Aigle Artemis Hi Leg Boots

Standing 10” high, you certainly feel the benefit that the extra outer leather framework has to offer over Aigle’s similar but shorter 8” Field Boot. The upper is manufactured from split leather, polyamide and ‘synthetic’ material well suited to the rough and tumble of the high and rough terrain they’re designed for. The polyamide lining holds generous internal ‘padding’ and a true Gore-tex membrane allows them to be fully waterproof yet breathable so sweat can still be allowed to wick away and air circulate.

X-ACTLY

Aigle use their ‘X-Act’ concept, the term they’ve given for the ‘shoe architecture’ (overall design), to optimise foot support throughout. This maintains that the heel to toe footbed stays true for a high degree of wearer comfort but is forgiving enough to flex and still give solid support from the lower heel to the ankle area and beyond.

Lacing is catered for by four pairs of captive loops and five pairs of speed hooks. These are manufactured using weather-resistant, coated metal and are riveted to the boot. Further comfort and insulation is added by the padded top section coming down lower than most high leg boots at the rear. This might not seem important but it really does offer much more unhindered movement.

The toe has a generous rubber bumper and the heel is reinforced for extra protection and the grip given on muddy ground is one of the major plus points. The full Vibram rubber outsole is durable and shows an interesting cleat pattern. Here you find what are best described as ‘zig-zag’ traction lugs within an outer layout of the more traditional, elongated and broad full lug design. At the point where it meets the outer sole at the heel and at the front there’s a host of much broader and full lugs again found running towards the outer.

LONG SHANKS

Another interesting feature that makes a difference is the fact that you have a more flexible sole but one that’s strong and rugged due to the length of the ‘cleat-less’ gap between heel and toe section. This design connects these two areas offering a ‘mid-sole’ bridge with only outer parallel back facing medium cut ridges that seen from the side are not unlike what are known as rappelling bars found on certain military footwear. This unique design offers superb grip on varied types of terrain and the lower section even has in-built shock absorbing qualities.