Best Hiking Boots: Hanwag Alaska GTX

The Hanwag Alaska GTX is a legendary hiking boot, renowned for its exceptional durability, comfort, and support on challenging trails. A favorite among serious backpackers and outdoor professionals, the Alaska GTX is built to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable performance for years.

Key Features That Set the Hanwag Alaska GTX Apart

Durable Leather Construction

The Alaska GTX features a premium, full-grain leather upper that provides outstanding abrasion resistance and long-lasting durability. This high-quality leather molds to the foot over time, creating a personalized and comfortable fit. The thickness of the leather offers excellent protection against rocks, roots, and other trail hazards.

GORE-TEX Lining

A waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining ensures that your feet stay dry and comfortable in wet conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane effectively blocks water from entering the boot while allowing moisture vapor to escape, preventing sweat buildup and keeping your feet feeling fresh. This is crucial for maintaining comfort during long hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.

Vibram Fuora Outsole

The Vibram Fuora outsole provides exceptional grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. Its aggressive lug pattern offers excellent bite on loose dirt, mud, and rocky terrain. The outsole is also designed for durability, ensuring long-lasting performance even on the most demanding trails. The pronounced heel brake enhances control during descents.

High Cut Design for Ankle Support

The high-cut design of the Alaska GTX offers superior ankle support and stability, reducing the risk of ankle injuries on uneven terrain. This is particularly important when carrying a heavy backpack or navigating challenging trails. The padded collar further enhances comfort and support around the ankle.

Air-Pulse System

Hanwag’s Air-Pulse system enhances breathability by promoting air circulation within the boot. This system uses a pumping action generated by the movement of the foot to expel warm, moist air and draw in fresh air, helping to keep your feet cool and dry. This feature is particularly beneficial in warmer weather or during high-intensity activities.

Technical Specifications

Weight	880 g (per boot, size 8)
Material	Full-grain leather upper, GORE-TEX lining, Vibram Fuora outsole
Upper	Waxed Nubuck Leather
Lining	GORE-TEX
Outsole	Vibram Fuora
Insole	Hanwag Footbed
Lacing	Traditional Lacing System
Boot Height	High Cut

Performance on the Trail

Comfort and Fit

The Hanwag Alaska GTX is known for its exceptional comfort, even on long and demanding hikes. The full-grain leather upper molds to the foot over time, creating a personalized fit that minimizes pressure points and hot spots. The GORE-TEX lining provides a comfortable and dry environment for your feet, while the padded collar and tongue offer additional cushioning. The boot requires a break-in period to fully conform to the foot, but the effort is well worth it for the long-term comfort it provides.

Durability and Construction

The Alaska GTX is built to last, with a robust construction that can withstand years of abuse on the trail. The full-grain leather upper is highly abrasion-resistant, while the Vibram Fuora outsole provides excellent durability and traction. The boot features a cemented construction, which makes it resoleable, extending its lifespan even further. The high-quality materials and craftsmanship ensure that the Alaska GTX can handle even the most challenging conditions.

Versatility Across Terrain Types

The Alaska GTX is a versatile hiking boot that performs well on a variety of terrain types. The Vibram Fuora outsole provides excellent grip on loose dirt, mud, and rocky surfaces, while the high-cut design offers superior ankle support on uneven terrain. The waterproof GORE-TEX lining keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, making the Alaska GTX suitable for hiking in a wide range of environments. Whether you’re hiking through forests, crossing streams, or scrambling over rocks, the Alaska GTX provides the support and traction you need to stay comfortable and confident.

Sizing and Fit Guide

The Hanwag Alaska GTX tends to run true to size, but it’s always recommended to try them on with hiking socks to ensure a proper fit. The boot has a medium width, which should accommodate most foot shapes. If you have wide feet, you may want to consider ordering a wider width. It’s important to leave some room in the toe box to prevent your toes from hitting the front of the boot during descents. Hanwag also offers a variety of insole options that can be used to fine-tune the fit.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

• Exceptional durability and long-lasting construction.
• Excellent ankle support and stability on challenging terrain.
• Waterproof GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
• Comfortable fit, especially after the break-in period.
• Vibram outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces.
• Resoleable construction extends the lifespan of the boot.

Price and Value

The Hanwag Alaska GTX is a premium hiking boot with a price tag to match. However, its exceptional durability, comfort, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious hikers and backpackers. While there are cheaper hiking boots available, the Alaska GTX offers superior value in the long run due to its long-lasting construction and resoleable design. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing hiking boot that will last for years, the Hanwag Alaska GTX is an excellent choice.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning

• Remove the laces and insoles before cleaning.
• Use a soft brush and lukewarm water to remove dirt and debris from the leather upper.
• For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner specifically designed for hiking boots.
• Rinse the boots thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Clean the inside of the boot with a damp cloth to remove sweat and bacteria.

Storage

• Store the boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Stuff the boots with newspaper or boot trees to help them retain their shape.
• Apply a leather conditioner to the upper to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
• Store the boots in a breathable bag or container to prevent moisture buildup.

Who Should Buy the Hanwag Alaska GTX?

• Serious backpackers who need a durable and supportive boot for multi-day trips.
• Hikers who frequently hike on challenging terrain, such as rocky or mountainous trails.
• Outdoor professionals who require a reliable and long-lasting boot for work.
• Individuals with a history of ankle injuries who need extra support and stability.
• Anyone looking for a high-quality hiking boot that will last for years.

Final Verdict

The Hanwag Alaska GTX is a top-tier hiking boot that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and comfort. Its robust construction, waterproof GORE-TEX lining, and supportive design make it an ideal choice for serious backpackers and hikers who demand the best. While the price may be a barrier for some, the Alaska GTX offers excellent value in the long run due to its long-lasting construction and resoleable design. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing hiking boot that will stand up to the rigors of the trail, the Hanwag Alaska GTX is an investment you won’t regret.