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

The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV Leather Boots: A 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

| Feature | Specification | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Upper | Full‑grain leather with DryVent™ waterproof membrane citeturn0search2 | | Lining | 100 % recycled PET mesh + fleece collar citeturn0search2 | | Insulation | Fleece lining (no dedicated thermal fill) | | Weight | 475 g per boot / 950 g pair (Men’s US 9) citeturn0search7 | | Midsole | Single‑density EVA with OrthoLite® footbed | | Outsole | SurfaceCTRL™ rubber, 4 mm lugs citeturn0search3 | | Shaft Height | 6 in (15 cm) | | Waterproof Rating | Fully seam‑sealed DryVent™ membrane citeturn0search2 | | Sustainability | Upper leather from LWG‑certified tanneries; 100 % recycled laces | | MSRP | US $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?

| Boot | Price | Weight (pair) | Waterproof | Insulation | Best For | | ----------------------------------- | ----- | ------------- | ----------- | -------------------- | --------------------- | | TNF Back‑To‑Berkeley IV Leather | $155 | 950 g | DryVent™ | Fleece collar | Urban‑trail crossover | | Timberland 6‑Inch Premium | $198 | 1.32 kg | Seam‑sealed | 400 g PrimaLoft | Cold urban winters | | Danner Mountain 600 | $200 | 1.05 kg | Danner Dry | Non‑insulated | Lightweight hiking | | Columbia Fairbanks Omni‑Heat | $140 | 820 g | OMNI‑TECH™ | OMNI‑HEAT reflective | Fast‑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.

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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.