LEATHER LEATHER LEATHER

All Hanwag boots are made of the highest quality leathers produced in Germany and Switzerland. The suppliers are “Hainen” in the north of Germany near Dusseldorf and “Galluser” in Switzerland. No leathers are supplied from South America. All leathers are AZO free. Hides are generally spilt horizontally in two or more layers. The top layer is called “full grain” and the under layers are called “secondary grain or second leather”. Full grain leather is the highest quality leather. Full grain leather is the outer layer of the hide. It is stronger, tighter and has the natural waterproof properties of the hide. It is more waterproof than secondary leather. The top surface of the leather is smooth while the under surface is rough where it has been split. This is second quality leather. Secondary leather is the under layer of the hide. It is rough on both surfaces and is less waterproof and strong than full grain. It is generally used on a lower quality, lower priced boot.

Anfibo Leather: This is the best quality of full grain leather. Anfibo means waterproof in Italian. It comes from ‘older’ cows and is generally 2.4mm to 3.5mm thick. Anfibo is used on high quality boots that need to be tough and durable, usually winter boots. Reversed Anfibo Leather: The leather is reversed or turned over on the boot so the tanned surface of the leather is on the inside and the textured layer is on the outside. This then protects the tanned surface from scuffing, screed abrasion, ice cuts and water. It is primarily used on Alpine mountaineering boots where maximum strength, support and abrasion resistance is required. Reversed anfibo leather is a prime quality leather and should not be confused with suede.

Nubuck Leather: Nubuck leather is a full grain leather but the tanned surface has a finely sanded, texturised finish which give it a cosmetic appeal. It should not be confused with suede. Calf Leather: Calf leather is a full grain leather but is much thinner and supple than anfibo. It is often used in lining the inside of a boot particularly where chaffing can occur. It ranges from 1.8mm to 2.2mm in thickness. Suede Leather: Suede leather is lower quality split secondary leather. Fabric: A man made tough fibre usually used in conjunction with suede. The most common is a branded fabric called Cordura. This has thick strands of 1000 denier nylon (as a comparison nylon tights are between 10 and 40 denier). ECOPEL Leather: Usually a full grain leather used for lining but which is not chrome treated. ECOPEL is considered to be more natural and comfortable than chrome treated leathers.

All Hanwag leathers are treated with a waterproofing process “hydrophobierien” prior to the manufacture of the boot. After the boot is made it is sprayed with a waterproof coating at the factory. The threads for sewing the seams are also subject to this process thus making them watertight. This process also waterproofs laces and stitching. The treatment is durable and helps protect the boot from scuffing. Certain leathers are ‘chrome’ treated. This is a 6-hour process which minimises shrinkage and tearing.

The Futura ILS System, is a revolutionary and fully patented design. The system is based on a completely new shaft construction - the shaft and tongue are made from one piece of leather. This gives a more comfortable fit and better all-round support. The integrated top tongue system prevents pressure on the skin-bone and calf caused by up and down movement of the foot, thus eliminating pressure spots on the problem zones of the inner ankle, shin-bone and calf. The shoe is fitted to the active movement line of the foot through the unique one-piece concept top, tongue, closure and spoiler where the tongue of the boot is an integral part of the shaft.
The Air Pulse System used by Hanwag is a special breathing system. The boot is lined with a special porous foam which allows air to circulate and wick out moisture. The glue used to hold this foam in place is sprayed on by a special gun which allows perfectly even distribution without clogging of the pores. Holes on the collar allow moist air to be expelled and fresh air to be drawn in with each step. This system helps keep the boot cool, expels moisture and reduces rotting.

Care of Hanwag Boots:

Breaking In:
All boots require some degree of breaking in. Hanwag recommend that short trips are initially made after the boots have been warn in and around the house for a day or so. One good quality pair of socks should be efficient although some people prefer to wear two pairs. As the boots break in the lacing can be adjusted for comfort.


Cleaning:
After use boots should be rinsed in tepid water to remove mud and dirt. Gentle rubbing with the fingers should be sufficient. Stubborn marks can be removed with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Avoid detergents or cleaning materials. Balls of newspaper should be inserted into the boots to help maintain shape and absorb excess damp. Boots should be left to dry slowly at room temperature in a well-aired room. Never force-dry as this damages the leather.


Treatment:
Boots should be treated with Hanwag formulated 'Water Bloc' wax or silicone spray. It is recommended that boots made with Goretex® should be treated with the 'Water Bloc' silicone spray to avoid clogging the membrane. Occasionally, a treatment of 'Water Bloc' should be applied to ensure the leather can't dry. Both treatments should be applied when the boot is dry and at room temperature. Wax should be rubbed in gently using a circular motion with the fingers. Silicone spray should be sprayed evenly in a well-aired room. After ten minutes a second treatment should be applied.

Crampon Use Definition:

The following is a guide for the use of crampons with Hanwag boots. The use of crampons very much depends on the terrain being covered, the experience of the climber or winter hill walker and the general age and condition of the equipment being used. If in any doubt advice should be sought from suitably experienced persons with local knowledge of the terrain and the individual/s concerned. Each boot shown on this site provides a crampon recommendation if applicable.

C1 Flexible Crampons:
C1 crampons are flexible strap-on easy winter walking crampons usually with 10 points.

C2 Semi-rigid Crampons:
C2 crampons are strap-on/step-in winter walking and limited mountain climbing crampons usually with 12 points.

C3 Rigid Crampons:
C3 crampons are step-in fully rigid mountain and ice climbing crampons usually with 12 points.

Boot Use Definition:

B1 Boots:
B1 boots are low level walking, rambling and trekking boots not to be used with crampons.

B2 Boots:
B2 boots are semi-rigid, mid range trekking boots with a 3/4 shank and for use with a C1 or possibly C2 crampon.

B3 Boots:
B3 boots are fully rigid technical boots with a full shank and for use with a C2 or C3 crampon.