Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot Review: Ideal for Winter Hikes and Wetter Days

When I was younger, I considered Rockport shoes to be “clunky shoes for older folk.” After reviewing several styles of Rockport’s current shoe line, I have found that their shoes are neither clunky nor meant for older folks; they’re now pretty much all I wear anymore. The waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot is the latest style I’ve tried.

The waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot is described this way:

Here are the boots to keep you on your feet comfortably, whether you’re heading out on errands, trailside, or to a casual office. Our Total Motion Sport leather waterproof boots don’t let a poor forecast slow them down – and the rubber pods on the outsole are strategically placed to give you grippy traction on most any surface.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The first pair of Rockport shoes I reviewed was a pair of their Total Motion Active Mesh Sneakers. The Total Motion design means the shoes are equipped with molded TPU stability plates for exceptional flexibility and breathability and a double gore upper for the best fit. What I know is that the sneakers were among the most comfortable I have ever worn. In fact, I wore out the review pair in less than a year, and I have since purchased two more pairs.

I then turned to Rockport dress shoes; they also have the Total Motion design features, and they have also been amazingly comfortable. Since then, I’ve bought a second pair of lace-up dress shoes and a pair of loafers.

But that left me wearing my old hiking boots when we went into the reservation near our home with our dog Nava. Thankfully, Rockport has also baked their Total Motion technology into some of their hiking boots.

The waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot looks like a rugged hiking boot ready for anything from a day hike to a multiday journey along the Appalachian Trail. Their uppers are made from premium leather that looks great, offers significant support, and as it breaks in, it becomes even more comfortable. I have difficulty imagining them feeling any better on my feet since they are already far more comfortable than the boots they replaced.

In addition, Rockport’s Hydro-Shield technology uses seam-sealed waterproof construction with waterproof materials. That means these boots are not only rugged, but they are also able to keep your feet dry if you are hiking in wet weather. Rockport explains Hydro-Shield this way:

Our Hydro-Shield technology incorporates advanced waterproofing materials and processes to help keep feet dry. We start with waterproof leathers that are sealed during the tanning process, and then we seam-seal the footwear for additional protection. Partially gusseted tongues and zippers treated with durable water-resistant coatings further deter water entry. In products that have areas of textile, the footwear is only waterproof up to the point where leather is used.

Rockport also went to great pains to make sure the boots are as good during a long hike as they are for a quick jaunt. The waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot features:

• TruTECH sport technology helps provide shock-absorbing heel cushioning
• Rubber outsole pods offer long-wearing durability and reliable traction
• TPU molded plate adds support, flexibility, and stability to these boots
• EVA outsole provides lightweight impact absorption

All that technical jargon is nice, but what really matters is the experience of wearing them. I’m pleased to report that the waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot is fantastic on that front.

They have enough heft that my feet and ankles feel well-supported. At the same time, they aren’t so heavy as to add to my fatigue on a long hike. The first time I wore them was after a heavy rain. The waterproofing kept my feet nice and dry. The leather uppers prevented more than one turned ankle. And, even after a multi-mile hike, my feet felt comfortable. That never happened with my old boots.

So this is where I stand. A little over a year ago, I had no Rockport shoes.

I now have an older pair of runaround sneakers, two pairs of nicer sneakers, two pairs of lace-up dress shoes, a pair of dress loafers, and a pair of hiking boots; all come from Rockport, all have their Total Motion design, and all are more comfortable than the shoes they replaced. That’s reason enough that I can wholeheartedly recommend them.

You can check out all of Rockport’sofferings here.

The waterproof Rockport Men’s Total Motion Sport Boot retails for $150; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Tough; Leather uppers are protective of ankles and soften with age; Total Motion design is comfortable; Waterproofing makes it safe to wear these anywhere, any time

What Needs Improvement: So far, nothing