Peter Macfarlane tested the Craghoppers Adflex Boots for The Great Outdoors’ September 2022 issue. Here’s his verdict.
The Craghoppers Adflex Boots have a chunky look, with its thick EVA midsole but it’s actually nicely lightweight for a pair. The Adflex is currently on our list of the best hiking boots, which is worth checking out if you want to compare the Adflex with other shoes.
- Price: £150 / no U.S. shipping
- Available from: Craghoppers
- Weight: 1.98 lb / 902g (pair, U.S. 10 / UK size 9)
Materials: synthetic mesh upper, overlay and reinforcement, EVA midsole | Features: high percentage of recycled materials, ghillie lacing, Aquadry waterproof lining, Vibram outsole | Sizes: UK 6 to13 including 6.5 and 9.5 | Women’s version: yes
Initially, the fit was high-volume, but it did reduce as the upper moulded to my foot. A pronounced curve under the ball of the foot gives an excellent walking motion, but on my first try it led me to the think the boots were short.
The thick midsole is comfortable over long days and on rough ground with the thin outsole grippy in all conditions. The upper is very plain with breathable synthetic mesh overlaid by plain synthetic reinforcing, thicker at the toe for additional bump protection.
The heel has an additional thick plastic overlay. The collar and tongue are well-padded; the initially quite stiff collar softened in use. The lower lacing is ‘ghillie-style’ (the bottom three lace loops are hidden from abrasion) with exposed metal hooks at the top.
It has a pull-on loop at the heel and a lightly padded removable insole. The waterproof membrane has done its job along with the gusseted tongue in keeping the water out and breathability seems to be good. The Adflex is an excellent all-rounder.
