Three Mountaineers, Two Continents, One Reliable Pair
How does the Alpina Madeira 2.0 perform on all-day hikes, rocky trails and challenging volcanic terrain? Stanislav Mikšovský, Michal Tekel and Milan Ohurniak put the shoes to the test where their qualities could really shine – on an expedition in Ecuador and in the Slovak mountains.
Tested in Ecuador
Ecuador offers an exceptionally diverse range of conditions for testing outdoor footwear. During an expedition that included the volcanoes Chimborazo, Guagua Pichincha and Cotopaxi, the Madeira was put to the test on gravel, dirt, scree, rocks and volcanic terrain. The variety of surfaces provided an opportunity to see how the shoes performed not only during regular hiking, but also during more demanding movement over uneven ground.
The testers’ experience was very positive. They particularly agreed on the comfort and secure fit around the foot. The shoes feel soft and comfortable even on longer hikes. At the same time, the foot remains securely held in place without the shoes feeling tight or, conversely, too loose.
Confidence on the Rocks
One of the standout features was the grip of the outsole. On gravel, the shoes provided comfortable walking and secure contact with the ground. Their performance on rocks was even more surprising. Although the testers initially approached rocky terrain with some caution, the reliable grip gradually gave them greater confidence, even on more demanding sections.
They also appreciated the secure and stable fit of the foot inside the shoe. Even when moving over uneven terrain, the foot did not feel loose inside the shoe. At the same time, the Madeira remained comfortable and did not cause pressure or discomfort, even on longer hikes.
The Testing Continues
Testing the Madeira did not end when the expedition was over. The shoes continued to be used on hikes in the Slovak mountains and also made their way to the Alps, where they performed well on limestone terrain.
On all-day hikes, the testers also appreciated the breathability. Even after many hours on the move, they did not experience any significant foot perspiration, contributing to overall comfort during long days on the trail.
