Rockport Men's Northfield Waterproof Oxford, Black, 12 Medium Review
When it comes to footwear that seamlessly blends comfort, durability, and style, the Rockport Men's Northfield Waterproof Oxford stands out as an exemplary choice. Designed for men who need reliable shoes for long workdays, these oxfords provide a classic appearance without sacrificing functionality.
The stylish plain toe front along with the lug sole ensures a timeless aesthetic that pairs well with both business casual and formal attire. Made from premium leather, they not only look great but also improve over time, making these shoes a valuable addition to your wardrobe.
Features
- GENUINE LEATHER: The leather upper is easy to clean and maintains its appeal, aging beautifully.
- SHOCK ABSORPTION: truTECH technology delivers lightweight shock absorption, enhancing comfort throughout wear.
- SHOCK-ABSORBING OUTSOLE: The EVA outsole provides lightweight cushioning, reducing foot and leg fatigue.
- WATERPROOF: Features waterproof leather, a seam-sealed insole, and gusseted tongue to keep your feet dry.
- STYLE BY DESIGN: Blends a plain toe front and lug sole with premium leather for a classic look.
Pros
- Excellent waterproof protection keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Stylish design complements various outfits.
- Comfort-focused truTECH technology delivers exceptional cushioning.
- Durable materials ensure longevity and ease of care.
- Lightweight construction reduces weariness even after a long day.
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing runs slightly large.
- Initial break-in period may be required for optimal comfort.
- Limited color options are available beyond black.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Main Features | Waterproof | Shock Absorption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockport Men's Northfield Waterproof Oxford | Genuine leather, classic design | Yes | truTECH technology |
| Clarks Men's Tilden Cap Oxford | Leather upper, cushioned insole | No | Ortholite technology |
| Florsheim Men's Medfield Wingtip Oxford | Wingtip design, soft leather | No | Memory foam insole |
Detailed Review
The Rockport Men's Northfield Waterproof Oxford not only excels in providing essential comfort but also showcases an appealing design suitable for various occasions. The true innovation lies in the truTECH technology that offers excellent shock absorption—making every step feel more effortless, reducing fatigue significantly during extended use.
From a functional standpoint, the waterproof capabilities are a significant advantage for those working in environments where exposure to moisture is common. The combination of a seam-sealed waterproof insole with high-quality leather means you can confidently navigate through puddles or rainy days without worrying about soaked socks.
Style-wise, the simple yet classy plain toe front combined with a rugged lug sole provides a versatile option appropriate for any setting—be it an office environment or a night out. Maintenance is straightforward, and with proper care, you'll find that the leather develops a character that only enhances its appeal.
While the sizing can be a little off for some, requiring careful selection during purchase, the overall comfort and performance make them a worthy investment for your footwear collection. Just be prepared to give them a brief break-in period to achieve that perfect fit.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score (out of 5) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 | Exceptional cushioning and support for all-day wear. |
| Design | 4.0 | Classic look, versatile for different occasions. |
| Durability | 4.5 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting wear. |
| Waterproofing | 5.0 | Outstanding protection against moisture. |
| Value for Money | 4.0 | Good balance between price and performance. |
User Reviews
These shoes are lightweight and comfortable, and a good value.Sizing is true. They appear to be well made. Packaging was excellent and shipping was rapid.I would recommend this to anyone looking for a business casual shoe.
Rockport Northfield is a great shoe! Have bought many a pair over time. They never disappoint. Toe box is tall enough so that your toes are not squished. They fit true to size. The shoe supports your foot. You don't get tired wearing them.
My husband's work requires him to be on his feet most of the day. Rocky terrain, walking up steep hills.. He loves these shoes. He replaces the inner sole with his orthodox.. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star was because of the shoe rubbing his back heel, which could be caused from a thinner sock or maybe just being a new shoe.. Overall he loves these shoes & finds them very comfortable
These shoes are true to size and make a excellent work shoe and very handsome.
Very good work shoe. All day comfort.
Perfect fit, very comfortable, light weight, and reasonable price. What can you ask for more? It’s my second pair of Rockport.
This is my third pair. Bought my first pair about 2 years ago and then bought a brown pair to alternate. My black shoes get worn a lot more and the soles have finally started becoming a bit thin. I have about 35 minutes of walking on my daily commute so I need comfortable shoes. I haven't found a more comfortable dress shoe yet, in this price range. I have seen a lot of criticism over build quality diminishing, but the shoes I have purchased have been very comfortable and I would consider them long lasting. They are definitely water proof which is great for the Pacific Northwest weather I endure. I can stomp through puddles and torrential rain knowing my feet with be dry when I arrive at work. I was even standing in 1" of water at work once when a bathroom sink was flooding and my feet were still dry. A touch of shoe polish every 8 months and these shoes continue to look near new. I did have to replace my laces about 1 year in though. If there is a more comfortable, well fitting, but dressy shoe out there in the same price range, I would love to know about it. Otherwise, I believe you will be hard pressed to find a better shoe in this category.*****UPDATEThe laces issue appears to have been addressed. My newest shoe laces seem much sturdier and I believe will last the life of the shoe. The soft soles do wear through quicker than I like, but this is likely why they are so damn comfortable. This is still my business casual shoe of choice.
Check out the reviews on this product and you'll notice that while the average is high, the *recent* reviews are rather poor. Why? Rockport decided to increase their profit by drastically downgrading the quality of the shoe. The soles are no longer made of high quality materials, but are now made of cheap foam rubber designed to wear out in less than a year (and they do).Not only does this make them cheaper to manufacture, but it also means you'll have to replace them more often. Good for you, Rockport. The timing of the shoe going down hill and the purchase of Rockport by Adidas seems to somewhat coincide. In the absence of ability to improve their product or manufacturing processes, I guess the only way the Adidas MBAs can keep paying themselves mid-six-figures a year for doing nothing is by selling an increasingly inferior product and screwing their customers. This kind of BS is what passes for business innovation these days, and why corporate profits stay healthy despite a moribund economy as we keep getting less and less for our money, a "hidden inflation" nobody wants to talk about. The only people benefiting are the management class who orchestrate this charade.Sorry for the rant in the middle of a shoe review, but the reason these shoes now suck and some of the problems with our economy are one in the same. These shoes seem cheap, but it's a false economy we pay for on the second and third pair of shoes we need to buy to make these last as long as they used to. Rant aside, you'll do yourself a favor if you vote with your dollar to buy a shoe made by a company that has some respect for its customers.UPDATE: I'd hoped that maybe I could at least have the soles replaced, and "build" a decent shoe that way. Experiment failed. Everything on the shoe is made so cheaply that the whole thing is starting to wear out, even though the shoe is only a few months old! There is a tear in a seam in the upper, the laces are shot (ok, that could be fixed) and the treads are already almost entirely worn off. So, it's now official: I will never buy another pair of Rockports again.