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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ideal hiking boot, June 19, 2009
This review is from: Lowa Men's Trekker Trekking Boot (Apparel)
I have hiked extensively in the Alps over the last 25 years, and I have been in Lowa Trekkers all the way. They are amazing: they give firm support, they are flexible, very comfortable, not too heavy, and they work well in almost all conditions. They are not Goretex boots. I avoid Goretex hiking boots, as your feet get very hot and sore on warmer days. These boots work well in cold conditions, although they are not suitable for really cold conditions. Lowa Trekkers keep out water well enough, and if your feet get damp, then you just dry them and your boots out overnight in the huts or in your tent. If you take better care of your boots than I do, then they will be really good at keeping out water. I generally carry a 20 lb pack in Europe. Maybe, if you carry a 60 lb pack, you will need even more sturdy boots, but I think these would work for most people. My feet have only felt sore and fatigued on the very longest hikes, and I have only felt insecure in Trekkers when I have kept a pair too long and the treads have worn away. Generally, you will need a new pair about every 3 to 5 years, if you hike a lot each summer. By the way, these are far better boots than the Lowa Renegades, which feel great in the store, but are not solid or supportive enough for serious hiking. The Lowa Trekker will feel stiffer in the store, but will fit you like a glove after a week. That said, the boot should feel like it really fits your foot in the store, with no sore or tight spots. I have never found the breaking in period to be tough in any way. I just would not take a long hike in these the day after purchase. In Europe, everyone knows these boots, and a lot of hikers wear them.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Boots, October 15, 2010
This review is from: Lowa Men's Trekker Trekking Boot (Apparel)
When I was in my 20's, an older friend told me that if I was serious about hiking, I should get some Lowa's. He described them as being "like a Cadillac for your feet." Since they're German-made, he probably should have said "like a Mercedes for your feet"! But anyway...at the time, I was more worried about cost, so I'd buy boots that were $100 or less. They seemed to fit the bill, even if I had to replace them after every summer or two. I finally wised up, and made a great investment. I've been using Lowa boots for over 10 years now, and have never regretted it; they're all I buy now. I started with the entry-level Renegades, but found they were more suited for day hikes (though they held up well in 3-4 day hikes, too) with light packs. There's a minimal break-in period. I wore mine on short walks around my neighborhood for about a week, with my pack for the last two days. My first outing with them was in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked/camped for 5 days with 50+ pound packs and covered about 40 miles. I negotiated stream crossings, all the mud and slippery rocks that accompany rain, and did some bouldering once camp was made. They didn't have a lot of flex to them, which is a good thing 95% of the time because they supported my ankles and ensured sure footing. The Trekkers are the best all-around hiking boots I've ever owned. These are leather boots with a calfskin liner, and should be taken care of accordingly. While they are not Gore-tex lined, my feet have always remained warm and dry, despite stream crossings and hours of activity. In fact, they breathe better than Gore-tex boots and I've NEVER developed blisters with them. The best way I can describe it is that the boot conforms to your feet like memory foam. I've had them for two years now and have about 200+ miles on them. They still look great, but most importantly, they still FEEL great. I will definitely be buying another pair. Do yourself a favor, and overlook the face value cost. These boots will go anywhere you want to go, and do most anything you want to do. And your feet with thank you!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Reliable Boot, August 18, 2010
This review is from: Lowa Men's Trekker Trekking Boot (Apparel)
My outdoor activities range from technical mountaineering, to canyoneering, to multi-day backpack trips to adventure racing. As a result, I have a veritable quiver of shoes that I go to depending on the task; approach shoes, trail runners, mountaineering boots, and, of course, hiking boots. Where other shoes or boots might tear my feet up, I can safely know that my Lowa Trekkers are going to protect my feet and keep them from harm no matter what I am doing. So much so, that when I tore my feet up on a three day Alpine climb, I could put my Lowa hikers on and walk without even noticing the blisters. I have used these boots on week long hiking trips, as well as ascents on class 3 peaks. They work well enough for kicking steps in snow, and work fine with strap-on crampons. Personally, I think it is the glove leather liner instead of Goretex which makes them fit so well. The liner seems to conform to your foot shape in very short order, something which Goretex does not do as well. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I think that Goretex, at least for footwear, is over rated, and does not compare to high quality leather boots. The boot probably sizes a tad large, at least in the size 12. For me this is ideal, since I wear closer to 12-1/2 (a Euro 47..) and Lowa does not sell European sizing (or 12-1/2) in the U.S. It is perhaps a little tight in the toe box on descent at my size, but did not actually do any damage. I've had my boots for about ten years now and have had them re-soled once. Important to note that you can resole the Trekker, and not many other boots, like the Renegade. They have finally shown signs of wearing out (I can no longer keep the rand adhered to the leather..) They may have one more season in them. Even so, their replacement will be another pair of Lowa Trekkers.
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