Review by David Chandler (and his dear wife)
Boot price: £155
According to Mr Wolfskin, with these boots you can conquer any trail. They’re part textile, part leather, with recycled Texapore Ecosphere Pro to keep the water out – which is said to be sustainable, breathable and extra-waterproof. But more significantly, this boot has been developed with #SheIsOutdoors and is “specially adapted to the needs of women”. There is extra flexibility in specific areas of the Vibram sole, extended lacing in the midfoot for “a perfect adaption of the hiking boot to the foot”, an “exceptionally comfortable heel collar” and “soft cushioning” courtesy of the EVA midsole and Ortholite insole. I’m not qualified to review these, but my wife is…
“It was the sole that sold me these boots. Before I knew anything about them, I wanted that flash of red, even though it was paired with uppers the colour of a wintery moon. When I first put them on, they felt rather stiff, but they soon softened up and became very comfortable. I have worn them with thin and thick sockage without problems. The ankle support is good, but not too constrictive. I really don’t know what a woman’s foot needs, but these boots suited mine, and not all boots do. On the upper lacing, the round laces go into semi-closed speed hooks. For me, that’s excellent – in the past, I have accidentally got a tied lace loop hooked in the opposite boot’s more open speed hook and ended up flat on my face, and then in A&E.
“The soles are a standout feature. They are really grippy - I felt supremely confident walking at speed past potholes on wet, muddy and icy tracks. Are these boots waterproof? I wouldn’t normally do this, but for the sake of the review, I waded through water up to the lower lacing, and my feet stayed dry. I think these boots are great.”
If it’s the flash of red that does it for you, you might be disappointed. It’s a feature of the mint leaf colourway, which, at the time of writing, on the website at least, is no longer available.