30 years of bad experience with boots has seen me spend most of my hill time in trail shoes the past few years but now and again I get sent boots that don’t have me reaching for the Compeeds.
The Transalpina’s are a beefy fabric and suede boot at 1425g for a pair of UK9’s, there’s enough stiffness in the upper and the sole unit for me to wear Kahtoola and Hillsound spikes or lightweight crampons which has been handy especially up the Kilpatricks. But there’s still enough flex for my ankles to move and for me to have a natural walking gait, something I don’t find overly much.
The flex at the ankle works with a decent flex point at the toe so I can put miles in without getting achy. The heel cup is well shaped for my feet, fitted but not too neat. From the box the Transalpina’s caused me no grief and I’ve had no hot spots from heel lift.
The tongue is well shaped and padded enough just enough, I can pull the laces right in to get a good fit and I don’t feel any pressure or get sore spots after hours of wearing even in thinner socks. The Vibram outsole has decent grip although the lack of a heel counter can make muddy descents a little more sketchy to get the heart rate up.
The heel area is well supported and protected by an external plastic frame which lets me thoughtlessly stride into rocky or rough ground. I think this plastic frame has added to the longevity of the boots as although the suede is getting worn and shiny, the plastic is taking the hits first and it’s staying in good shape.
The upper is mostly suede but there’s enough fabric panels to let some of the sweat out a little quicker through the Gore-Tex membrane and the boots aren’t too hot or humid at all.
However that same Gore-Tex membrane is no less fragile than the ones fitted to any other pair of boots and both boots are now letting in a little at the toe flex point. It’s only a problem when my feet are submerged like when on a bog trot, but the day they finally cure this problem that will likely affect every well used Gore-Tex lined boot at some point will be a happy day for us all.
I know fit is a very subjective thing, these boots won’t fit everyone, but my feet are very suspicious of boots and it’s actually all being going well.