Hanwag Tatra Bunion Boot
In January we asked our bunion-suffering readers to convince us they were the right person to review Hanwag‘s new revolutionary Tatra walking boot.
Thank you for all your entries but I’m pleased to say we now have three reviewers, they are: Roger Mullenger, Jo Polak and Jenna. The three outdoor enthusiasts have now received their boots and are raring to go!
A bit of background on bunions and the Tatra boots
It’s a condition that affects millions of people In the UK alone, a condition that causes substantial swelling around the big-toe joint. Bunions can cause certain shoes or boots to feel painful and uncomfortable and make it really hard to find a walking boot that fits properly.
So now Hanwag have created a boot that combines the comfortable and supportive design of the original model, with a new bunion-specific construction that minimises pressure around the big toe joint.
What did our three reviewers have to say on first look?
Roger Mullenger
Experienced walker Roger has been an avid Hanwag boot supporter for years, taking the Lima & Peru models along all 500 miles of the Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne while also leading walking holidays for HFHolidays and leading a U3A walking group. Here’s what he had to say:
‘I received the boots well packed and was delighted by the appearance of the two-tone leather. Fabric boots are lighter but it’s difficult to beat the waterproofing and wear resistance of lined leather boots. I have had a pair of hanwag Limas for several years and have done excellent service including walking the length of the Pyrenees.
‘The Tatras arrived with a neat “Hallux” label – I now know that is the correct term for a bunion is Hallux Valgus, something learnt every day. It’s good to see that it is European, rather than Asian, made.
‘The sole is a very grippy-style Vibram, which looks as though it will resist sliding in all directions. It is resoleable, but I think it will do many miles before that is necessary.‘
Jo Polak
Poor 53-year-old Jo’s husband describes her feet as a horror show! Despite this she’s a keen outdoors enthusiast who enjoys running, cycling, climbing and swimming as well as hillwalking. She’s now hoping Hanwag’s new boots will keep her feet pain free when she’s out in the Scottish hills and glens. Here’s her initial opinion on the boots:
‘Well, the boots look good. Nice solid soles, plenty of ankle support and enough room to accommodate the bunions. (Bliss!). They’re a fraction lighter than my current boots but look sturdy enough to cope with the local bogs and heather.
‘Quick dog walk this morning and they don’t seem to rub anywhere, but the feel is quite unusual, almost as if the boot is rotated a few degrees outwards at the front.
‘So it’ll be interesting to see what a longer walk with some proper ups and downs does to them, and me! I’ll keep you posted.’
Jenna
Jenna chairs a local walking group and it is imperative that she walks as often as she can with them to ensure the smooth running of the group but it’s been a struggle with her painful bunions. She’s hoping the new boots will signal an end to her walking woes. Here’s what she had to say on first look:
‘When I opened the box, not only was I impressed with the way they had been made and the way they looked, but also they fitted like a glove! Incredibly comfortable, no rubbing and they feel rather luxurious to wear.
‘I cannot wait to take them out on the hill and that is exactly where I shall be heading this weekend’
More details
For more information about the Tatra Bunion visit www.hanwag.de.
