Hanwags New Tatra Top

I make no bones about the fact that I’ve been wearing HanWag footwear for quite a few years and to date haven’t found another make of boot or shoe that comes anywhere near them when it comes to quality, build, durability and a capacity to perform.

So when UK importer’s Rosker asked if I’d try a pair of the new Tatra Top GTX whilst out walking in the Bavarian Alps, I was more than delighted. The irony was it’s the small Bavarian village of Vierkirchen where the Tatras had originated. Founded in 1921 by Hans Wagner hence the HanWag name, the company has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing no compromise, top end professional mountaineering and hunting footwear. The downside is that HanWag tend to be relatively expensive, the company resolute in their ethos of making the best there is and if you want a pair then either bite the proverbial financial bullet or save up!

Design and Build

The brand new Gore-Tex lined lightweight Tatra Top GTX boots, part of HanWag’s ‘Trek’ range are of the mid-calf design. Thick yet pliable waxed nubuck leather forms the uppers along with a soft, high cut cuff around the top backed up with a deep rubber rand, reinforced instep and a fl exible Vibram AW Integral sole that incorporates a newly developed cleating system that should you ever be able to wear it out is easily replaced.

The design of the sole and lower boot also means six-point crampons can also be attached should conditions dictate. Initially keeping the foot securely in place is HanWag’s ‘Deep Pull’ lace system. Featuring small bearings within each lace loop, not only does the system reduce lace wear and friction it also means the boot laces evenly without being able to over tighten them. Add into this a minimum of internal rubbing points courtesy of few stitching areas and the potential for the wearer’s feet to develop blisters is almost zero. Extra shock absorbers around the heel along with integral clamps that increase hold and stability to the ankle area also means downhill descents are a far more comfortable controlled affair, allowing the wearer to ‘dig in’ without the attendant impact to the foot or leg whilst the shape of the insole eliminates the potential for the foot to twist.
As with all HanWag boots the Tatra Top GTX also feature the ‘Air Pulse’ system, a design that allows warm air to be ‘puffed’ out as each step is taken and allowing cooler air to be drawn in when the foot is lifted. The end result is a pair of feet that whilst warm and dry are never too hot or cold irrespective of the outside temperature.

For Trekking The Alps Or Riding A Quad!

Technicalities aside it’s what the Tatras are like to wear that counts and when you’re halfway up an icy Alp the only air intake you’re concerned about is your own. Like every pair of hardcore HanWags I’ve worn, the Tatras need no breaking in, being comfortable and relaxing from the start. The fi t and fi nish is genuinely exceptional as is the boot’s performance, deep snow, crisp ice, slush and deep water as nothing to them. The sole’s grip and ability to cut through winter conditions along with confidence giving traction on greasy surfaces sets new standards, as does the sole’s ability to shed clogging snow or mud, abilities that are physically tangible.

Even without any additional aids, at no time did my feet feel insecure even when conditions hit -17 degrees, my feet warm, dry and ready for as many kilometers as I could throw at them. As an all – round hunting or walking boot, HanWag’s new Tatra Top GTX in my opinion know no equal. Likewise as a boot to be worn on board a quad they once again deliver, the rock face lip abilities of the boot and sole transferring instantly to operation of brake and clutch pedals.

Best of all, irrespective of the abuse I intentionally inflicted on them, after two weeks in the mountains, two long wet stalks and hours onboard a Polaris they still look as good as new. And don’t be put off by the ‘lightweight’ description, the fact they weigh less than other similar footwear has no bearing on the quality or function. Available in UK sizes 6 – 13 there’s also the option of the ‘Wide GTX’, an identical boot but cut for those with wider feet.

Expect to pay around £250 for a pair of HanWag’s new Tatra Top GTX. For more details on the Tatras and the full range of HanWag footwear visit www.hanwag.de or contact Rosker on 02392 – 528711.