Hanwag's Belorado II Mid are rather narrow walking boots with a precise fit, best suited to those with narrow, low volume feet. Inside, the boot feels impeccably made with a smooth, seamless feel leading to superb walking comfort coupled with dollops of reassuring German build quality. A weight of 1100g (per pair) is impressive considering the high levels of performance and durability on offer.
Cushioning underfoot is well judged, you get a small amount of trail feel but there's none of the associated pain over longer walks. The walking platform is quite neutral both in roll and energy from the sole but that's not to say the Belorado II Mid feels like a plank to walk in, because it doesn't. This natural feeling leads you to forget that you're wearing the boots, which is possibly the highest compliment you could pay them.
Stability is excellent thanks to just the right amount of stiffness in the sole. There's enough flex at the forefoot and across the width of the boot but without too much floppiness. This makes for a comfortable wear straight out of the box and over long distances but you can still take the Belorado II into mountains without any concerns.
The sole features relatively shallow lugs but the rubber grips effectively both on greasy rocks and mud. There isn't a particularly pronounced heel brake, so you lack a little control descending steep slopes but the low-profile rubber works well when climbing.
Hanwag usually offer up excellent build quality and we felt the same applied to the Belorado II, this is a boot with an understated bombproof feel. Our previous pair of Belorado shoes have lasted mainly years with barely a scuff and we expect the same great service from these mid boots.
Verdict
Comfortable, capable and nimble three season walking boots.
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