Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Texapore Mid W Hiking Boot Review
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Gender bias in product design is everywhere, so much so that the phrase “Shrink it, and Pink it” has become pervasive in the world of product creators. Jack Wolfskin, in partnership with #Sheisoutdoors, set out to challenge this thinking by forming an all-female group of designers to create a hiking boot specifically for female wearers. The result of this process is the Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boot. Designed by women for women, this boot takes into account specifics in female foot shape and biomechanics to create a boot that is more suitable and comfortable for female outdoor enthusiasts.
I had the opportunity to test out these hiking boots this spring and summer in the Rocky Mountains, and I was impressed with the lightweight comfort and stability they provided on the trail.
Women’s Specific Design
In order to account for women’s specific foot shape and gait, the Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boot was designed with several adaptations. The shape was altered with a narrower heel cup, higher arch shape, and a wider toe box. In addition, the lacing extends to the midfoot area allowing for a more customized fit. The outsoles were designed with smaller lugs and greater flexibility in specific areas to accommodate a more natural female stride pattern.
Cyrox Texapore Mid W with small lug Vibram soles
Materials
The Cyrox Texapore Mid W boot features a mid-cut design constructed from a combination of leather and textiles allowing for lightweight all-day wear. Breathable waterproofing is achieved by a recycled Texapore Ecosphere Pro material, ensuring feet stay dry in wet conditions. The boots are equipped with an EVA midsole and Ortholite insole providing soft cushioning and support even over rugged terrain. The Vibram rubber outsole provides reliable traction and grip on variable surfaces.
Combination of leather and textiles makes a lightweight boot
Lacing system and cushioning
Size & Fit
The Cyrox Texapore Mid W boot comes in women’s full and half sizes size 5-11. As Jack Wolfskin is a European company, they stress to measure foot length rather than depend on typical sizing. I am typically a women’s size 7, which is what matches with the foot measurements on their website. However, I needed to downsize to a size 6.5 to get a better fit. The Cyrox Texapore Mid W boot is generous in width, but could be synched down with the extended lacing system.
Testing the Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boots
I have been hitting the trails around Steamboat Springs, Colorado this spring and summer with the Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boots. I was immediately impressed with the lightweight comfortable feel of the boots. They really feel like a sneaker more than a hiking boot, yet have the support of a hiking boot when laced up. The cushion provided by the EVA midsole and Ortholite insole boosted my comfort when hiking up rocky slopes.
Hiking with Cyrox Texapore Mid W
Another added feature that upped my comfort level was the extra collar in the heel area. I have sharp Achilles and find that many boots rub in this area. The extra material and cushion along my Achilles was welcome padding when hiking up and especially down steep inclines.
Extra heel collar
Early season hiking this spring was wet, muddy, and even snowy in some places, but the Texapore Ecosphere Pro material kept water out and my feet dry. This material is waterproof and breathable, similar to Gore-Tex, which was great for small stream crossings and hiking across snowbanks. The tongue of the boots is a solid piece of material as well, so while it is a bit bulky to lace up, it also helps keep water from seeping into the boot.
Hiking though snow
The Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boots offer dependable stability while hiking over variable terrain. The Virbram outsoles provide suitable traction for all types of surfaces. It is great to be able to trust each step even in wet, sloppy conditions on the trail.
Great traction with Vibram soles
Details and Specifications from Jack Wolfskin’s Website
- Durable textile toe and heel protection
- Comfort heel collar, specifically for women
- D-Ring eyelets to translate pull strength all over the lace line
- Exclusive VIBRAM rubber sole, developed with special focus on women
- Extended lace line, specifically for women
- Leather- textile upper material mix
- ORTHOLITE insole – for best cushioning
- TEXAPORE ECOSPHERE PRO- Advanced weather protection- sustainable, extra waterproof and breathable
- waterproof: 20.000mm
- breathable: 6.300g/m²/24hrs
- Weight: 840 g/pair (Size 5)
- MSRP $189
Final Thoughts
The Cyrox Texapore Mid W hiking boot by Jack Wolfskin, designed by an all-female team through collaboration with #Sheisoutdoors, challenges gender biases in outdoor gear with its thoughtful design tailored specifically for women. Featuring adaptations like a narrower heel cup, higher arch, and wider toe box, these boots prioritize comfort and fit based on female foot anatomy and biomechanics. Constructed from lightweight, durable materials like leather and Texapore Ecosphere Pro, they offer breathable waterproofing and cushioning support ideal for long hikes in varied conditions. The Cyrox Texapore Mid W boots deliver on their promise of comfort, stability, and functionality, marking a significant step towards inclusive and effective outdoor gear design for women. For more info or to check out a pair for yourself, visit www.amazon.com.
