Never underestimate the value and power of a good walking shoe. Over the years I have come to appreciate really good and decent walking shoes more and more. Especially after having had and worn out several inferior shoes in a short time. Since then I have decided never to opt for inferior and cheaper walking shoes again and to invest in quality. If you can test and use shoes from a brand like HANWAG, then you naturally say yes.
Who is HANWAG?
HANWAG was born in Bavaria in 1921. HANWAG stands for traditional handcrafted workmanship combined with technical expertise, continuous innovation, durability and tradition. For over 100 years now they have been making high-quality, functional mountaineering and trekking footwear at their headquarters near Munich, Germany.
At HANWAG one thought is always central: 'what makes a really good outdoor boot?'. Keeping this in mind all the time, HANWAG has grown over the decades, slowly, solidly and consistently.
To maintain the highest quality standards for its collections, HANWAG only produces at manufacturing facilities in Europe.
In 2004 HANWAG, the family business, was sold to Fenix group from Sweden. They wanted HANWAG to continue as a premium brand. Under this new ownership the collection has slightly changed in terms of colour and design, which I actually really like. But at heart HANWAG remains that same high-quality shoemaker from a small Bavarian village that sells boots all over the world.
Coastridge Low (Lady) ES
We were given the Coastridge Low ES for both men and women to use and test intensively. For the ladies we choose the Pink/Navy colour and for men we choose the Black/Yellow colour. We went for these colours because we wanted something different from the standard black or brown walking shoes. These are really different and stand out.
The Coastridge Low ES is a lightweight and multifunctional shoe in a sporty design. Especially designed for flatter terrain and firm trails.
I’ve had a lot of high walking boots before. Particularly often for ankle support. But I switched to low walking shoes a while ago. They provide the same comfort and are often much more convenient and lighter for travelling.
Main product features
The Coastridge Low ES has a sporty design, lightweight construction and sustainable materials. It’s designed for terrain and trails, shorter day hikes and active everyday use.
I love how the fresh colour ways emphasise the sporty design. The synthetic upper is made primarily of a robust, polyester-based fabric, which is then reinforced with a leather heel and toe cap.
Sustainability is key and very important nowadays. So on the sustainability front, this model has a PFC-free EcoShell membrane. HANWAG’s waterproof, breathable and sustainable PU membrane is based on a complex, hydrophilic system that offers waterproofing and breathability without using fluorocarbons. The entire shoe is PFC-free.
Wearing comfort is very important when it comes to walking boots. To ensure a perfect connection between sole and upper, HANWAG uses Direct Injection Technology. With this the soft sole material is directly injected and connected with the shoe upper. This makes the HANWAG Hike Light sole particularly lightweight and especially comfortable to wear.
Then the sole is also made of a selection of cushioning ingredients. With softer materials at the heel and toe area and stabilizing rubber elements in the mid-foot area. It all ensures a smoother roll off for the foot. And that is really noticeable.
The shoes fit like a glove and it feels like you’re actually walking on clouds, it’s so good.
Review
I have used these HANWAG shoes a lot over the past months. Especially in my preparation to the 4 Day Marches last July in Nijmegen. Having these kind of boots for preparation and walks like the Marches in Nijmegen is golden. And an absolute must if you ask me. These types of shoes are so nice. They fit like a glove from the moment you take them out of the box and put them on for the first time.
Walking almost comes naturally in these shoes. I have said it before and I will say it again. Investing in high quality walking and hiking shoes is well worth it. The difference between high and low quality shoes is huge. Do yourself a favor and just pay that little extra for so much more comfort.
This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley. She received two pair of HANWAG Coastridge Low ES to test extensively and to write this review.