TESTED

During testing in September, the editorial team behind the online magazine “der-outdoor-tester.de” tested the Jack Wolfskin Trail Guide. The shoe was tested in several categories, including “wear comfort”, “lacing” and “cushioning”. On first impression, the walking boot appeared to be robust and rigid. The testers placed particular emphasis on the workmanship that had gone into the boot: “All of the seams have been double-stitched and the insole covers the entire shoe. The Trail Guide has a clean finish and the nubuck leather is soft to the touch. Moreover, the nubuck gives the boot an attractive and original appearance, which is otherwise not typical of Jack Wolfskin’s modern designs at all.”

Besides the shoe providing a pleasant environment for the feet, the testers also gave particular praise to the cushioning of the shoe. “The highly rigid Vibram sole provides outstanding cushioning, making it pleasant to walk on even rocky terrain or roads. The shoe also enables you to hike in a relaxed and safe manner across damp cliffs, as the sole is slip-resistant and the Trail Guide guarantees a secure grip on all trails. The walking boot bends and defines, making it very easy on the knees.” The editorial team recommends that all users on the move are best to break in the Trail Guide on flat terrain. Following a corresponding breaking in period, the shoe revealed itself quick to adapt to the foot during the test and provided a pleasant level of wear comfort. In the end, the shoe failed to confirm the testers’ first impression of being rigid: “In contrast to its initial robust and rigid appearance, the shoe is soft on the foot from the outset. In spite of this, the Trail Guide provides a good deal of grip.”

The Trail Guide Texapore achieves four out of a possible five points.

SUMMARY:

Conclusion of the editorial team: “Jack Wolfskin has delivered a stable hiking boot. After a short breaking in period, the upper of the Trail Guide sits extremely well on the foot. In addition, as far as the lacing is concerned, the shoe can be easily and flexibly tied around the leg, which means that the ankle is very well-supported. The boot provides excellent cushioning and the sole gives a firm grip on all surfaces. The Trail Guide is waterproof and ensures very good ventilation of the foot even in outdoor temperatures at the height of summer. The Trail Guide is therefore thoroughly recommended as a purely functional boot for hiking. The only element that continues to be of annoyance is the coloured socks.”