Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/661228
in Use I got these boots about one and a half year ago – I needed something for the winter and found the high z-8 version with gore-Tex membrane be a per- fect solution. generaly, I use boots with membrane in winter and autumn – during the rest of the year I use such boots occasionally, so I focus on low models (such as e.g. Renegade), and, what is more, only on rainy days. It must be highlighted that z-8 are vERY unusual boots due to the height of the upper. I do not find it annoying – I like such boots on snowy days, but usu- ally I prefer the mid height. I got used to high boots during the dozen years spent in the army, during the „pre-tactical" period, when the most modern thing in the Polish Army was the „descents". guys who are not used to wearing such boots should not buy z-8 and stick to the medium heightboots – walking with high-top lOwA would be very annoying for them. Boots greatly limit movement of the ankle (but at the same time protect it really wear). In comparison with the lower versions, they also considerably limit circulation of air. for those who are not used to such boots, it will be quite unusual to feel the crimping on the lower part of the calf. Apart from this aspect, z-8 feel like regular z-6, so the panzer Zephyr. Boots are convenient, provide very good amortization, and perfectly hold user's feet. The aggressive type of the sole treads works ni- cely – they provide good grip in the case of most types of surface (but you need to remember that they ARE NOT mountaineering boots), as well as on snow, but if the snow is dense and frozen, there will be no miracles: the user may slither. The rubber mixture used in the sole structure is resistant to abra- sion, even on concrete. some improvements must have been done here, since even city streets do not rub off the sole as it was in the case of first series of Zephyrs. I used these boots during the last two winters. Although the temperatures were not that low, there were few days that were quite cold. On such days, z-8 and Thorlo socks (or any other made from meri- no wool) worked perfectly. feet remained warm and dry even when hiking, or staying at the proving gro- und, or at the shooting range for several hours. Nubuck is fine, but after few hours of walking in snow or rain some moisture gets into the boots. fortunately, this can be delayed thanks to good maintenance, while soaking may be greatly limited. when talking about maintenance – I cleaned Z-8 with a standard shoe brush for nubuck and suede shoes. The one with nylon hair, a brass part, and two rubber surfaces: a narrow and smooth one to clean hidden spots, and a serrated one to remove more serious dirt. I also used the product by kiwi to clean nubuck, and, finally, I secured everything with lOwA water stop. At the end of this season, I will clean my boots, impregnate them and additionally cover with lOwA Active Creme. I expect that the surface of the nubuck will get slightly smoother and more „slick". This should secure the surface of the upper against extensive dirt and soaking. www.fragoutmag.com