Verdict from 1 expert and 18 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- A small number of reviewers find this remarkable backpacking boot highly recommendable for extra-long trips.
- Less than a handful of users rave about the footgear’s protectiveness. One of them even feels quite confident being around scree.
- Its incredibly supportive ankle zone has shocked an adventurer in a good way.
- The Hanwag Alverstone II GTX is applauded by a few owners for its fantastic walking performance. They linked this particular quality to the shoe’s rockered sole.
- A patron considers this Hanwag product a seriously durable hiking boot.
- The men’s and women’s Alverstone II GTX has impressed a tester with its super-breathable interior.
1 reason not to buy
- An owner is none too pleased with the heaviness of this backpacking footgear.
Bottom line
Owning the Hanwag Alverstone II GTX opens the gateway to a slew of off-trail possibilities. Indeed, its exceptionally protective build and supportiveness inspire confidence—confidence backpackers need for more arduous pursuits. In it, wearers would also have the ability to make comfortable strides for miles. That said, those who adore uberly lightweight hiking boots might end up completely disappointed with this allegedly hulking shoe. Overall, weight issues aside, the Alverstone II GTX from Hanwag is quite an enticing investment, what with all its short-but-sweet list of trek-worthy features.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
Good to know
- The Alverstone II GTX, the successor to the first Alverstone GTX, is Hanwag’s response to backpackers who wish to go off the beaten path with as much lightness, comfort, and protection as possible. Just like its predecessor, this is a Gore-Tex-imbued trail boot, making it amply waterproof all over.
- One of the main differences between the second-generation Alverstone GTX and its older sibling is seen in the upper. This new version is made primarily of suede as opposed to the previous model’s nubuck leather sort. The aesthetics of the successor’s upper also look a lot sportier than the old edition’s.
- When it comes to weight, the Alverstone II GTX hiking boot is about 200 g lighter than its predecessor. Its lightness is attributable to the outsole’s 3D PrismBase technology which grants a sole-weight reduction of about 32%.
- This piece sports Hanwag’s Integral Light sole unit. It consists of a cushy midsole, a supportive frame-like shank, and Vibram’s Integral Light outsole.
Hanwag’s Alverstone II GTX is a high-top, generally true-to-size backpacking boot for men and women. It is offered in regular width in a range of half and full sizes. Owners may customize its fit via the gear’s 2-zone lacing system.
Enabling trekkers to navigate tricky terrain safely is the Alverstone II GTX’s rubber outsole, called Vibram Integral Light. Multi-faceted studs (also known as lugs) are placed across its surface, providing users with extra grip over soft or mushy soil. Its curved arch zone gives way to a more prominent heel brake which enhances the outsole’s capability to grant descent control.
The cushioning and stabilizing midsole of this Hanwag offering is made of soft PU or polyurethane. Its construction allows it to absorb shock on impact and give backpackers enough rebound during transitions. The brand designers furnished it with a sturdy shank made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for additional midfoot support. They also paired with a removable insole for extra underfoot support and comfort.
A combination of suede leather, synthetic fabric, and microfiber makes up the Alverstone II GTX’s high-cut shell. It comes with a Gore-Tex membrane (a technology seen in Lowa’s Sesto GTX Mid and one of the variants of Danner’s Mountain Pass), leaving the trekking boot both adequately breathable and waterproof. Its supportive collar is engineered with LFX (Lateral Flex) technology which, as its name implies, enables outdoorsy folks to pull off freer ankle maneuvers.
The second-gen Alverstone GTX’s 2-zone lockdown system uses combination eyelets mostly made of metal. They are comprised of closed loops, the lower ones of which come with ball bearings, and open hooks. They work hand in hand with the shoe’s round synthetic lace.
Rankings
Popularity
