As part of of The Great Outdoors magazine’s February 2021 review of winter mountaineering boots, David Lintern reviews the Hanwang Makra Combi GTX
The Hanwang Makra Combi is a smart looking, ultra-modern offering, and a honeycomb structure in the sole and modern synthetic upper means it’s the lightest boot in my test. There is some flex at the toe, which is slightly raised, and a slight rocker under the ball of the foot. The boot is still stiff enough for most C2 crampons, but is more comfortable for walking on the flat than stiffer footwear.
The external profile of the boot and sole is quite slender but there is still a good deal of lateral stiffness, so edging in snow and ice is still possible. The slim profile and light weight engender a feeling of nimbleness and precision with foot placement. Grip is good, with a medium soft Vibram compound meaning confident footing in both wet and dry, but it’s less effective on ice.
The Hanwang Makra Combi has a wide last, and the volume inside the boot is medium to high. There is plenty of wiggle room for my wedge-shaped feet, even on descent, and heel lift is soon adjusted away with a straight forward and traditional lacing system. There are nylon hoops at the foot, a single ankle semi-locking cleat and regular cleats above. A low-profile rand to protect the grid synthetic and suede upper and a Goretex liner round things out.
The Hanwang Makra Combi is exceptionally light and comfortable, but the honeycomb rocker sole means it is cooler and less stable than others in this test. I would choose this boot for less technical ground.
This product has been awarded our ‘Recommended’ endorsement
