Walking Boots

Hanwag Ferrata II GTX Boot | Review

Hanwag’s Ferrata alpine boot is back with a new look, new design features and tech, and an even lighter weight

Why We Chose The Hanwag Ferrata II GTX: Quality materials and design, technical performance, comfort.

We liked the original Ferrata Combi GTX by Hanwag enough to include it in our Outdoor 100 product guide back in 2017. Now a few years down the line, this follow on, the Ferrata II makes it into 2019’s version. And for good reason, we think (well, it wouldn’t be in otherwise).

This is a boot designed for challenging, rocky terrain. Hanwag specifically refer to via ferrata or alpine tours on rock or ice as being in their sights with this, and we’d agree. It has a a sole unit that is absolutely up to the task for handling that kind of stuff.

It’s got the perfect stiffness to it; solid enough to be able to fit a C2 crampon and with just enough flex to make it comfortable enough for covering reasonable distances in. There’s also that slightly pointed toe and climbing zone which enables you to get a very precise, firm and reliable foothold on even the slightest of edges.

Looking at the actual specifics of this boot’s sole unit, there are a lot of clever ingredients. The midsole uses Hanwag’s TubeTec Rock technology which features an extremely cushioning polyurethane foam housed within a tough thermoplastic to ensure the longevity of the shock absorption. According to Hanwag, it’s mainly the developments made here with the midsole that make this boot 10% lighter than the original Ferrata Combi boot.

Onto the outsole. This features Vibram’s Mont, a compound which can be found in a number of other high spec mountaineering boots – from the likes of Lowa and La Sportiva for example. It’s aggressive, with deep, tractor-wheel-like lugs across the tread which will be dependable on sharp downhills.

The shape of the entire sole unit itself promotes a slight rocking action. This is something that, over long distances, can make a real difference, not just in terms of comfort but also in energy-saving.

A boot designed for challenging, rocky terrain. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Ferrata II has deep, tractor-wheel-like lugs. Photo: Chris Johnson

The shape of the entire sole unit itself promotes a slight rocking action. Photo: Chris Johnson

When it comes to the right boot for alpine use, you’re going to want something that provides good ankle support but that can also give a little bit of flex to help you over the mileage. That’s all here with the Ferrata II. There’s also the well-designed two-zone lacing system with locking eyelets, a system that lets you pull the boot in smoothly and evenly across the length of the tongue right from the ankle to the toes.

“Another thing we like about the Ferrata II is that you can tell it’s built to last”

Another thing we like about the Ferrata II is that you can tell it’s built to last, and what we’re mainly referring to here is the ultra tough material they’ve used for the upper. We’re not 100% sure what it is but it looks like and feels like ballistic nylon. If you’re wearing these with crampons, you can rest easy that it’ll be able to shrug off the points should they come into contact.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I wore these in the Norwegian Fjords where I took on a number of quite technical routes climbing the sharp granite common there. I’d only managed to get a sample that was a bit smaller than my normal size, but I was still really, really impressed. For the short and sharp parts, I found the precision of the toe to be excellent when edging, and that stiff shank really helped to reduce strain. Over distance, having worn them for two big days I found them to be really comfortable – which was quite surprising given I wasn’t wearing my exact size. This I’d put down to a combination of the cushioned midsole, the slight rock they provide and also their light weight.

“In the video review we put together, there’s a scene where I’m walking through a stream. I can’t tell you how many times the cameraman made me walk through it to get the shot – it must’ve been at least a dozen I think. But still, my feet remained absolutely dry thanks to that Gore-Tex lining and the overall build of the shoe.”