HanWag Boots

T264 · Aug 18, 2011

Am looking at the Hanwag Alaska GTX, uninsulated boots and want a comparison. I just sold a like new pair of Lowa Tibet Pro GTX due to them being a little short. Otherwise fit was fine and they seemed to be of exceptional quality. That being said, they may be a little stiff for most of my hunting.
Question- Are the Hanwags from Lathrop & Sons as hard bottomed as the Tibet? They are damn pricey but I would like to get the "perfect" boot for me and wear them for several years. Opinions please.
Note: Do the Hanwags run narrow, wide, short, long, or true to size?

Thanks

T264

mgutman · Aug 18, 2011

Can't speak directly to the HanWag but the LOWA is a burly boot. I have a pair of Baffin Pro (just like the Tibet except leather lining - I too had a sizing issue but loved the boots. Thought the craftsmanship was outstanding. Due to fit issues, I went with a Meindl boot -- not the cabelas version, from Canada) BUT I've seen those boots at Cabelas and they are very nice. In my opinion, while like the LOWA boot, the Meindl is step below in stiffness - which I like quite a bit. Still a rugged boot, but seems to flex a little more and be a touch lighter. You may want to check those out. I have tried on the Hanwag Alaska and as I remember it's a pretty stiff boot but I'll let others who actually wear them chime in. Good luck on whatever you decide. YMMV.

littlejoe · Aug 18, 2011

I have custom fit foot blocks from Lathrop and Sons in the mountain lights I purchased from them. Without a doubt the best fitting boots I have ever had. I even had them make me some custom foot blocks for my Kenetreks as well. Great company to work with.

chasemike · Aug 18, 2011

I have a pair of boots from Lathrop. The best I have bought, no doubt.

RV · Aug 19, 2011

I have the same pair of boots that you are wanting information about. They are very well made boot and the customer service at lathrop and sons is great. I think the boot runs a touch small. I wear a size 12 and I think a 12.5 would have been better for me. I don't know how to compare the hanwag to the lowa but the hanwag is a stiff boot and has a hard bottom. It took me along time to break them in. Hopes this helps. Feel free to PM any other questions that you have. Joe

"Velocity erodes mass doesn't"

T264 · Aug 19, 2011

thanks for the responses. Sounds like they may be very similar to the Lowa Tibet.

T264

mightyhunter · Aug 26, 2011

Just received a pair of the Hanwag Alaska GTX boots. I took them for a 10 miler yesterday. Traction was much better than with my Meindl Denali's and as good as the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers I had previously. They have a roomy toe box which is what killed my feet with the Kenetreks. Support was excellent and I developed no hot spots.So far I am impressed. Only time will tell as I continue to break them in.

T264 · Aug 26, 2011

Well back to the drawing board- I ordered some Schnee's Beartooth and after a couple of days they call and inform me the Beartooth in my size is on backorder until possibly late September.

Does the Lowa Ranger GTX Hi come in a wide width? All I have been able to find online is medium width, or D.

Thanks

T264

mgutman · Aug 29, 2011

if interested, you can call www.ajbrooks.com in Vancouver. They sell Meindl Island Pros. Very similar to the Ranger and Hanwags. They come in Wide as that's what I ordered.

T264 · Aug 29, 2011

Pulled the trigger on the Hanwag Alaskan GTX boots with the custom footbeds. Lathrop & Sons were great to deal with and now I hope they fit.

T264

T264 · Sep 30, 2011

Been wearing the new HanWag Alaska GTX for about 3 or 4 weeks on some decent hikes. Extremely comfortable with the custom footbeds, very well made, great customer service from Lathrop & Sons, not as stiff but close to the Lowa Tibets, trmendous traction, very pricey! These seem to be great boots that fit exactly like I wanted them to and as mentioned above, they do run slightly small. I ordered a 1/2 size bigger than normal and it turned out just right.

T264

mightyhunter · Oct 20, 2011

I have now put a lot of miles on my Hanwags. No hot spots and they are sturdy with great traction. My only complaint is they came with absolutely bottom end insoles. When you pay $ 344 for a pair of boots you should receive better. I pulled the insoles out of my Meindl Denalis and put them into the Hanwag. The problem was solved. I will pick up an extra pair of the Meindl insoles when I get to Cabelas the next time. You shouldn't have to do this.

HardcoreOutdoor · Oct 20, 2011

I think you will do well with either lowa or hanwag, I am a big fan of both. I have found that the hanwag runs a little small so I have to bump up a size and there are no wides from hanwag but there are from lowa.

Which raises the question why didn't you just go with a bigger size in the tibet?

If the hanwag alaska is too much meaning too stiff for you try the mountain lite. I have tested almost 200 pair of boots and shoes over the last 3 years and they might be the best of the bunch but everybodys feet are different so make sure you get fitted properly. A boot that doesn't fit your feet is worthless no matter how good or how expensive it is.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

T264 · Oct 22, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Oct-22-11 AT 10:11AM (MST)[p]I guess the Hanwag just fit better plus you could get them in 1/2 size increments. The Lowa Tibet is a great boot but and seems slightly stiffer than the Hanwags. The price of the Hanwag boots is not pleasant though.

T264

As far as the Hanwag Mt. Light, I will save for a little while and get a pair of them as well. The man at Lathrop & Sons said he wears his almost everyday and are extremely comfortable.