WOMEN'S WATERPROOF LEATHER HIGH TREKKING BOOTS - MT500

European made 100% of our Forclaz boots are manufactured in Europe

These trekking boots are manufactured in the European Union, in Romania, in a factory specialising in the production of trekking boots (GRISPORT)

This factory uses exclusively water-based adhesives, without chemical solvents.

Most materials are of European origin.



MANUFACTURER: https://grisport.it/com

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Dope Dye process used on the lining of this model

Dyeing textiles uses lots of water, chemical products and energy. However, we enjoy wearing colour. To reduce this impact, we use the “Dope Dyed” technique where powder colour pigments are added when the yarn is produced (and not by soaking it in dye baths as is usually the case). This reduces consumption and the discharge of waste water from colouring our fabrics.

Routes suited to this boot

On the programme for this trekking are routes over generally moderate-altitude terrains and/or an all-terrain trail May be suited for some short, more technical passaqes: crossing scree, snowfields, elevation gains

Contact® technology for our soles

The grip and traction of our soles is certified Contact®

To be awarded certification, the boots must pass laboratory tests to assess the grip rate on different surfaces (smooth, rugged, dry, wet). To validate these tests, we assess the quality of our soles in the field, the mountains, by a panel of representative testers over more than 500 km



Their notching also gives you grip adapted to muddy or wet terrain

Advantages and drawbacks of this leather model

Advantages:

- supple leather.

- durable and waterproof, the leather prevents water running across the boot by repelling and absorbing it.

- breathable leather (natural pores of leather skin), but less so than a synthetic boot in strong heat. To reduce this problem, nubuck leather is used for greater breathability, but is also more sensitive to rain.

Drawbacks:

- it needs to be nourished, hydrated and treated to remain waterproof

This boot’s waterproof level

This boot has been tested and validated for 10,000 flexes repeatable, equivalent to a 15 km walk, in water reaching the mid-upper. This now guarantees a good level of boot waterproofing.



--> Our assessment indicates a LEVEL OF 3/5 giving 6 hours of waterproofing when hiking in the rain.

The details of tests carried out to assess the waterproofing of our boots is below.

Make this boot’s waterproofing last longer. It’s a question of the right accessory and a bit of elbow grease!

A waterproof grease is recommended to nourish leather to stop it drying out (cracking), to MAKE IT WATERPROOF and protect against stains.



1/ Trekking boot maintenance brush: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/shoe-maintenance-brush/_/R-p-307665?mc=8551990



2/ Grease for re-waterproofing leather boots: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/grease-for-re-waterproofing-leather-boots/_/R-p-9513?mc=8677747

Increase your boot’s waterproofing with a gaiter

The waterproofing of boots is often compromised because water gets in at the collar of the boot.

--> To keep your feet dry for longer, it is advisable to use a waterproof gaiter or mini-gaiter that will prevent water as well as pebbles and sand from getting inside through the top of the boot.



Model perfectly suited to this trekking gaiter MT500 black

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trek-500-trekking-gaiters-black/_/R-p-124466?mc=8347880&c=BLACK

Maintain your boots by following 6 steps

1/ Remove the laces to avoid smearing them with grease.

2/ Dry brush them to remove dust and any particles stuck on the leather. This is essential so any dirt doesn’t get stuck under a new layer of grease.

3/ Grease the leather with a brush, rub it deep into all the seams and gaps.

4/ Wipe off the excess grease with a soft cloth.

5/ Rub gently to make them shine.

6/ Replace the laces!

Waterproofing my leather boots with a reactivating spray

1/ Use a brush and/or sponge to clean the boots and remove residual earth or mud.

2/ Next, leave to air-dry, well away from a heat source.

3/ Finish by applying a water protection booster spray to maintain optimal water-repellent properties of the upper and to prolong the life span of the boot.



Link below for the applicator, also available online : https://www.decathlon.fr/p/applicateur-re-activateur-de-deperlance-pour-chaussures/_/R-p-307629?mc=8551

Choosing your size is an important point.

For hiking, do not hesitate to buy one size larger than the usual size to guarantee excellent comfort on the descent and to avoid toes rubbing at the tip of the shoe. Tip: keep your toenails short and, before descending, check that your lacing prevents your foot from sliding forwards inside the boot.

5 levels of waterproofing

During the waterproofness test, we test 5 levels of waterproofness:

- 2,000 flexes (approximately 4 km, 30 minutes of walking)

- 10,000 flexes (approximately 10 km, 3 hours of walking)

- 30,000 flexes (approximately 15 km, 6 hours of walking)

- 50,000 flexes (approximately 20 km, 8 hours of walking)

- 100,000 flexes (approximately >20 km, 24 hours of walking)

Waterproofing test carried out on this model

Our boots are laboratory tested by 2 consecutive tests.

Test 1: We test the effectiveness of the membrane alone immersed in water under air pressure. We simply check for any bubbles on the surface like a pierced air chamber.

Test 2: Thanks to a mechanical arm that simulates walking, the entire boots are half immersed in water and they complete thousands of flexes to check that the inside of the boot remains dry and it is therefore waterproof.

Try your boots out step by step

How to choose your boots:

1. Try on both shoes, standing up, with the socks worn for hiking.

2. Tighten the laces correctly.

3. Check the following two areas of comfort: the base of the heel and the front part of the foot going down.

4. Stand up to walk with the boots on.

5. Try on several sizes and several models.

6. Gradually start using you shoes during your first few hiking trips to break them in.

Main complementary laboratory tests

Laboratory tests were conducted to test the following elements:

- tearing of the eyelets and straps

- bonding of the sole

- toxicology

- UV-resistance

- abrasion of the sole and components of the upper

- accelerated ageing