Hanwag Alaska Lady GTX

Review for women's alaska gtx boots.

I bought these boots 3 years ago in advance of a Nepal trekking tour. For mountain hiking and trekking, especially while carrying weight, they are excellent boots. Extremely stable and comfortable over rough and steep terrain. I treat the boots with a waterproofer designed for goretex leather boots regularly, and the boots have never leaked.

Although they are not designed for winter usage, I also use them for winter activities. With a thick pair of socks, my feet are quite happy outside in -13C. I think this is due to the one piece leather construction-- no spots for water or air to enter the boot.

My first hike in them (somewhat over ambitious 20km) was an exercise in pain- the leather upper and sole are not very flexible, making the break in period less than enjoyable! However to here note, the boots didn't cause blisters- just sore feet.

Actually, the only time I have ever come close to having a blister was after a 11hr hiking day including 3000m vertical altitude change, with 1000m downhill. My feet were tired and there were  a few hot spots, but no blisters! This is in comparison to my hiking partner, whose feet were covered in painful blisters... They are very well made and after 3 years of regular use, do not show any obvious signs of wear (no rubber peaking, split stiches etc).

However, the boots are quite heavy and non-flexible. If you are planning on doing light hiking, I wouldn't recommend the boots. For the same reason, they are not suited to alpine climbing or via ferrata-- they are not flexible through the ankle and do not fit tightly enough around the foot for precise footwork demanded by climbing. Also the hard tread lug doesn't afford the best grip on bare grip (it isn't bad, but softer treads are more effective).

In total- if you want a dependable, solid boot for trekking or mountain hiking- consider these boots. Well worth the money! My only reason for 4.5 and not 5 stars- I wish they were lighter!

Three years ago I bought my Alaskans. They have taken me to see Mt. Everest during a 15 day trek in Nepal, scrambling a couple of peaks and covering lots of rugged terrain in the doing. At 17,500 ft. I had severe headaches, but no blisters or sore feet. Since then they have taken me on many hikes, scrambles and backpacking trips and still feel like I am wearing my bedroom slippers.