat or get extremely sweaty. They are also lightweight with great traction allowing you to be quick and nimble if you are carrying minimal gear.

They have a little flex in the forward part of the sole, again good for maneuverability but not good if you are looking for a stiffer platform. No break-in was needed. Laces did the job and you could snug the shoe down.

The Bad: Definitely a light hiker. My upper heels were pretty sore after a 2-day overnight trip because they had started to fold in about half way up and dig into my heel. Granted I was carrying a pretty heavy load (too heavy for these shoes). I know that I have a narrow foot, but even so the shoe seemed a bit wide. 

I think I did o.k. on terrain in Las Vegas because I wasn't carrying any real weight, so I didn't bruise my toes or get blisters from my foot sliding around. I do not recommend these for light hiking on terrain unless you have a wider foot or get some after market inserts. In terrain, with weight, I believe your foot may slide considerably.