HANWAG Klarsby Bunion GTX - HANWAG STORIES

Updated on 27 March 2024

Great-fitting footwear – this is what HANWAG, the Bavarian hiking shoe and mountain boot maker, has been making for over 100 years. Its BUNION footwear category offers the perfect solutions for wearers with hallux valgus. Take, for example the KLARSBY BUNION GTX, a lightweight hiking shoe available in a mid-cut or low-cut version that’s equipped with a range of bunion-specific features.

In addition to the mid-cut version for men and women, the Hanwag KLARSBY BUNION GTX is also available in a low-cut version (here the women's model).

We get cold feet, get off on the wrong foot or follow in other’s footsteps. There are many expressions to show what an important role our feet play in everyday life. And rightly so, after all the human foot is complex meisterwerk of natural engineering that influences everything we do. Our feet are our very foundation. No other body part is equipped with so many sensors to provide information to the brain about the nature of the ground we walk on. They perform an extraordinary function on a daily basis – up to three times our body weight is loaded on them as we move.

When it comes to the health of our feet, the biggest factor is the shoes that we wear. Footwear that is too tight, too small, too high or poorly-fitting can damage our feet and lead to misalignment. According to research, 23 per cent of all adults in Germany suffer from bunions – that’s some 12 million people. As foot fit experts, HANWAG makes specialist Bunion footwear for precisely this group.

Good to know - HALLUX VALGUS / BUNION

Bunions (hallux valgus) occur due to genetic predisposition and/or external factors. Hallux valgus is caused by a splayfoot from wearing unsuitable shoes, especially high heels, or shoes that are too narrow. It can also be caused by weak connective tissue or being overweight. As such, women, boulderers and sport climbers are often affected. The foot musculature grows weaker, and the first metatarsal bone moves out of place. As a result, the big toe points inwards towards the other toes and the base or ball of the big toe joint forms a ganglion. The more the big toe pushes inwards against the other toes, the more the second and third toe are affected. In severe cases, hallux valgus can cause severe discomfort when walking or hiking. The exclusive HANWAG BUNION lasts provide additional room for the big toe joint to allow mountaineers, trekkers, hikers, and walkers to go on foot without pain or discomfort.

With the KLARSBY BUNION GTX and KLARSBY LOW BUNION GTX, the HANWAG BUNION category is being expanded with two lightweight, waterproof walking shoes.

More room in the toe box: The Bunion Last provides additional room around the big toe joint and for all the toes. With bunions, the big toe often is forced inwards. This can affect the other toes. This is why this last is designed with a higher toe box, to give them all more space.
Wide contact area for good stability: The HANWAG Endurance Hike Bunion sole is specially designed to work together with the Bunion Last. It offers good stability via its wide contact surface and has a highly cushioning PU midsole.
No pressure: The entire forefoot – including under the TPU protective rand – is free from stitching to prevent pressure or rubbing at the sensitive big toe joint
Secure fit and hiking comfort: The comfortable ghilly lacing ensures a secure fit. During roll-off, the flexible textile loops adapt as the foot moves and promote natural movement. This can offer greater comfort to people with bunions
Alleviating pressure at the base of the big toe: The stiffer forefoot section reduces movement amplitude during roll-off at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints – the ‘toe knuckle’ joints between the metatarsal bones and the five toe bones – thereby reducing pressure on the base of the big toe joint. Less movement in the joint means less pain.
Preventing pressure points: For added comfort at the base of the big toe and to prevent pressure points, there is extra padding between the leather and the lining.