NICK Harding and I have been testing Hanwag’s best selling boot – not the same pair I hasten to add. In fact, Nick has had his longer than I have had mine and he says that the German boot is one of the most comfortable he has used. I must say that I have to agree. It even comes in a woman’s narrower fit.
The winter period has seen me keep to lower level rambles across a variety of surfaces – including a stint of pavement bashing. The Banks GTX has proved supportive and comfortable. OK, clay quagmires touting themselves as footpaths have proved a challenge – but there are few sole units that can cut through the slippery substance to provide a modicum of stability in these conditions.
Hanwag states it uses the medium soft Vibram Ultra Grip sole with full length cushioning complimenting the heel shock absorber. I found the sole slightly harder on the fore foot and could feel the ground that I was walking on – I find this feedback helps sure footedness on broken ground and it is often lost when using heavier units. Although I have not yet taken the Banks onto the hill, the sole promises better than average performance for lighter walks. Hanwag states its sole is curved to promote a rocking action for easier walking. It also promises its boots are fully re-solable – when recycling is so important why buy new boots if you can keep using the comfortable old pair?
The boot has Nubuk, Sportvelours suede and Cordura uppers with a Gore-Tex lining. Locking cleats allow the lacing to be fine-tuned to create two lacing zones. This allows for different shaped feet and locks the foot comfortably in place, adding to the excellent support. Apparently, the Banks features an Air-Pulse-System that uses the pumping action of the tongue’s foam to create air circulate air around the foot. Were my feet cooler? Hard to tell.
PRICE
Expect to pay £125
CONTACT
Tel 023 92528711. Web
www.rosker.co.uk
This review was published in the March 2009 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.
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