Hanwag Robin shoes

Not for them the pleasures of smooth clean concrete or rubber matting, instead the exact same conditions of your average pheasant shooter. But whilst rubber boots or stalking footwear has its place, a pair of Hanwag Robin cross-over shoes more than foots the bill in each and every respect.

Trail Blazer

Part of Hanwag’s range of Trail footwear, the remarkably lightweight Robin is designed for rough paths and other light to medium challenging surfaces, often the case around a sporting clay layout or spring, summer or early autumn rambles around the feeders. The Robins combine the benefits of a low cut, soft shoe that allows for full freedom of ankle movement. Traditionally constructed from high quality chromed outer leather with a soft leather lining, felt insole and perforated leather roll around the ankle bone area. A deep, semi-bellow tongue that sits against the front of the shin opens wide which means the Robin is extremely easy to put on or take off, Hanwag’s patented lace eyes allowing the laces to run freely, maintain the required tension so ensuring the soft round laces to remain tied at all times, the whole remaining waterproof even under torrential conditions.

Where this versatile, multi-function sports shoe differs is that the soft, pliant uppers are affixed to a deep last Vibram Ultra Grip sole. Offering the wearer almost 4x4 like traction on smooth, rough or broken surfaces, surefootedness is almost guaranteed whilst the rounded toe and heel allow the foot to pivot as and when required, even the quick movement required by a sporting clay shooter failing to unsettle grip, the Vibram sole’s deep side cleats holding tight most of the time whilst still allowing the whole foot to flex when needed.

Comfortable and Smart

I’m already a Hanwag fan, a pair of the Bavarian company’s Trapper GTX my regular stalking and hunting footwear whilst for more formal outings a pair of Tikaani dealer boots have frequently proved their worth. For what you might call the best of both worlds between the two, I’ve used and abused the Robins all I could from Sunday morning straw bale clay shoots to long day’s walking around the Bavarian and Austria Alps. At no time have I found the Robins wanting when worn within or even beyond their intended purpose, and they still look smart with no hint of scuffs or scratches much to my surprise. Smart in appearance, comfortable to wear and as durable pair of hard working shoes as you’re ever likely to want or find all, I can thoroughly recommend a pair of Hanwag Robins. 

Available in brown and green with men’s sizes from 6 - 13 and 3½ - 9 for ladies, expect to pay somewhere in the region of £130 per pair of Robins.