The TNF Selkirk was a steal at $90. It's a good, all-around hiking/light-backpacking boot. It provides good support and the traction is adequate on most terrain. As for the waterproof leather...it is, although you should use a DWR like Tectron. My feet did get wet, but the problem was with the tongue gusset, not the leather. The gusset does not extend far enough to the top of the tongue thus it allows water to enter. So if you don't go sloshing through puddles or creeks, you shouldn't have any problems with wet feet. Because it does not have a Gore-Tex liner, this boot breathes...my feet stayed "cool" relatively speaking. The speed lacing, toe rand, and heel counter are all improvements over TNF's initial offerings like the Palisade Crest and Cathedral Pass. Overall, this boot felt good out of the box. My only complaint is that it could use a little more cushioning...perhaps that's the trade off for a stiff-sole boot. At a MSRP of $140, it's a solid investment and a keeper.

Customer Service

Good.

Similar Products Used:

Merrell, La Sportiva, Vasques, Garmont

The North Face is a new player in the footwear market and the Selkirk model shows all the signs of their lack of experience. Hopefully, TNF is always looking to improve their products and I know that one day they will provide us with high quality boots. It is only the beginning! I bought the Selkirk boots two weeks ago to replace my defective Salomon Dirtrider and I decided to break them on a two days trip at the Gatineau Park. The boots were supposed to be fully waterproof (it is even written on the boots!) but after only few minutes walking on the wet morning grass, I felt water getting to my feet from the seams around the tongue. Because the Park is real swamp at this time of the year, I went off-trail for the ultimate test. I came back with my feet soaked but I had a great time playing in mud and water! Moreover, there is a bump on the footbed that makes the boots uncomfortable for long walks on the sidewalk (I walked to reach the park entrance the day before). Also, I found the boots were very slippery when walking on wet rocks or trunks. Maybe they lack some grip but it happens when you choose more rigid soles. Finally I brought back the boots to my retailer for a waterproofing treatment. 24 hours after, I dropped some water on the lower part of the tongue. The water reached again my socks, even after the treatment! The North Face do not provide any information about how to take care of the boots. Fortunately, at all time my retailer gave me a number one Customer Service. After providing me with a free waterproofing treatment, he just took back the boots and offered me a credit, taking charge of my unsatisfactory product. The North Face does not carry a large line of models and the only other backpacking boots available are showing the same design that I think is defective. I am still thinking but I may go with Lowa next, waiting a bit before buying boots from The North Face again.

Customer Service

My retailer is dealing with it.

Similar Products Used:

Salomon, Sorel

I bought a pair of Selkirks in December, and I have to say, they are terrible. The tongue constantly slides to the side of my ankle, rubbing my ankles like crazy. The more I wear these boots, the worse they feel. I am very dissapointed, the quality is something like you would see in a department store boot.