Zamberlan Hunter Pro GTX RR Boots

Zamberlan’s Hunter Pro GTX boots are extreme level footwear for mountain hunting and difficult terrain. The GORE-TEX insulated lining guarantees considerable warmth and breathability yet is light and doesn’t overload the wearer. Build quality was faultless and the Hydrobloc, full grain waxed leather is inspected for defects before it enters the production line. Zamberlan date back to 1929 and Mr Zamberlan senior was a local contemporary of Vitale Bramani, whose ‘Vibram’ whose soles are still used here.

Darwin award

The Darwin soles combine with Zamberlan’s ‘wide last’, which boots are formed around, to give better comfort to wide feet. Rubber toe reinforcement better protects from sharp rocks as the rand wraps the perimeter with a unique process where the leather/rubber joint is ‘shaved’ angularly, to allow a better bond between surface and minimising the ridge in this joint where water can hold, and seep in as they age. A greater overlap is a smart measure to minimise possible damage, as well as subtly smooth out and neaten the looks. The softer Flex System junction on the ankle zone helps the foot roll while hiking, yet plentiful support is still available from the 10” height with nine pairs of eyelets to fasten and tighten the leather up to your calf. The tongue is joined into the integral Gore-Tex sock liner to a height of 9” and I haven’t had any leaks yet after 5 months of wear.

A soft padded collar surrounds the top 3” of each leg, preventing any chaffing and abrasion, whether worn with thin or thick socks. I wore the boots quite hard without much wear-in time during a hunt over rocky terrain and although not wet at the time, I found the lighter weight and grip always gave me a lot of confidence. This type of glacial moraine rock is a terror for mechanical abrasion damage and although some was visible on the Zamberlans, and although untreated by me, shows how tough the product has proven to be.

In the field

I did have a little bit of discomfort at first, as the tongue/leg joint folded in on my ankle bone, but after a couple of re-folds, and careful arrangement of the thinner leather and Gore-Tex here, a natural fold developed over the first hour, suiting my leg rather than the factory ‘last’, the boots are now perfect for my needs, with my size 45s weighing 2.25kg for the pair. Grip around the heel is different with more pressure from the sides than at the rear for a snug fit, which I warmed to. The twin-piece clamshell type-wrap, rather than a single wraparound, was another small feature that showcased Zamberlan’s intimate connection with their products’ functionality. Combining the latest high tech shapes from the multiple leather components with generations of perfect boot making craftsmanship at each stage.

In short, excellent boots with masses of attention to minor details and personally proven manufacturing standard.