The photographer Nick Chaldakov for ALPINA STADOR LADY at the Tour of Mont Blanc

The photographer Nick Chaldakov about ALPINA STADOR LADY at the Tour of Mont Blanc 2

ALPINA STADOR LARY

hoes ALPINA STADOR LADY  membrane Alpitex, sole Vibram, 1300 g., 100 euros by the sponsor Extreme sport. Shoes with orthopedic insoles are the best I've worn. Remained dry throughout, although seven days continuous rain. They are also very suitable for walking on TMB. I recommend them if you are looking for a light and healthy shoe at a good price. I'm not someone who enslaved brands and with a pure heart I can say that even if it wasnot presented to me by the sponsor, my assessment would be the same. They are definitely a good choice for Bulgarian mountain and the Alps up to 3000m.

To choose the right shoes is not only the most difficult task in picking out the mountain gear, but most important of all. The shoe is on your foot when it rains and when it doesn`t. In the Alpine trail of TMB, which resembles the area of Mount Botev in the Stara Planina it is need lightweight, durable and waterproof shoe because it can rain very seriously.

The lightweight of ALPINA STADOR LADY is the upper limit for such shoes, but does not feel as heavy and does not cause difficulty for the tourists. Vibram sole is sufficiently stable and firm for backpack to 12-14 kg, that is, then the weight of the shoe is a good compared with the total weight of the luggage. If you wear a backpack under 8 kg  the shoe results severe.

The durability is sufficient, because after 20 days walking on the paths around Mont Blanc no visible signs of wear were marked.\

The design and comfort can be improved. There is a slight feeling of looseness in the base of the legs because of the shape of the insole and theinside the shoe itself . This is typical of many other shoes in this price class. This problem can be easily overcome with a little wear. The leg convened very quickly with slight embarrassment, which does not affect the security of stepping, but rather comfort.

Most important thing is that the shoe is very good waterproof. In this area even some famouse companies fail. ALPINA STADOR LADY is doing well. Dry feet are more important than comfort. The waterproof column gives a sense of calm, just when the weather is bad, and this is very important.

Here again we have an alternative to expensive companies, which is enough for a path similar to that along the route Mont Blanc TMB.

Author: Nikki Chaldakov -photograph (Nikki Testa)