Review: Hanwag’s Tatra Top GTX Boots

For anyone who loves Nature, who loves to explore, and trek through the wilds and over mountains, a quality boot can seriously be the difference in your survival. There are a lot of brands and styles out there, but there are a few that stand at the top of the mountain, who are known as being the best. One of those brands is Hanwag, from Germany. I’ve worked with a dozen brands with differing makes and models, and though I also love Garmont, I believe Hanwag boots to be some of the best. Hanwag boots are Europe made and handcrafted, and the Tatra Top GTX are 100% resoleable

So, today, I wanted to take a deeper and more in-depth look at the Tatra Top GTX boot by none other than Hanwag. Their Tatra Top GTX is a striking boot made of leather, rubber and a soft fabric weave inside. The brown leather on the outside is smooth to the touch with a fine leather smell; the material feels very high quality. The bottom of the boot is made of a thick rubber that provides a strong surface for climbers and hardcore hikers. The pattern on the bottom of the boot is perhaps its strongest feature besides the comfortable fit, because the way the pattern crisscrosses, with deep tread, allows the user the utmost traction for when they need it most.

Inside the Tatra Top GTX is a light grey weaved fabric that provides cushion, but also is very soft. This material allows for breathability and heat balance, while providing a lovely environment for your feet. The high top design of the Tatra Top GTXs provides the user with optimum support, yet with the top portion above the ankle being so flexible and soft, they are not constricting or uncomfortably rigid being so far up the leg. An additional safety feature is the toe of the boot, as it’s quite hard, almost like the traditional steel toe industrial boots. Everything about these boots are high end and feel great, even down to the make of the metal hardware used to tie up the shoe. Hanwag has elected to use the metal clip approach, rather than fixed holes, which I think is a great idea, because it allows for more security and for longer lasting use when the laces can be wound quickly, especially if you find yourself in a hurry in the wild.

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I found the Hanwag Tatra Top GTX boots to be a superior option that I believe can be useful for most hikers, campers, and mountaineers. They look and feel very high quality, and fit even better. Upon testing these boots, I was able to avoid the typical initial pains of new footwear, and was able to begin hiking immediately. The traction on the bottom of the boots worked flawless, as I was able to maneuver with surprising grip over a mountain peak of small and medium size boulders with ease. I even tried my luck crossing the wet rocks of a rushing stream here in Ohio, and had no trouble with my balance or grip. I must take my hat off to the designers at Hanwag, because they knocked this one out of the park, while not cutting corners on quality of material and comfort for the user.

If you would like to find out more about Hanwag, click here.


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Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen

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