Orthofeet Verno Review: A Pedorthist's Take

Our second online order was a Verno, size 9.5 Medium, shipped to Illinois. That customer found it by name, so I assume you did too and you want a straight answer on whether it is worth $149. Here is what I know from fitting it in the store.

What it is

The Verno is a men's leather boot, ankle height, in Black or Brown. The upper is leather with a padded interior and an extra-depth toe box, so nothing rubs across the toes or over a bunion. Underneath is the Ortho-Cushion sole with a mild rocker and a slip-resistant tread. Orthofeet lists the weight at 15.9 ounces for a size 9 Medium, which is light for a leather boot. For comparison the Dalton is 18.1 ounces and the Graphite work boot is 27.2.

The part people search for is the heel. The Verno has Orthofeet's hands-free heel counter. You step down on it, it collapses, then it springs back and holds your heel. No hand, no shoehorn, no bending. If you have back trouble, a hip replacement, a big belly or just stiff mornings, that is the whole reason to buy this boot instead of a regular lace-up. The laces are there to set the fit once. After that you leave them tied.

Verno vs Dalton vs Graphite

These are the three men's Orthofeet boots we stock. They look similar in a photo and they are built for different jobs.

Who it suits

The Verno is for the man who wants one boot that goes with jeans or khakis and does not need to survive a creek crossing. It suits people with plantar fasciitis or arthritis in the foot who are tired of sneakers in winter, and people whose spouse has been putting their boots on for them. The rocker sole shortens the push-off, which is why a sore heel or a stiff big toe feels better in it. The removable insole and the extra depth mean a custom orthotic goes in without a fight.

Sizing and widths

Order your usual Orthofeet size. If this is your first pair, go by your measured length, not the size on your old boots, because most men have been wearing boots a half size long to get the width. The Verno comes in Medium, Wide and X-Wide, sizes 7 to 14, half sizes to 12. If your foot spills over the sole of a regular D-width shoe, start at Wide. If you have a bunion or swelling, or you wear a thick orthotic, start at X-Wide. Orthofeet includes fitting spacers, so a slightly roomy fit can be tightened up. A tight one cannot be fixed. The width guide shows how to measure at home with a sheet of paper.

Who should not buy this

Do not buy the Verno if you need a waterproof boot. Orthofeet does not list it as waterproof, and leather that gets soaked repeatedly will stiffen. Do not buy it for a job site that requires a safety toe. Do not buy it if you want a boot that laces tight around the ankle for support on rough ground, because the hands-free heel is built to give, not to lock down. And if you have never worn a rocker sole, know that the first day feels like the boot is tipping you forward. Most people stop noticing after a week. Some never like it.

Questions people ask

Is the Orthofeet Verno waterproof?

Orthofeet does not list it as waterproof. For rain, snow or trails, the Dalton is the waterproof boot at $169.

Does the Verno run big or small?

Neither in my experience. Measure your foot rather than copying your old boot size, and choose the width from the measurement. Going up a size to get width is the mistake I see most.

Can I wear my custom orthotics in it?

Yes. The factory insole comes out and the last is cut extra deep, so a full-length custom device fits. If your device is unusually thick, call (704) 846-0301 first.

How does the hands-free heel hold up?

The counter is a firm, springy piece built into the boot. It is meant to be stepped on every day. That is different from crushing the heel of a normal shoe, which breaks the counter down.

What if it does not fit?

Orthofeet orders ship free direct from Orthofeet and we email the tracking. Try them indoors. If the size or width is wrong, call us and we exchange or refund under our Comfort Guarantee. The whole range is in our Orthofeet collection.