Aigle Artemis 2 H GTX Boots

Recently Aigle have launched boots of a more varied design than those used in the past, but ‘stalwarts’ in their range such as the Artemis 2 H GTX without a doubt follow the design blueprint that the company has used on many occasions, as it offers all the attributes such footwear requires. I say this as it’d be all too easy to dismiss them as just a high leg version of the Artemis 2 mid-height boot (which they undoubtedly are), but due to the clever overall design and build they’re a boot with a character and appeal all of their very own and certainly worthy of any hunter or outdoorsman’s attention.

Measuring 10½ inches at the front (including tongue) and dropping to 8¼ inches at the rear, the main body of the boot is manufactured from water repellent suede leather with a generously padded polyamide upper. This very comfortable, hard-wearing and easy-to-clean boot, is lined with a full Gore- Tex® membrane ensuring they’re completely waterproof and breathable. The anatomical polyurethane Ortholite insole offers long term comfort, is shock-absorbing, promotes air circulation around the foot, absorbs moisture and fights odour and bacteria growth. The rugged Vibram Rubber outsole’s flexibility is aided by the low-profile rand which isn’t compromised in strength or toughness due to extra rubber protection being applied at key areas – one of which being the very generous amount of added rubber protection at the toe cap. The outsole unit with multidirectional lugs offers further shock absorption, protection and a very high level of grip on a wide variety of terrain and in all weather conditions.

The Eyelets Have It

The lacing system is designed to perfectly complement such a well-designed technical and rugged high leg boot. All lace retainers are manufactured from metal, treated to be fully weather resistant and are attached to the boot by strong generously sized rivets. The layout includes four pairs of low profile captive eyelets and a further five pairs of open hasp type retainers leading to the top. Although not a new design, the fact the first set of open hasp lace retainers are set back from the rest at the lower ankle area allows the laces to draw the boot to the contours of the foot. In fact, such is the spacing and positioning of all these ‘anchor points’ when worn the boots feel very tactile and fully secure without sacrificing any of the boots inherent flexibility. Also when the speed lacing system is ‘un-done’, due to the boots featuring a very generous and wide throat the wearer is able to quickly get into or out of them.

The configuration and combination of the materials used for the main body of the boot gives a very reassuring comfortable feel when worn. Suited to tough rugged hill ascents as they are lowland grassland stalking, the well padded synthetic upper is seen quite clearly as this makes up the majority of the rear section of the boot including where they naturally flex at the heel. Slightly lower they meet full suede leather which gives the required level of rigidity and support you require at these areas.

Name: Aigle Artemis 2 H GTX Hunting Boots

Price: SRP £125 sizes 6 - 12 UK (colour – Khaki)