Boot-ilicious
GunMart February 2004
As
for boots, every hunter needs a pair - the High Hunting
Boots from Shark might be of a specialist design but
there's a lot to like here as well
Shark
Group's hunting boots are a traditional style of a
field boot - albeit in the very high leg design more
popular in mainland Europe. But more of that later
as firstly here's the lo-down of the boot specifications
and manufacture.
On
first appearances you might think the boots look heavy,
yet due to the materials used in construction they're
surprisingly light. This is probably due to the extensive
amount of Cordura used in the leg section. Now to
another clever design feature - the lower part of
the boot takes its strength and waterproof properties
from the leather used and the way it has been stitched
together in the process of manufacture. The upper
is made from special Anfibo leather, a naturally water
resistant material which is further treated to ensure
the sole to leather upper is waterproof. There is
a hard rubber toecap to protect the toes (obviously)
and prevent the leather from scuffing and a 'strap'
of what again appears to be leather runs from the
sole up the back of the boot affording a supple but
high level of ankle support. The heavy rubber sole
is specially manufactured for this boot by Vibram®
and has wide cleats - a nice compromise that offer
good grip, yet shed mud easily. There's nothing worse
than walking in boots that have mud caked soles -
making the boots feel heavy and the cleats less effective
for assured footing.
The
'High Hunting Boots' come approximately ¾ of
the way up the calf - more the length of a Wellington
in fact. For lacing they have metal eyelets and speed
hooks - the latter are riveted into the leather that
runs up either side of the open tongue. This is generously
sized so putting the boots on is a very comfortable
affair. Once laced up they give a very secure feel,
less chance of twisting an ankle or pulling a calf
muscle in these. The amount of flexibility is also
surprising given there such a high leg design. The
boots have obviously been designed and manufactured
to give the ultimate in comfort and performance. The
full grain brown leather has Realtree Hardwoods®
Green HD™ Cordura trim, and is lined with a Veratex
breathable waterproof membrane for internal protection
and 200gm Thinsulate for warmth without bulk. In fact,
as for the waterproof claims - I can vouch to the
effectiveness as I've absolutely abused mine for over
6-months. All weathers, all-terrains and they've been
as good as the marketing blurb claims.
As
I checked the website for the price of the High Field
Boots (£148.50), I noticed that the company
has already brought in a Mid Length Hunting Boot,
for those that prefer a shorter field boot. In fact
I highly recommend you go on-line to check out the
company website and use their secure 'webstore' for
purchasing any of the products featured. Go on - buy
British…
Click
here to buy online now
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