Climbing Kilimanjaro demands reliable footwear that can withstand varied terrains and provide comfort during the ascent. We have tried many hiking boots, trail runners, and approach shoes in pursuit of the best shoes for climbing Kilimanjaro. In this article, we are reviewing the Tecnica Magma 2.0 S GTX. We will explore how these shoes fare on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Company Origin
The Tecnica Group, a renowned Italian company, traces its origins back to 1960. The company was founded in the town of Montebelluna, in the province of Treviso, Italy. From its inception, Tecnica has been dedicated to producing high-performance and innovative footwear for outdoor activities.
Initially focused on ski boots, Tecnica quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and technological advancements in the field of winter sports footwear. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include hiking boots, outdoor footwear, and sports shoes, establishing itself as a leader in the global footwear industry.
With a strong emphasis on research and development, Tecnica has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and functionality. The company’s dedication to performance and comfort has earned it a reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and professionals alike.
Today, the Tecnica Group encompasses various brands, each catering to specific sports and activities. Whether it’s conquering mountain peaks or navigating urban landscapes, Tecnica continues to evolve and innovate, maintaining its commitment to excellence in the world of footwear.
Magma Line
Tecnica introduced a new trail shoe in the spring of 2021, aiming to address the challenges faced by those who use trail running shoes for hiking.
Traditional trail running shoes often lack the necessary grip and support for hiking, leading to potential slips, fatigue, and injuries. The Tecnica Magma aims to bridge the gap between a trail running shoe, a hiking shoe, and an approach shoe. Let’s delve into the details to determine if the Magma truly covers this spectrum.
However, if you find them, online, we do not recommend the 1.0 version. It is uncomfortable and poorly sized. Make sure that you are purchasing the 2.0 version. That is the shoe we are reviewing in this article. The 2.0 version was released in 2023.
Versions
The Magma 2.0 presents a diverse range of styles, encompassing standard shoe height and mid-height boot options. Tailored for both men and women, these styles boast a spectrum of colors. The Magma 2.0 is available in both synthetic and suede leather iterations, providing flexibility in material preferences. Additionally, customers can opt for either Gore-tex or non-Gore-tex variants. The nomenclature is structured as follows: Magma 2.0 S GTX, where ‘S’ denotes Synthetic and ‘GTX’ signifies the Gore-Tex option.
Specs
- Sizes: 6-13½
- Upper: Hydrophobic polyamide mesh
- Lining: Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip™ Litebase™ XO SHIELD
- Midsole: Compression molded EVA with high rebound compound + ESS insert plate
- Footbed: Anatomical, Ortholite®
- Weight: 1.54 pounds (24 ounces/700 grams)
Fit of the Tecnica Magma 2.0
The Tecnica Magma boasts an upper and footbed that is pre-shaped around an anatomical last, providing a comfortable fit straight out of the box. The lightweight construction, combined with a classic tongue design, facilitates easy and quick step-in, offering comfortable midfoot support and excellent heel hold.
The lace-up system allows for a customizable fit, accommodating different foot shapes and sizes.
The Magma’s toe box provides a slightly more snug fit, yet still offers enough room for comfort. The sizing appears to be true to size.
C.A.S.
The C.A.S. (Custom Adaptive Shape) system is available for those seeking further customization to mold the shoe shape to their foot. While the fit out of the box met expectations for some, the C.A.S. system is a reassuring option for those requiring additional adjustments. You can read about this system here: https://www.blizzard-tecnica.com/us/en/magma
Magma 2.0 Grip
Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain, ranging from rocky paths to loose scree, demands reliable traction. The Tecnica Magma 2.0 delivers stellar traction on varying terrains.
Equipped with Vibram Litebase™ technology and MegaGrip™ compound rubber, the outsole not only provides excellent traction underfoot but also wraps around critical abrasion zones at the toe and sides. The multi-traction outsole tread pattern, inspired by MTB enduro tire designs, ensures confident adhesion on wet and dry surfaces, whether ascending or descending.
We have tried them in wet and dry canyons as well. They stick very well to a variety of surfaces such as sandstone, wet rock, and loose scree.
Performance of the Tecnica Magma 2.0
The Tecnica Magma excels on technical terrain, offering efficient navigation even when the distinction between hiking and climbing becomes unclear. Its stable and supportive construction, featuring a robust ventilated 3D mesh upper and a large heel shape for stabilization during downhill movements, enhances performance. Rubber fins on the back of the Magma provide reliable braking on descents, while the compression-molded midsoles allow for flexible movement on irregular ground. Rocky sections pose little challenge to the Magmas, thanks to the ESS SHANK controlling torsion and the rock plate protecting the forefoot.
The anatomically shaped footbed and energetic EVA cushioning ensure a comfortable and lively ride, regardless of the trail’s duration.
Water Resistance
While Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes feature lush rainforests, the higher elevations introduce the possibility of rain and snow. The Magma 2.0 boots feature a waterproof mesh membrane, keeping feet dry in wet conditions. This waterproofing is a crucial asset for trekkers navigating through various climates during their ascent.
Breathability
The challenge of Kilimanjaro involves drastic temperature changes, making breathability a key consideration. The Magmas incorporate a breathable lining that helps regulate temperature and moisture. This feature prevents overheating during strenuous climbs and keeps feet comfortable in a range of conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Tecnica Magma 2.0 S GTX proves to be a comfortable and capable shoe for climbing Kilimanjaro. With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance on diverse terrains, these shoes offer a solid foundation for a successful ascent.
For the Kilimanjaro climb, we recommend the synthetic, Gore-tex version for optimal performance and comfort.
Whether navigating rocky paths or trekking through wet conditions, the Magma 2.0 delivers the comfort and support needed to make the journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit a memorable and comfortable experience.
