Forclaz WOMEN’S WATERPROOF LEATHER HIGH TREKKING BOOTS – VIBRAM

These waterproof boots provide comfort and foot support on relatively difficult trails with a moderate to steep slope.Are you looking for innovative boots? Waterproof and lightweight? With high MATRYX® textile, they will soon become your best friend on all terrain.

Technical characteristics

Lacing system Open hook + webbing
Blocking hook
Rubber stone guard at the front of the boot
“Bootie” waterproof, breathable membrane
EVA midsole + soft PAD
Heel insert in PU
Outsole: ForclazDesign Vibram® sole with thick and deep spikes.
Lining composition: textile
Upper composition: high resistance Matryx®EVO textile
Weight: 540 g
Medium fit footwear
Made in Europe

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

These boots are manufactured in the European Union, in Romania, in a factory that specialises in making hiking boots (SKANDIA).

Main upper component: French made
For greater transparency, here is the link to our French partner: https://chamatex.net/marques/matryx/

Tip: copy/paste the links on this page into your preferred search engine)

Benefit of the self-locking hook

With this material, you can separate the upper and lower lacing
This allows you to adjust the lacing to the shape of your foot and give your ankle as much freedom as you like. To separate the upper lacing from the lower part, make a simple knot level with your instep or use your shoes’ self-locking hook.
All of our trekking shoes have this feature.

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.

VIBRAM®. Grip and traction of our soles

Our VIBRAM® branded soles provide excellent grip on all dry, earth or rocky terrain.
Just awesome! The VIBRAM® notching also gives you grip adapted to muddy or wet terrain.
Medium width sole: the wider the sole, the softer it is.
Therefore, with this sole it’s comfortable to walk on most trails without losing stability.

MATRYX® EVO technology

The part of the upper, which is used the most in the field, is made of a MATRYX EVO fabric. It is a jacquard with a built-in lining. Technical compound of a PA warp coated with 550DTEX PU and a PA weft coated with 550DTEX PU. 167Dtex PES lining
Aramid yarn throughout the upper to ensure good support

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

Make the waterproofing of this textile model last longer

Even though this model has a WATERPROOF MEMBRANE (waterproof, breathable), it is recommended you use a re-waterproofing spray a few times a year to restore the original water-repellent properties and prevent staining of the outer material.

--> It revitalises the water-repellent properties of the outer material (water runs off and doesn’t soak in). Each fabric section is sprayed taking care not to forget the thread in the seams (water loves seams!!)

Water-repellent reactivator application

1/ Use a brush and/or sponge to clean and remove any dirt or mud.
2/ Then leave to air dry, away from any heat source.
3/ Shake the WATERPROOF SPRAY can €5
4/ Spray the product from a distance of 25 cm
5/ Leave for at least 10 minutes.
Caution: Do not rub or wipe.

Link to SPRAY below:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/100-ml-waterproof-stain-resistant-spray-for-leather-and-textile-walking-shoes/_/R-p-312940

Lab 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

Use with strap-on crampons only

This model of trekking boot allows for the occasional use of strap-on crampons only. It is sufficiently rigid for the occasional use of strap-on crampons while guaranteeing extremely good comfort when walking.

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.

Waterproofing test carried out on this model

This boot has been tested and validated for 50,000 flexes repeatable, equivalent to a 20 km walk, in water reaching the mid-upper. This now guarantees a good level of boot waterproofing.
--> Our assessment indicates a LEVEL OF 4/5 giving 8 hours of waterproofing when hiking in the rain.

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

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)

100% waterproofing laboratory tested

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.