Harkila Reidmar Mid 2.0 GTX Boots: My take on these willow-green wonders

I’ve been a fan of Harkila gear for years—their kit’s built tough and feels like it’s made for folks like me who live for the outdoors. So when I spotted the Reidmar Mid 2.0 GTX Boots in Willow Green, with that fancy U-turn wire lacing system, I had to give them a go. I’ve been stomping around in them for a while now, and I’ve got some thoughts on what makes them brilliant—and where they fall short. Here’s my rundown.

The good: Lightweight toughness with a clever twist

First off, these boots are a proper surprise. They’re billed as robust, but at 756 grams per boot, they’re lighter than I expected for something this solid. The full-grain leather uppers and Vibram soles scream durability, yet they don’t weigh me down trudging through muddy fields or up a Welsh hillside. I took them stalking last week, and the medium-stiff sole gave me cracking support without feeling like I’d strapped planks to my feet. The shock-absorbing midsole’s a godsend too—my knees thank Harkila after a long day.

That U-turn wire lacing system? Pure genius. One quick twist locks them tight, and they’re off just as fast with a flick of the release. No more faffing with soggy laces in the rain—it’s a game-changer when I’m rushing to set up for a shot. Plus, the lifetime warranty on the wire’s a nice touch; I’ve not needed it yet, but knowing it’s there if the thing snaps gives me peace of mind. The GORE-TEX membrane’s spot-on too—my feet stayed bone-dry crossing a stream, and they breathe well enough that I’m not stewing in sweat.

And can we talk about the look? That Willow Green finish with the leather shine is proper smart—pairs nicely with my jacket and doesn’t scream “tacticool” like some gear. At 8 inches high, they’ve got the ankle support I need without feeling like overkill for a day’s stalk or hike.

The bad: Pricey and a bit of a learning curve

Now, the downsides. These boots aren’t cheap—£299.95 from A Farley feels steep, even for Harkila quality. I get it, you’re paying for top-notch leather, GORE-TEX, and that U-turn tech, but it’s a hefty chunk of change when you’re kitting out for the season. I’d have loved a bit more padding around the ankle for the price—after a few hours, I felt the collar digging in a touch, especially with thicker socks.

The U-turn system’s brilliant once you’ve got the hang of it, but it’s not foolproof straight out the box. My first outing, I didn’t crank it tight enough, and the wire loosened mid-trek—nearly tripped me up in a bog. It’s a knack you pick up quick, but I reckon traditional laces might still edge it for simplicity if you’re not fussed about the tech. Oh, and sizing’s a bit snug—I’m a solid 10, but these felt tight until they broke in after a week. Worth checking if you’re between sizes.

My verdict: A top-tier boot with a premium catch

So, what’s my take on the Harkila Reidmar Mid 2.0 GTX? I love them—full stop. They’re tough, comfy once broken in, and that lacing system’s a stroke of brilliance for a stalker like me who hates faff. The waterproofing and lightweight build make them ace for long days out, and they look the part too. If you’re after a mid-height boot that blends hunting grit with a bit of hiking flair, these are hard to beat.

But that price tag does sting, and the learning curve with the U-turn might irk some. For me, they’re worth it—I’ve already got my eye on keeping them pristine with some leather balm—but if you’re on a budget or prefer dead-simple gear, you might think twice. They’re a luxury bit of kit, no doubt and they deliver if you’re willing to splash out.

Final thoughts

The Reidmar Mid 2.0 GTX boots have earned the number one spot in my shoe rack. These are the only boots I wear now—they’re cracking for the British outdoors, wet or dry.

Must read:

• Shotkam: A game-changer for your shooting practice

• How weather conditions affect shooting performance

• Choosing the perfect gundog puppy: What you need to know

• Deer stalking in County Wicklow: A visit to Irish Safaris with Norman Mulvany

Image source: Harkila