Hanwag hiking boots are renowned for their exceptional quality and durability, built to handle tough weather and terrain. At The Sporting Lodge, we understand that selecting the right hiking boots is crucial for comfort, safety, and performance on the trails. Whether you're exploring the rolling hills of Peak District or tackling more challenging terrains, here's our expert guide to help you find the right Hanwag Hiking boot for you.
1. Understanding Hiking Boot Categories
Which hiking boots or mountain boots are best for which area of use? To help answer this question, hiking boots are divided into categories – from A (footwear for leisure use and flatter terrain) to D (stiff boots for high alpine use). They can help you to choose the right model for your tour:
CATEGORY: A
- Very flexible sole
- Low-cut models
- Very soft/flexible upper material, mostly synthetic
- Travel/Hiking
Terrain:
- Asphalt
- Managed gravel paths
- Parks
- Walks
- Short hikes on good trails with a light pack
i.e Hanwag Coastrock Low ES Shoe Seablue / Sulphur
CATEGORY: A/B
- Flexible sole
- Low-cut or mid-cut upper
- Upper provides good freedom of movement
- Flexible upper material, generally more synthetic than leather
- Hiking/Travel
Terrain:
- Managed gravel paths and unmade gravel trails
- Moderate hiking trails in flat terrain, lower mountain ranges and the foothills of the Alps
- Half-day or whole day hikes with a light pack
i.e Hanwag Womens Banks Low Lady GTX Boot Petrol / Mint
CATEGORY: B
- Soles that offer a good compromise between flexibility (good roll-off) and stiffness (for more difficult trails)
- Mid-cut or high-cut upper that combines flexibility with stability
- Flexible, but stable upper material, often a mix of leather/synthetic
- Hiking/Trek Light/Trekking
Terrain:
- Moderate and difficult hiking trails in lower mountain ranges or the Alps
- Stony, rocky paths with tree roots
- Whole day hikes
- Longer hikes with a lightweight pack
- Mountain trails with a light pack
i.e Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTX Boot Mocca / Black
CATEGORY: B/C
- Stiffer sole with good cushioning
- Higher upper for ankle stability
- Robust and stabilising upper material, generally with leather
- Trekking/Alpine
Terrain:
- Stony, rocky paths with tree roots
- Moderate alpine terrain
- Long-distance trekking trails with a heavy pack and through mountain terrain or off-trail in the backcountry
- Mountain tours up to glacier crossings
i.e Hanwag Nazcat II GTX Mocca / Black
CATEGORY: C
- Very stiff sole
- Low-cut (approach shoe) or with a higher upper (via ferrata boot)
- Medium-stiff upper material, generally a mix of leather/ synthetic
- Some models are hybrid crampon-compatible
- Rock/Alpine
Terrain:
- Alpine trails
- Via ferrate
- Easier climbing routes
- Via ferrata tours
- High-alpine tours with significant sections on rock
CATEGORY: C/D
- Very stiff sole
- Higher and more sturdy upper
- Robust and stabilising upper material
- Fully crampon-compatible
- Alpine/Rock
Terrain:
- Alpine trails
- Glaciers
- Easy climbing
- High-alpine tours
- High-alpine tours with glacier terrain
- High-alpine trekking
CATEGORY: D
- Extremely stiff sole
- Very high and sturdy upper
- Thick and very robust upper material
- Insulates against extreme cold
- Fully crampon-compatible
- Alpine
Terrain:
- Alpine trails
- Rock and ice
- Glaciers
- Demanding glacier and summit tours with extreme heights
- High-alpine expeditions
2. Achieving the Perfect Fit
Proper fit is paramount. A well-fitting boot should:
- Secure the heel without slipping.
- Provide ample toe room to prevent discomfort.
- Offer support without being too tight.
3. Sole Performance: Grip and Comfort
The sole of a hiking boot plays a significant role in traction and comfort. Hanwag offer boots with various sole constructions, including Vibram and other specialized outsoles, to provide excellent grip and cushioning, reducing fatigue on long hikes.
4. Specialized Options: Bunion-Friendly Boots
Hallux valgus is the medical name for a common bony bump found at the side of the foot by the base of the big toe. Bunions can make wearing normal footwear uncomfortable, and even really painful. Hanwag make special hiking boots that prevent pressure points and rubbing at this sensitive area.
We recommend Hanwag Womens Alta Bunion II Lady LL Boot Navy / Light Grey and Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTX Boot Mocca / Black.
A final piece of advice about Hanwag hiking boot categories for how to choose hiking shoes: if in doubt, go for the model in the next category up. Wearing unsuitable hiking shoes or mountain boots might overstrain your feet and cause ligament or tendon injury. They can also be a safety hazard, for example, if you twist your ankle while carrying a heavy pack. It’s better to be over-equipped and have a safety reserve on your tours.
Explore the full Hanwag collection here, featuring the new arrival: Hanwag Kaduro Light GTX Boot Asphalt / Black.
We hope you have fun on your adventures, as far as your feet will carry you.
