As well as being available with either a Gore-Tex lining or a hypoallergenic, chrome-free leather one, the Tatra II also comes in a number of different men’s and women’s fits to cater for those with wide feet, narrow feet or even bunions. This is all thanks to the Hanwag boot builders who are able to sculpt each type of boot around a number of specially designed lasts.

We’re pretty sure that it’ll take years and years to wear down the Tatra II’s sole, but even so, it’s not the end of the world if you do as the cemented construction of the sole means it’s easy to replace. Hanwag can even sort that out for you (for a charge).

Eco Credentials

Hanwag have introduced a progressive type of leather with the Tatra II GTX called Terracare Zero. According to the German brand this is high quality cow hide that’s tanned at Heinen in Germany in accordance with strict environmental guidelines and using energy that’s completely Co2 neutral. Leather tanning is notoriously water intensive but with Terracare Zero, 40% water less water is used in the production than the industry standard. Even then, all the water that is used is then cleaned using state-of-the-art technology and returned to the natural water cycle. 

There’s also the fact that Hanwag manufacture these so that they can be easily re-soled should the sole happen to wear out. That means, if you look after the leather properly, there’s no reason why these boots couldn’t go on for decades. 

Performance

A lot of boot brands will say their products have out-of-the-box comfort but most of the time it isn’t true. With these, however, I found they were genuinely ready to go. There was a bit of the inevitable stiffness but not enough to cause any trouble. They certainly loosened up enough after a good morning of walking anyway. 

The sole has a nice bit of sturdiness to it which really helps for any edging while scrambling, it also reliably blocks out any sharp stuff underneath. Hanwag say that the Tatra II shouldn’t be used with crampons but I’d say you’d get away with most C1s here. 

One thing I particularly like about the Tatra II is the slight rock that the sole unit produces. That’s something that really helps over the course of long days of hiking, just saving that extra bit of energy. You also get a nice bit of shock absorption under the heel which I’ve been grateful for on some sharp descents. 

As you can expect from a Gore-Tex lined boot (non GTX ones are available), the wet weather protection is all there and it does its job well. The boots come with a good water resistant coating but I’d recommend treating the leather with some boot wax every now and then to keep things ship shape. 

More info: hanwag.com