GUN MART MAGAZINE REVIEW – HI-TEC: MAGNUM ELITE SPIDER 8.0 BOOTS
Magazine: Gun Mart
Working Title: Hi Tec: Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Boots
Subject Area: Reviews - Article submitted by John Fenna
Copyright John Fenna.
Date: 25 February 2008
HI TEC: MAGNUM ELITE SPIDER 8.0 BOOTS
The new Magnum Elite Spider Boots claims to be the lightest, quietest and most athletic tactical footwear ever made, yet still exceed CEN European Footwear standards and are designed to meet the needs of the highest level elite “tactical professionals”.
20% lighter than any other Magnum boot at approx 1.2kg (size 43), the Spiders have an upper made from full-grain leather combined with a breathable “Aero Mesh” fabric, a padded half bellows construction tongue, a padded Aero Mesh cuff and ankle for comfort, and stiffened heel and toe box for stability and protection. The boots are lined with a “Spidermesh” fabric for breathability and there is a removable EVA comfort contoured insole for support and shock absorption.
The outer sole is a Vibram unit that exceeds European standards for oil, slip, acid, alkali and heat resistance, and is very quiet in use, while still giving superb grip on a wide range of surfaces, failing to clog too quickly with mud etc. In the sole build you also have a lightweight “Stabilaflex” composite shank/lasting board for controlled stiffness and a compression moulded EVA midsole for shock absorption.
The Spider is built on a running shoe last and has a curved or “rockered” sole and, with a chamfer to the heel, this all allows a natural running or walking gait.
The lacing system used lightweight durable composite, non-metallic eyelets – 8 pairs – and 2 webbing loops at the ankle flex notch. I have my reservations about the use of webbing as I feel it may wear quickly – at least faster than the rest of the boot, but this will show with time. So far it works well.
The Spider Boots are not designed to be very waterproof. Rather they are designed for drier/warmer conditions, but so far I have not had wet or uncomfortable feet while using them. If you want the Spiders’ performance and anticipate wet conditions, I would recommend the use of a pair of “dry socks” of some sort inside the boots.
Any what a performance the Spiders give! Light, yet fully supportive, comfortable from the first wearing and giving great grip on most surfaces, the Spiders are well up to Magnum’s well-proven standards and are sure to be popular. Being non-metallic they should not set metal detectors off either!
Available in Black, the Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Boots come in sizes 6-13, cost around £65. Shoe and low boot versions of the Spider are also available.
For more details check out www.magnumboots.com
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