Alpina Trapper hunting, but not only

Alpina is a well known name for Bulgarian mountaineers from the times of "developed socialism."
Slovenian then Yugoslav company started business in 1947, it was synonymous of
quality shoes for mountain and ski that could be find out, with many connections, family or small bribe, in hidden stores of any of the state-owned commercial enterprises. Alpina`s philosophy seeks its roots in the Julian Alps, a paradise for hiking, mountaineering and winter sports and seeks to establish itself as a global brand not only in Europe. As products Alpina  focus only in shoes and as a specialized company tries to have innovative and modern products with high standard of quality.

 

For some time now and I got my two pairs of the brand as well and here I want to share some impressions about a new even for me shoe concept - model Trapper. Being active hiker and mountaineer so far I've always focused my choice of classic inherently shoes for mountain and Trapper is the first purely hunting type entered in my wardrobe. Here it is compared with classic three season hiking boots.

 

 

I have had some reasons for make this purchase. First, the specific shoe type and design. Stable,
heavy and very high, thick intercepts the whole leg down to the bottom of the calf.

 

 

 

At the first glance, without even putting them on, the shoes left me the impression of something very durable and safe, which can safely run over any swamp, drift, stream or scree. Currently, whem I put them and walked, things have changed a bit. My leg was tightly covered and tight as at the same time had the requisite freedom, particularly in the area of the ankle for normal moving.

 

 

 

Relatively soft material of the upper shoe enable you to find a great proper balance between stability and tightness preserving some flexibility for normal moving.

 

 

 

 

Entirely made from 2 mm thick leather, in combination with a thinner at the upper zone and tongue area.

 

 

with triple seams in main important areas.

 

 

 

 

the outer part of the upper is designed in classic brown underneath lies a layer of well
known SympaTex. In many ways, this material is superior to many of the so-called membrane
because it has no pores and is just dense. Its main force is the temperature gradient.
From the warmer inside part of the shoe moisture is released in the form of perspiration from feet, which is
purely physical process and it is separated out. Outside where is colder, the material in any way
not accept moisture and pushes it away.

 

 

 

 

 

as the common practice is and a possible unlace only makes them loose which prevents the risk of falling and slipping off the shoe. Laces themselves are woven, but with a smaller diameter, to be easily threaded on the aforementioned rings. Color is also brown for the whole shoe but with two exceptions. Effective additional toe protector made from black rubber which protects from scratches, rocks and bumps.

 

 

Naturally, the sole is in black color especially designed by Alpina -Alpina Allround ®.

 

 

It isnot less stable and durable compared with Vibram`s one for example. It is because Alpina Allround ® sole
 is made in the factory of Vibram. With its deep tread, extra grip areas under the toes and heel and the relative hardness it behaves well on any terrain and especially snow.

 

 

 

The special shape under the heel has the additional function to facilite braking up on steep and slippery terrain. In terms of weight, Trapper are relatively light for its class, a shoe 43 Size weighs 1037 grams.

 

 

Produced in sizes from 3 to 14 European standard, which for us means from about 39 to above 49.5. There are two color varieties - brown and beige to brown. The model is classic type - hunters targeted because of the specific color and characteristics, but as I already mentioned,
its relative low weight, design flexibility and high operational safety, make it convenient for any trips into the mountains, especially in severe weather.

 

 

 

Its qualities - the more specific military construction (the difference is actually only the black color) were assessed by the Bulgarian army and Alpina have won a military contract for 1000 pairs for the needs of our soldiers and officers. Here we should mention that this company produces the footwear for Slovenian Army.

 

Alpina Trapper could be found in the official importer`s store and its partner`s stores with full guarantee.

 

In conclusion, the advantages of the Alpina Trapper are:
+ multifunctionality
+ Comfort and convenience
+ Very competitive price
+ High quality workmanship and warranty from manufacturer and importer
As a disadvantage I would note
- The rubber board protects only the front, rather than the whole shoe
- No choice in color terms
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After more than three months serious use I can share more impressions of Alpina Trapper.
As comfort is really a very high level. On the one hand, flexible but at the same time tightened
stable legs. On steep and rocky terrain have excellent grip, hold the foot in place and not
allow slip.

 

Very suitable when walking on wet grass.

 

 

Their high boots and quality materials combined with Sympa Tex membrane not
allow any penetration of water. It is important that even completely wet outside, they are really dry inside.
Socks remain completely dry even if you spend a few hours wading through the wet grass and low shrubs.

 

 

I had the oportunity to test them seriously at snow on a trek in the high part of the Rila and
I was really fascinated. Despite the long hours wading my feet were completely dry and with hand on heart
I can say that the shoes are fully applicable to areas with heavy snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When moving the inner sole is not dislocated, whatever the terrain and slope, and sits firmly on place. Laces, although they are round securely tight and not loosen even after long walking.
And another thing, the shoes are very comfortable when driving. The flexible structure of the ankle doesn`t cause tension when pressing the pedals and driving is easy and comfortable. For people like me who practice Offroad is extremely convenient to use such shoes because in every muddy grass I had to get off the jeep, my legs are fully protected. I don`t have to drive with one pair of shoes and change them with another pair when I go down to the woods.