T3 - UK (2021-03)

76 T3 MARCH 2021

Te s te d

JACK WOLFSKIN FORCE STRIKER TEX APORE

£140, jack-wolfskin.co.uk

Sometimes – usually when you’re suddenly standing in a young

swamp – you want solid and slightly clumpy boots on, and these Jack

Wolfskin beasts are indeed they. There’s plenty of tech packed in,

and in spite of their scale, they’re not overly heavy – a major bonus.

A massively padded ankle provides plenty of support, a textile upper

and waterproof membrane keep things breathable and a solid toe

rand extends all the way back to the instep, adding protection.

Finally, a Vibram Megagrip sole provides traction on the worst of

surfaces, and there’s a built-in strike plate to protect your forefoot

from sharper stones, similar to the better class of trail shoe.

There’s more than a little Back to the Future about the Facet 45, and

those straps do indeed deliver hands-free lacing, or ‘kinetic’ lacing as

&ROXPELDZRXOGKDYHLW(OVHZKHUHWKHVRFNVW\OHĆWDGGVFRPIRUW

and stops small stones getting into the boot too, merging into the

ballistic upper. The ‘facet’ welded overlays on that upper add extra

protection from sharp edges, the sole unit is stiff enough for long

days, and there’s a waterproof membrane to protect from dampness.

With its futuristic looks and decent specs, the Facet is an ideal

urban/hiker crossover, able to deal with light hiking duties over the

warmer months with aplomb – just don’t mention hoverboards...

ROBUST BOOTS THAT YOU CAN RELY ON

We’ve moved mountains to bring you the word on which

footwear won’t let you down when the going gets tough

Hiking boots

COLUMBIA FACET 45 OUTDRY

£145, columbiasportswear.co.uk

FUTURISTIC BUT FUNCTIONAL HIKERS

Words: Mark Mayne Photography: Neil Godwin