FAQ

The most frequently asked questions and answers.

Do you have any questions for HANWAG? On this website you will find an array of need-to-know information, for example, guidelines on shoe care, background information about shoe production, as well as information about our technology and the materials we use, plus tips for when you are on the road and the equipment you might need. Here, under Q&A, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers. In most cases you will, hopefully, find an answer to your question, such as “the shoe pinches”. Should you not find your question or a satisfactory answer to your question please simply contact us direct via e-mail.

Questions and answers under the following topics:

 

General

What makes HANWAG shoes different?

In a nutshell we would say: HANWAG boots and shoes have the best fit, robustness, longest life and use the best materials available. As well as this, everything is “made in Europe” with the final assembly being “made in Germany”, in Vierkirchen near Munich, where our shoes have been made since the founding of the company more than 85 years ago. That is what guarantees our quality.

Where can I buy HANWAG shoes?

Here you can go to a list of approved HANWAG dealers close to you »».

What should I be aware of when I go shopping?

1) Take your time! Preferably go shopping in the afternoon since feet are always smaller in the morning and tend to be more swollen in the evening. This must be taken into consideration when choosing the correct size for the perfect fit.

2) Should you wish to use orthopedic shoe lifts or insoles in the shoes take them with you when you go shopping so you can try them with the shoes. It’s a good idea to take your favorite socks with you too. And ALWAYS try both boots / shoes on!

3) And then ... wear the boots / shoes you are considering buying for at least ten minutes. Walk around the shop with them on. If possible go up and down some stairs and try to simulate the kinds of walking movements you will be making outside.

4) If you have decided on boots or shoes with Gore-Tex® test them for their impermeability immediately after buying them; look for your nearest puddle or use your shower head!


Which shoe size is correct?

A consultation with a HANWAG shoe specialist is invaluable. Here you will find a table of shoe sizes »».
The basic principles are:

  • A walking boot or shoe made from soft material should always be bought with a wider fit across the toes so your toes never hit against the inside of the shoe. Even if the shoe is wonderfully comfortable when you try it on in the shop you should always try a half size bigger as a comparison, just to be on the safe side, because it might be an even more comfortable fit!
  • Hiking or trekking footwear must have a comfortable fit and must not rub anywhere. They should give good ankle support, have just one (if any) distinct crease over the toes and have the essential flexible instep-bend.
  • Alpine rock climbing boots should fit and should not be too long (to provide direct contact, and therefore more sure footing, on the rocks) and should offer an efficient, light-running lacing system.
  • Heavy-duty Alpine boots have to be wider in the toe area to protect against frostbite. The Alpine boots from HANWAG protect via a triple, individual vari-volume system, so whether you choose thick or thin socks, one pair or two, your shoes will fit every time, and you will always be prepared for every eventuality.

 

Can I buy HANWAG shoes directly from the factory?

We do not have a factory shop nor do we offer direct sales to the public. Please visit your closest reputable HANWAG dealer (and all HANWAG dealers are reputable), there you will receive specialist advice which you can depend upon, so you know you will be buying the best shoe for you and for your chosen activity.

Is it true that I have to “break in” my Alpine shoes?

The fit of HANWAG shoes is a result of decades of experience in shoe making and, for most of us, results in a perfect fit. Even so, it makes good sense to “break in” a trekking shoe before heading out on a long trek. With shoes which have a leather lining this is an especially good idea since the natural material moulds itself to the foot and takes on the shape of the foot. It is also important to try varying methods of lacing the shoes; the breaking in period is the prime opportunity for doing so. Remember, too, we do not recommend you lending your shoes to anyone else, the perfect fit of your shoes will be ruined and the shoes will no longer be as comfortable on your feet as they were before.


I often hear talk of a “last”, what is it?

At the factory a shoe is given its own shape, this is defined by the last. A last is a model rather like an artificial foot. It is made either from a solid piece of wood or plastic and it is around this that the shoe is constructed. The last used for the boot form and sole must correspond with the actual foot that will wear it, if it doesn’t every step you take in these shoes will be painful and every hike you endeavor to make will be pure torture.

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Choice of Shoes

Which models for which areas of application?

All models of HANWAG shoes are made with a specific application in mind, these may be specific specialties, such as with our Alpine boots, or for a less specific area, like, for example, our various models of trekking shoes. The first question that you yourself must answer, and which a reputable HANWAG dealer will ask you, is what do you need these boots or shoes for?

A description of the various categories of shoes gives you an overview and will help you make a pre-selection. And please remember the purchase of a pair of shoes should rest exclusively on this one crucial factor, the fit. When you have chosen the right shoe for your area of application you must try it on. It will get you nowhere not to try on the shoe, remember the longer you can try the shoe on for, the better. Only a shoe which fits well is a good shoe. Statistics on paper about technology, material and weight, etc. are boring and will not help you if the shoe pinches – nor will its appearance. When buying a shoe for Alpine sports or trekking the fit and the functionality must be the deciding factors. With shoes for everyday use in the city or office you can gladly consider factors such as optical characteristics as well ….

What is better, a leather shoe or a shoe with Gore-Tex® finishing?

