The North Face Chilkat V 400 Boot Review
The Chilkat V 400 ($159) doesn’t lead the pack in any one category, but it’s a solid performer across the board—and the price is hard to beat. It’s warm enough, walks decently, and offers respectable protection for most winter conditions. The fit can be hard to dial in and it’s too bulky for real hikes, but for shoveling, errands, or sledding with the kids, it does the job. If you want a winter boot that’s reliably competent without spending a premium, this one earns its keep.
Warmth
Walking Comfort
Traction
Waterproofing
Durability
Sustainability
Insulation
400g Heatseeker Eco
Boot Height
10.2 in.
Weight
3 lb. 2.3 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Pros
Cons
The North Face Chilkat V 400
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Winter Boots.
The North Face Chilkat V 400 offers a practical level of warmth for typical winter conditions. With 400-gram Heatseeker Eco insulation, a seam-sealed leather upper, and thick TPU lower shell, it’s well-equipped for cold-weather chores, light outdoor activity, or just walking around town. The combination of insulation and burly construction traps heat effectively, even when standing still in chilly conditions.
In terms of insulation weight and real-world performance, it stacks up well against winter boot competitors like the Danner Vital Insulated, Oboz Bridger 10-Inch, and Ugg Butte. I used the Chilkats on multiple winter walks in 25- to 35-degree temps and stayed warm without overheating. Other Better Trail testers wore them for snowshoeing and sledding outings in temps dipping into the high teens, with no complaints. One of our outings was along the Elk Refuge road in Jackson, Wyoming, where the mix of snow, mud, and gravel didn’t faze the boots. Even while standing around, I found the warmth to be consistent and reliable. The breathable tongue also helped regulate heat during more active use, making The North Face Chilkat V 400 a versatile choice for moving or milling about in mild to moderate cold.
The Chilkat V 400 looks bulky at first glance—with its hefty TPU lower and high cuff—but it walks better than its appearance suggests. The boot feels surprisingly comfortable out of the box, with a decently flexible upper and padded tongue that conforms nicely to your shin. There’s enough sole cushioning to smooth out uneven surfaces, and the build is lighter than a muck-style boot, which helps it move more easily than expected.
That said, this isn’t a boot I’d take on a real winter hike. It’s stiff underfoot—almost snowboard boot stiff—and lacks the nimbleness of winter boots like the Oboz Bridger 10-Inch or Danner Vital. The roomy interior makes for a relaxed fit, but it’s hard to truly lock down, and I had some issues with the laces loosening over time. While there’s a heel clip for snowshoes, this still feels more like a boot built for short outings, shoveling, or sledding than for covering serious ground. It’s also quite tall and bulky, which limits its day-to-day wearability—I wouldn’t grab it for running errands or casual winter walking around town. The look and feel are more function-first, but the comfort underfoot is still a pleasant surprise.
The North Face Chilkat V 400 uses a proprietary Surface Control rubber outsole with a predictable, uniform tread pattern: smaller lugs run down the center, while larger rectangular lugs border the outside. On flat, wintry terrain—like the damp gravel and slick pavement around East Jackson and the Elk Refuge—the boots felt steady and secure, delivering dependable grip for casual winter outings.
Still, the tread design is more utilitarian than aggressive. Compared to boots with deeper or more varied lugs, like the Oboz Bridger 10-Inch, the Chilkat doesn’t offer quite as much bite on uneven or challenging ground. And it clearly lags behind the Vibram Arctic Grip-equipped Muck Boot Arctic Ice when it comes to slick ice performance (that Vibram compound offers truly impressive friction and security on slippery surfaces). For typical winter conditions, traction was more than adequate, and I appreciated how easily the outsole shed mud after messy walks.
The North Face Chilkat V 400 offers solid protection against winter moisture, combining a proprietary waterproof membrane with full seam sealing and a burly TPU lower that effectively blocks snow and slush. That TPU wrap extends just past the footbed and held up impressively well against wet conditions—my feet stayed dry through light to moderate snow and occasional puddle splashes.
With a total height just over 10 inches, the Chilkat does a good job keeping most weather out, though the tongue is stitched a few inches lower than the collar, making it a potential entry point for water during deep postholing or if you’re standing in puddles. The mesh tongue and leather upper can eventually wet out in prolonged storms or slushy trail conditions unless paired with snow pants. Still, for everyday winter use—errands, shoveling, and casual snow walks—it delivers reliable waterproofing and warmth. It won’t outperform fortress-like designs such as the 15-inch Muck Boot Arctic Ice in extreme wet or icy environments, but it holds its own in most standard winter scenarios.
The Chilkat V 400 has held up well so far, with thoughtful construction that should last multiple seasons for most winter users. The lower portion of the boot—everything from the sole up to just below the ankle—is made of thick TPU, which has proven to be both protective and hard-wearing. Above that, the upper transitions to a mix of leather and suede, with synthetic fabric used at the cuff and tongue. That combination offers good performance overall, though the fabric sections don’t feel quite as durable—or premium—as full-leather designs like the Oboz Bridger 10-Inch.
