table of contents
A completely new approach to a new level of fit
Arc'teryx, which has earned a reputation for uncompromising quality in recent years, finally expanded into footwear this season. Naturally, the news quickly spread throughout the outdoor industry. Amidst overwhelming anticipation, they released a multi-layered trekking boot featuring a tongueless, removable liner and a seamless, thermo-laminated upper shell. Its innovative visuals and concept completely exceeded expectations, leaving us impressed and impressed. The Bora2 Mid GTX quickly stole the show in 2015. I was skeptical (as usual), rather than excited, but after trying it out, I was impressed! Its many surprising details, not just its appearance, make it an unforgettable trekking boot of the 2010s. Let's get started!
Detailed review
Item name (reference price)
Arc'teryx Bora2 Mid GTX Mid Hiking Boots (List price: ¥45,360)
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | 600g (one leg) |
| material |
|
| waterproof | GORE-TEX |
| upper | Durable, one-piece, no-sew thermal laminate upper |
| liner | Lightweight, quick-drying, removable GORE-TEX midliner |
| Sole | Vibram Arc'teryx Hiking outsole provides traction, agility, support and durability |
| Variations | Bora Mid GTX Hiking Boots with Non-Removable Liner |
| Color variations | none |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Grip power | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| price | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
This is amazing!
Multi-layered liner and upper construction for exceptional fit and comfort
One of the most notable features is the fully removable Arc'teryx Adaptive Fit liner, reminiscent of high-end alpine boots. First, slip your foot into the stretchy liner, which hugs your foot snugly, almost like a sock. Then, the moment you slip on the shell, you'll experience an amazing sensation. There's no sense of pressure, even if you're wearing boots, but rather a seamless, even fit between the boot and your foot, like wearing a sock. It's like you're wearing a shoe, not just a shoe . This ultra-comfortable fit eliminates excessive pressure on any one part of your foot, minimizing the risk of blisters.
Furthermore, this liner, which minimizes seams and eliminates the tongue, is lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and stretchy, so the inside of the boots won't get stuffy even when walking for long periods in harsh weather . Other benefits the ability to wear just the liner and use it as a standalone indoor or camping shoe, the ability to separate and dry if it gets wet, and the ability to remove and wash it for hygiene, plus the ability to purchase an insulated version for use in cold seasons (sold separately) . These are just a few of the benefits that traditional trekking shoe construction offers.
When wearing double-layered boots, it's easier to put on the removable liner first and then place your foot in the shell
Sole that allows for light walking
The sole of the Bora2 Mid GTX isn't as stiff as an alpine boot designed for steep, rocky terrain, but it's not overly flexible like a hiking shoe for gentle, unpaved roads. This boot is designed for a wide range of terrain, from fast and light mountain trips on flat trails with lightweight gear to technical routes with rocky ridges . At first glance, this concept may seem a little half-baked, but after hiking in the low mountains around the Kanto region and the continuous streams and rocky terrain of Mount Togakushi in the Shinshu Alps, I felt that the concerns were adequately addressed through careful consideration of the details.
Specifically, the outsole features a unique pattern developed in collaboration with Arc'teryx by Vibram, a highly reliable sole manufacturer, with deep and large lugs (protruding parts of the sole) that are less likely to lose stability even under heavy loads, yet have just the right amount of stickiness (softness) for excellent grip
In addition, the "Y" groove split heel technology in the center improves braking performance, and the flat toe area provides friction to make it easier to grip even small holds on rocky terrain
The spherical heel design and smoothly curved line to the toe (see photo below) help to transfer weight smoothly from heel to toe, especially when walking on flat ground, so walking on paved roads is not as difficult as you might expect with hard, heavy boots
Custom string hooks that are easy to tie and hard to loosen
Finally, although it's a small detail, the unique hook structure provides extremely strong fastening power, making it easy to tie and difficult to loosen. This allows you to lock the laces securely in place after tightening them
This is not good
price
While it's true that they've achieved high quality in every detail, the biggest drawback is still the price, which remains prohibitive, especially here in Japan, where the weak yen makes things even more difficult
Balance of rigidity and flexibility of the upper
This was the issue that bothered me the most during this test. The upper is highly engineered for durability and flexibility, but its thinness made it stiff and prone to bending, which bothered me. The bare minimum of protection, with the exception of the heel and toe, leaves me feeling a little uneasy compared to regular leather (even if it's not really a problem). It's fine as a sturdy hiking boot, but as a lightweight alpine boot, it feels a little too bland
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
While these are certainly good shoes, with comfortable wear and excellent grip and stability regardless of terrain, their high cost makes them seem overkill for local hikes, light mountain climbing with overnight stays in huts, or as approach shoes. There are plenty of other boots that are cheaper and just right. On the other hand, their all-around support and grip will be of great use when you're looking for both lightness and comfort, such as for long traverses that include technical routes like rocky ridges, or for speeding through long trails. Of course, their uncomplicated comfort means they'll meet the expectations of people of all levels and with all types of needs, and are well worth the price
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