The Banks style was first introduced by Hanwag 15 years ago and it’s been refined over the years to become one of the brand’s classic models.

Sourced only from European parts, Hanwag promise high quality and an optimum fit with their summer 2020 new release of the Banks GTX, marketing it as being the best choice for lowland walking and long distance multi-day hikes.

Hanwag Banks Lady GTX: Comfort

Now the first thing to note is that the Banks comes in a variety of different sub-styles designed to suit multiple foot types. The first is the Banks Straight Fit Extra, this model is great for those with a wider forefoot and allows extra room for the big toe to point straight ahead without being pushed inward. The second option is the Banks Narrow, which is great if you find the boots you’ve worn in the past to be too wide and you are looking for the secure feeling of a narrower walking boot. The third option is the Banks LL which has a soft and supple leather lining instead of the Gore-Tex membrane and fabric lining that features in all the other models. The fourth and final variation is the standard Banks Lady GTX which I’ve put to test in this review. If you’re looking for a verdict on the men’s version, head over to our editor’s review via the link below.

Related: Hanwag Banks II GTX men’s review

When I first slid my foot into the boot, I knew I was off to a great start. I went for a half size up to accommodate foot swelling which tends to happen to me on hot multi-day walks and this, for me, was a great decision. The toe box felt roomy but the laces secured the boot snug around my ankles. The inner lining is really soft and the boot feels fantastically cushioned overall. In this iteration of the Banks GTX, Hanwag have reinforced the polyurethane wedge for a softer, more comfortable roll off and out on the trails and you can really feel the benefit of that.

Each boot weighs in at 525g, which is comparable to the Salomon Quest 4D 3 at 575g – both of these styles also feature the nubuck leather/Gore-Tex combination.

Hanwag Banks Lady GTX: Design Features

The Hanwag design and development team are based in Vierkirchen, north of Munich and they have been tweaking away at the original design to improve it for 2020.

The boots feature sturdy lace hooks and the laces move smoothly through them. The third lace loop from the top is set really far back on the body of the boot which allows for increased opportunity to cinch the boot tightly around the lower part of the ankle for enhanced support.