I made a point to put these through their paces and came away impressed. The seams remain tight, there’s no separation between the sole and the upper, and no visible signs of breakdown after multiple outings in light snow and slush. The reinforced toe box, which is noticeably thicker and more dampened than the surrounding material, added noticeable protection on rocky walks and occasional missteps. It may not be the most premium winter boot in the category, but for snow chores, sledding, and winter walks, it’s a durable and confidence-inspiring option.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Leather
Responsible leather is typically sourced from suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), a third-party nonprofit that evaluates tanneries on factors such as water and energy use, chemical and waste management, emissions, traceability, and worker safety, and assigns ratings ranging from Bronze to Gold. A green check mark indicates a product uses responsibly sourced leather, a yellow check mark indicates the brand sources responsible leather for the majority of its products but does not specify it at the product level, and a red X indicates the product does not use responsibly sourced leather.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Lacing System
The Chilkat V 400 uses a fairly standard lacing setup for mid-height winter boots, with three open lace hooks at the top. The Chilkat’s lacing begins at the top of the foot and works all the way up the shin, offering a decent range of adjustability. That said, I did find the thick paracord-style laces had a tendency to loosen over time—especially on longer walks where the tongue flexes with each step. On my longest outing (around 3.5 miles), I had to stop and retie. It’s not a dealbreaker, but the system doesn’t hold tension as well as more performance-oriented models. It’s about on par with my Sorels in that respect—fine for casual use, but not the most confidence-inspiring if you’re covering ground or looking for a locked-in fit.
I typically wear a 11.5 or 12, and the size 12 in the The North Face Chilkat V 400 felt spot-on—roomy enough for midweight socks without feeling sloppy. The interior is fairly spacious and accommodating, especially for a winter boot. I have a wide forefoot with those lovely “sixth toe” bumps on the outside, and the boot still formed to my foot comfortably right out of the box. After a few wears, the footbeds broke in nicely, making the fit even more dialed. I’d recommend sticking with your usual size.
Kamik Nation Plus ($100): The Budget Boot to Beat
The Nation Plus might not turn heads immediately, but once you factor in its unbeatable price, this boot stands out from the crowd. It’s by far the least expensive model we’ve tested, and yet its warmth and protection keep pace with the Chilkat and other, more expensive competitors. The Nation Plus is built almost exactly like the Chilkat, in fact, with a thick rubber section that extends over the top of the foot and a high leather cuff (it’s 11 in. tall overall). The boot is also seam-sealed and offers solid waterproofing, although its walking comfort is a cut below due to its two-piece construction. The Nation Plus is, unsurprisingly, even more bulky and cumbersome, but at this price, we’d argue you don’t have too much to complain about. For more, read our Kamik Nation Plus review.
Ugg Butte ($240): Go for Broke
If the Chilkat’s blocky styling doesn’t put you off, Ugg’s Butte offers an even bolder look. Its eye-catching wool cuff isn’t just for show, though: The material extends throughout the interior of the boot, offering a decent amount of insulation that our tester comfortably wore in 25°F weather. (The Chilkat is warmer, but not by a whole lot.) However, the Butte’s traction isn’t all that good due to shallow lug depth. It’s also a bit soft for snowshoeing or keeping your balance in slippery conditions, although the fleece on the interior lends a more luxurious feel than the Chilkat. For an around-town boot that’s made well and looks sharp, the Butte is worth the upgrade. But if you’re after a simpler setup and lower-key look, the Chilkat wins out. To learn more, check out our Ugg Butte review.
The Chilkat V 400 didn't blow us away in any one area, but it provides perfectly adequate performance for tromping around in winter. It’s also one of the more affordable boots we’ve tested, although its bulky build and generic fit won’t win a lot of admirers.
Warmth
Walking Comfort
Traction
Waterproofing
Durability
Sustainability
The Nation Plus’s price tag turns what would otherwise be a forgettable boot into this guide’s bang-for-the-buck star. It grants enough warmth and waterproofing to keep most folks happy in the fourth season, although you’ll have to deal with below-average comfort and a sloppy fit.
Warmth
Walking Comfort
Traction
Waterproofing
Durability
Sustainability
With its folding wool cuff and supremely cozy interior, Ugg’s Butte is at home cruising around a snowy city center. But limitations in support and grip hold it back from being a true all-rounder.
Warmth
Walking Comfort
Traction
Waterproofing
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Chilkat V 400 for You?
The North Face Chilkat V 400 is a reliable winter boot for everyday cold-weather use—especially if you’re not planning to hit the trail too hard. With its 400-gram insulation, burly TPU lower, and waterproof construction, it’s a great option for shoveling snow, commuting in icy weather, or taking the kids sledding. It doesn’t have the nimble, hike-ready feel of a boot like the Oboz Bridger or Danner Vital, but it walks better than its bulky looks suggest. If you want solid warmth, comfort for light activity, and rugged materials in a reasonably priced package, the The North Face Chilkat V 400 delivers. Just don’t expect it to be your winter hiking specialist.
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