Walking Boots

Hanwag Tarso Low ES Hiking Shoes | Review

Do-it-all, no nonsense hiking shoes with excellent eco credentials

Why We Chose The Hanwag Tarso Low ES Hiking Shoes: Versatile, comfortable, eco-friendly

Price: £200
Weight: 930g (pair)
More info: hanwag.com

German brand Hanwag are known for their no-nonsense approach to outdoor footwear. They built their reputation on sturdy, well-made hiking boots that were designed to last for mile after mile. Though the range has subsequently expanded to include a wide range of footwear, from walking shoes to full-on alpine and via ferrata boots, the products generally stay true to that founding ethos. The Tarso Low ES shoes are no exception.

Described as being intended for ‘multifunctional outdoor use’, this is a do-it-all pair of shoes that are equally at home on easy hiking trails or just your daily commute. They’re nicely understated in three muted, nature-influenced colourways, with a strong emphasis on comfort and cushioning. The waxed suede and synthetic uppers also feature a sturdy rubber toe rand and robust lacing that comes a good way down the forefoot, clearly indicating that these shoes can be used for more demanding walking that simply pounding pavements. Underneath, the outsole has fairly deep lugs and a pronounced heel breast for reassuring traction on varied terrain.

“Hanwag’s TubeTec Eco midsole is made of impact-absorbent polyurethane (PU) containing partly recycled material”

And though the Tarso Low ES shoes only look outdoorsy in a fairly low-key, unassuming way, they contain a couple of innovative technologies and materials, both developed to offer a more sustainable product that has minimal environmental impact. Firstly, they incorporate a waterproof, breathable Eco-Shell Footwear membrane, made without using harmful PFCs. Secondly, Hanwag’s TubeTec Eco midsole is made of impact-absorbent polyurethane (PU) containing partly recycled material. The TPU heel counter and rubber outsole also contain recycled materials, as does the inner lining of the shoes.

Though they’re not particularly lightweight, they are very comfortable and well cushioned. Thanks to the excellent build quality and high-quality materials used in construction, the Tarso Low ES shoes ought to be hardwearing and extremely long-lasting too. And if you do manage to wear out the sole, all Hanwag footwear uses a cemented construction that means every pair of shoes or boots are fully resoleable, further improving the life – and therefore the sustainability – of the product.

“If you do manage to wear out the sole, all Hanwag footwear uses a cemented construction that means every pair of shoes or boots are fully resoleable”

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“This walking shoe ticks a number of boxes for me. The sole has a comfortable amount of flex while still feeling sturdy enough for uneven terrain, there’s loads of cushioning – not just underfoot but on the tongue as well – and the solid toe bumper gives ample protection to your toes and to the leather upper.

“The lugs on the sole are relatively modest, but I’ve found them still deep enough for some fairly muddy and slippery trails. It actually resembles the kind of sole you’d find on an approach shoe, and there’s another similarity in the shape of the toe which is ever so slightly pointed to help with simple edging on rocks.

“The upper consists of a few pieces of leather all stitched together, which does make me worry about the lifespan of these. So far I haven’t noticed any wear and tear but it’s still early days. I’ll have to come back and update this in a few months.

“As for the waterproofing, absolutely no issues there. Proof that green methods of waterproofing can work just as well.”