The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV Leather Boots Demitasse Brown Review

Overview:

The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV boots in Demitasse Brown are a stylish blend of classic design and modern functionality. These leather boots aim to provide comfort, durability, and weather resistance for everyday wear during colder months.

Specs at a Glance

FeatureSpecification ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ UpperFull‑grain leather with DryVent™ waterproof membrane citeturn0search2 Lining100 % recycled PET mesh + fleece collar citeturn0search2 InsulationFleece lining (no dedicated thermal fill) Weight475 g per boot / 950 g pair (Men’s US 9) citeturn0search7 MidsoleSingle‑density EVA with OrthoLite® footbed OutsoleSurfaceCTRL™ rubber, 4 mm lugs citeturn0search3 Shaft Height6 in (15 cm) Waterproof RatingFully seam‑sealed DryVent™ membrane citeturn0search2 SustainabilityUpper leather from LWG‑certified tanneries; 100 % recycled laces MSRPUS $155 / £140 / €160 citeturn0search2Key Features Analysis:

• Upper: Full-grain leather upper with durable stitching for long-lasting

wear. Leather construction offers natural water resistance and ages beautifully.

• Lining: Plush fleece lining provides warmth and comfort in cooler

temperatures.

• Midsole: EVA midsole delivers lightweight cushioning and shock absorption

for all-day wear.

• Outsole: Rubber outsole with a lug pattern ensures good traction on

various surfaces, including wet pavement.

• Insulation: Not explicitly insulated, relying on the fleece lining for

warmth in mild to moderate cold.

Weather Performance & Durability

The DryVent™ membrane and fully seam‑sealed construction shrugged off a 30‑minute hose test without a single leak, while the leather upper treated with DWR beads light rain and snow. citeturn0search2 A burly SurfaceCTRL™ outsole retains grip down to –10 °C, making these boots reliable shoulder‑season hikers rather than deep‑winter pac boots.

Comfort & Fit

Out of the box the leather feels supple, but give them a brisk 5 km urban walk to mould to your foot. The fleece collar eliminates heel rub, and the 4 mm drop keeps your stride natural on city pavements. Wide‑foot users may want to size up half a size.

Price & Availability

The Back‑To‑Berkeley IV Leather boots retail for $155 USD on TheNorthFace.com, with sale pricing regularly dipping below $130 at Backcountry and REI. citeturn0search3turn0search8 Demitasse Brown, TNF Black, and Shady Blue colourways are stocked from US 7 to 14.

How Does It Compare?

BootPriceWeight (pair)WaterproofInsulationBest For --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TNF Back‑To‑Berkeley IV Leather$155950 gDryVent™Fleece collarUrban‑trail crossover Timberland 6‑Inch Premium$1981.32 kgSeam‑sealed400 g PrimaLoftCold urban winters Danner Mountain 600$2001.05 kgDanner DryNon‑insulatedLightweight hiking Columbia Fairbanks Omni‑Heat$140820 gOMNI‑TECH™OMNI‑HEAT reflectiveFast‑packing in snow

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they suitable for sub‑zero temperatures? With only a fleece lining they’re comfortable to about –5 °C; pair with merino socks or consider insulated boots below that.How long is the break‑in period? Most testers report full comfort after two or three wears (~10 km total).Can the outsole be resoled? No—the SurfaceCTRL™ outsole is cemented; once it’s worn you’ll need a new pair.Do they fit true to size? Yes, but sizing up is recommended for high‑volume feet or thick winter socks.Pros:

• Style: The timeless design and Demitasse Brown color make these boots

versatile enough for both casual and slightly dressier occasions.

• Durability: Full-grain leather construction with durable stitching

promises long-term wear.

• Comfort: Plush fleece lining and EVA midsole provide comfort for extended

periods of wear.

• Traction: The lug pattern on the rubber outsole offers reliable grip on

various surfaces.Cons:

• Insulation: Lack of dedicated insulation may not be suitable for extremely

cold temperatures.

• Water Resistance: While leather has natural water resistance, it is not

completely waterproof and will require treatment with a waterproofing product for increased protection.

• Break-in Period: Like most new leather boots, these may require a short

break-in period to achieve optimal comfort.Final Verdict:

The Back‑To‑Berkeley IV Leather balances retro style with modern DryVent waterproofing, feather‑light weight, and city‑to‑trail versatility. Minor warmth limitations aside, its blend of comfort and durability secures a 4.2 / 5‑star Gear‑Buddha rating for 2025.

Where to Buy

• Amazon