Magnum Ultima Boots 8.0 SZ WP

As the weather gets warmer, the type of footwear needed for outdoors changes as heavily insulated winter boots go away for a few months. What you want in the hotter months is a lightweight and breathable boot that will let heat out but still be hardwearing and rugged enough to protect your feet.

What have we got?

The Magnum Ultima 8.0 SZ WP boots are very lightweight and also breathable, while still being waterproof. The PU welded upper reduces weight and provides a good level of support, as does the blown EVA midsole, and the Hi-Poly PU antibacterial footbeds are anti-fatigue. All of these features combine to give a 24-hour comfort boot with loads of protection. They are also surprisingly flexible and do not reduce movement or agility.

The high collar and tongue are very well padded for added comfort and the top four pairs of lace eyelets are oversized metal loops, so the round laces are more easily pulled tight and fastened.

In very hot weather, boots can become uncomfortable, and it is tempting to undo the laces and let the pressure and heat out, but it is then a pain to have to retighten and fasten them. This is where the Ultima 8.0 SZ WP boots come into their own because, as well as the traditional lace fastenings, they also have side zips running 90% of the way down the inner side of each boot. This great feature means that you can instantly release the boots and even remove them without disturbing the laces. When the boots are new, it is a bit of a struggle to pull them off when just the zips are undone and the laces are left tied, but they soon become easier to pull off. Behind the zip is a gusset to ensure the boots remain waterproof and a Velcro fastener at the top ensures the zips are not worked open as you walk.

Get a grip!

The tread pattern consists of small geometric-shaped projections over the entire surface of the sole and, because the tread pattern is shallow and well-spaced, mud does not easily stick to it, but the grip is still really good. Even on wet grass, the boots hold firm and after a day in the field, there is very little material that needs cleaning off the soles.

Magnum states that the boots are vegan-friendly, and the upper material is made of 100% recycled fabric, including material from recycled plastic bottles, so they are environmentally friendly, too.

Conclusion

The boots are extremely light and comfortable and took hardly any running in because the materials used are so flexible. The support is also very good but not restrictive or uncomfortable. As a summer-weight boot, with the addition of the side zipper for slackening off or removing them, the Magnum Ultima 8.0 SZ WP boots are a really good choice. They are competitively priced and represent great value.