Quick Verdict: The North Face Back To Berkeley IV in Black is a leather or textile lace-up boot built around a seam-sealed DryVent waterproof membrane and molded EVA midsole. It handles wet pavement and light trail duty confidently. Its main limitation is stiffness out of the box and a break-in period that catches new owners off guard.
| Specification | Measurement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Upper Material | Full-grain leather (Leather version) or recycled textile blend (Textile version) |
| Waterproofing | Seam-sealed DryVent™ membrane, internal waterproof construction |
| Midsole | Molded EVA cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber lug outsole for traction |
| Closure | Lace-up, boot eyelets/hooks |
| Colorway Reviewed | Black |
| Weight | Not officially published by The North Face per pair; consistent with mid-weight leather hiking boots in this category (source: The North Face) |
| Gender Options | Men’s and Women’s specific lasts (source: Backcountry) |
| Price (2026) | Typically $140–$165 depending on retailer and version |
Design, Materials & Build Quality
The Back To Berkeley IV keeps The North Face’s heritage silhouette while updating internal construction. The leather version uses a full-grain hide that resists scuffing better than the textile version, though the textile build brings a lighter, more flexible feel plus recycled content credentials. Both share the same seam-sealed DryVent membrane, which handles puddles, slush, and wet grass without letting moisture creep in through the stitching — a common failure point on cheaper waterproof boots (source: The North Face).
Hardware is basic but functional: metal eyelets up top transition to speed hooks, making lacing quick even with gloves on. The rubber lug outsole has moderate depth, enough for gravel and light mud but not aggressive enough to replace a dedicated backpacking boot on technical terrain.
Fit and Ergonomics
The last is slightly wider than The North Face’s trail-running shoes, which suits thicker socks in cold weather. The molded EVA midsole gives noticeable step-in cushioning compared to older Berkeley generations, which tended to feel like walking on a plank for the first few wears.
Core Performance & Field Testing
In testing across wet city sidewalks, muddy dog-walking trails, and a few freezing mornings, the DryVent membrane kept feet dry through standing water up to the boot’s collar line. Traction on wet leaves and packed snow was solid, though not flawless on ice — this is not a winter mountaineering boot.
Stability on uneven ground is good for a lifestyle-leaning hiker. The stiffer leather version offers slightly more ankle support than the textile model, which flexes more and feels closer to a heavy sneaker.
Weatherproofing in Real Conditions
Rain exposure over multiple wear sessions showed no leaking at the seams or laces. Extended submersion above the ankle line, however, does eventually let water in — expected for any non-gaiter boot design.
Sizing, Fit & Transport Compliance
True to size for most testers, though those with wide feet should consider sizing up half a size. The boots pack reasonably flat in checked luggage and meet standard airline personal-item and carry-on footwear allowances since they’re not oversized like true backpacking boots. For travelers, they double well as an all-weather daily shoe rather than a dedicated trail boot, reducing the number of shoes needed in a travel pack.
Long-Term Durability & Wear Impressions
After several weeks of regular wear, the leather version showed only minor surface creasing, no membrane failure, and stitching held firm. The textile version showed more visible wear on high-flex areas near the toe box but no waterproofing breakdown. Sole wear was moderate, consistent with a boot used for city and light-trail combination use rather than daily mountain hiking.
Pros
- Reliable, seam-sealed waterproofing that performs in real wet conditions
- Comfortable EVA midsole compared to earlier Berkeley versions
- Classic silhouette that works for both outdoor and casual settings
- Two material options (leather or textile) for different durability/weight preferences
- Good value relative to premium hiking boot brands
Cons
- Noticeable break-in period, especially with the leather version
- Outsole lugs aren’t aggressive enough for technical backcountry trails
- No official published weight specs from The North Face, making pack-weight planning harder
- Textile version shows cosmetic wear faster than leather
Comparison: Back To Berkeley IV vs. Competitors
Vs. Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot
Timberland’s Premium boot has a stiffer, more traditional leather build with less cushioning underfoot. The Berkeley IV wins on comfort thanks to its EVA midsole, while the Timberland edges ahead on long-term leather durability and iconic styling recognition.
Vs. Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Boot
The Moab 3 is lighter and more trail-focused, with better traction on technical terrain. The Berkeley IV feels more substantial and holds up better as a daily wear-anywhere boot, but the Moab 3 is the stronger pick for serious hikers logging technical mileage.
Who Should Buy It vs. Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: you want a versatile, weatherproof boot for commuting, travel, and light trail use, and you like the classic hiking-boot look without carrying a heavier backcountry boot.
Skip it if: you need a dedicated technical hiking or backpacking boot for rugged, multi-day terrain, or you want a boot that requires zero break-in time.
Related Buyer’s Guide: Comparing multiple options for your next trip? See how this model stacks up against other top-rated gear in our complete field guide to the 8 Best Hiking Boots for 2026 (Tested on Mud, Rock & Scree).
Final Score & Rating
8/10. The North Face Back To Berkeley IV Black delivers dependable waterproofing, improved comfort over previous generations, and enough versatility to cover city streets and light trails alike. It loses points for the break-in stiffness and the lack of published weight specs, but as a daily all-weather boot, it earns its reputation.