Both have advantages. Therefore it comes down to, as always, the area of application. Do you need a shoe which will remain waterproof for a long period of time, which offers water no way past the outer membrane of the material, which you do not need to repeatedly and regularly treat to make water repellent, for example, on long trekking or Alpine tours? For many people leather is the more “natural” option and is always comfortable to wear. For normal areas of application the impermeability of leather is more than sufficient, of course, that is if you take correct care of the leather! In this sense neither is “better”, the best material for your shoes depends on your personal preference and your planned activity.

What lasts longer, a shoe with or without Gore-Tex® lining?

With the correct care (you will find tips on shoe care here) a leather shoe will keep going forever, and that is either with or without Gore-Tex® lining. A Gore-Tex® shoe with a material upper is not as robust as a leather shoe but it does have the advantage of being lighter and more flexible.

What signifies a specific shoe for rock climbing routes?

Apparently rock climbing shoes seem to need to combine contradicting features:

They must be comfortable, for long periods of walking, as well as providing stability when climbing. They must meet the wearer’s requirements in the mountains and when climbing over iron rungs or using ladders. They must be made of a robust material, have a stable sole and offer good grip.

On the other hand, more difficult climbing routes demand a more precise foot hold on the rocks; there a sole with torsion stability is all-important (in order to provide a powerful grip efficiently) but extreme moveability in the shoe is important too, as is flexibility and friction in the sole, facilitating the perfect step.

Generally, shoes which are intended for climbing have a narrower cut than, for example, trekking shoes. A step-ladder-base between the ball-of-the-foot area of the sole and the heel impede slipping on iron rungs.

Because it is impossible to always predict the weather and conditions in the mountains it is vital that all rock climbing and Alpine shoes are constructed with a GORE-TEX® membrane to ensure their impermeability.

The HANWAG models of shoes which are specifically designed for rock climbing are: Super Friction GTX, Zenit GTX, and Crack Safety GTX. In the 2007 programme we are introducing a specialised rock climbing shoe, the Ferrata GTX. It is ideal for rocky terrain, it is light and stable with Vibram®-Climbing Sole and offers extreme flexibility in the ball-of-the-foot area.

Can I use my rock climbing shoes from HANWAG if I go on a glacier tour?

Yes. Admittedly our rock climbing shoes are not specifically designed for this purpose, for a true high mountain or mid-winter Alpine tour, but our high Alpine rock climbing boots are often used in regions which have snow and ice. Remember though, you would then need a model which is compatible with crampons. All our rock climbing models are designed to be used with “semi-automatic” crampons. If you should need these please consult an approved HANWAG dealer since there are a variety of crampons available. And do not forget to take your boots with you so you can try everything on in the shop before making a purchase.

Here are some rough guidelines:

  • Strap-on crampons: Suitable for many varieties of shoes with varying quality of soles (also for various models of trekking shoes).
  • So called “semi-automatic” crampons: These are crampons with a “basket” (generally made of plastic) at the front and with a heel lever binding at the back. For this kind of crampon you need an extremely robust boot with a reinforced crampon fitting on the heel.
  • So called “fully-automatic” crampons: These are crampons which have a heel lever binding at the back and a metal bar at the front. HANWAG’s Alpine boots are designed for use with these kinds of crampons.


Can I use my trekking shoes when I go on rock climbing routes?

In principle: Yes/No! (Refer above: What signifies a specific shoe for rock climbing routes?) It depends on the difficulty of the rock climbing route and your own ability. Trekking shoes are designed for long periods of walking; they have a wider cut and a softer sole. To illustrate the point we can do a comparison, if the trekking shoe were a comfortable arm chair, the rock climbing shoe would be the less comfortable than the driver’s seat of a Ferrari! Understand?!?

What do I need for a glacier tour?

For those who have never undertaken a glacier tour we only recommend undertaking such an adventure with a competent mountain guide or with a guided tour. There are various mountain schools and Alpine clubs offering this service.

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Shoe care

How do I best care for my shoes?

You will find shoe-care instructions under Service – Shoe care »». The correct shoe care has a definite influence on the life and quality of your shoes. Also regular shoe care is a requirement for the guarantee.


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Repairs

What can I do if the sole is wearing away or detaching from the shoe?

If the shoes are still perfect apart from this problem, remember all HANWAG shoes can be re-soled. You can either consult a shoe specialist you trust or take your shoes to an approved HANWAG dealer, who can then send your shoes to us to be re-soled. We only charge factory cost price for this service.

The soles don’t have as much grip as before, why?

With a new shoe, it can be that a residue of the impregnating agent remains on the shoe. This rubs away over a short time as you walk. If you have not used your shoes for a long period of time it is possible that the surface of the sole has hardened and therefore become more slippery. This is normal. The soles of all HANWAG shoes contain natural rubber (an expensive natural material in comparison to the cheaper PU-soles). To resolve this problem you can simply take a wire brush or a fine sand paper and lightly roughen up the surface, or even simpler go for a walk on a tarred road.


What should I do if I find a defect with my HANWAG shoes?

Take the shoes back to the HANWAG dealer where you bought them. The HANWAG dealer will check the defect on the shoes and decide if it is a justified complaint. In this case, the shoes will be returned to HANWAG and will be repaired free of charge or you will receive a replacement pair.


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