Lowa Tibet Pro Gtx Hiking Boot

Widely regarded as the definitive backpacker, the Lowa Tibet Pro GTX hiking boot is at its best on those long treks over arduous terrain and when carrying a heavy pack. With impressive reviews from both users and professionals the Lowa Tibet Pro GTX is certainly a very popular piece of kit. But why does it stand tall among the competitors in the heavy duty hiking/ backpacking field, when there is some serious competition around.

Lowa have been making boots for 90 years, and during this time have developed the reputation as a world class boot builder. They understand the mechanics of a good boot, and the connection between fit, comfort, support, flexibility, traction and durability which combine to ensure a great boot.

Starting from the ground up, the features of the Lowa Tibet Pro GTX hiking boot include the hard wearing masai vibram outsole, resulting in serious traction no matter what terrain you are traversing. The SPS dynamic midsole, which controls over pronation and supination, reduces fatigue over extended hikes. The climate controlled footbed has a breathable top layer, and a slow reaction foam base resulting in foot fit customization. The hydrophobic nubuck leather upper will ultimately mold to the contours of your upper foot and additional support and protection is provided by the tall ankle shaft. A seamless gore-tex lining delivers waterproofing and minimizes potential hotspots. Additional foot cradling is assured by the C4 comfort tongue. The patented lacing system further reduces pressure points to maximize comfort.

The resultant package weighs in at approximately 4lbs a pair, and combines to offer a serious boot which will carry you across the most punishing terrain safely and comfortably, when carrying heavy (50lbs+) loads on extended hikes.

Clearly no one boot can be all things to all men, and while criticisms of this boot are uncommon, those of you with particularly high arches, should perhaps consider another boot, because despite the attempts at customization some wearers still experienced pain across the top of the foot, that no amount of changing insoles, or adapting the lacing could fully rectify.

The advice here, as with any boot, is to try it on instore if you can before purchase, and walk around for as long as possible. And although better than nothing, this will only give part of the answer, as you need to expect a period of breaking in before your foot and the boot meld cohesively, so check out the returns policy of the store if you decide to purchase.

Primarily though, this is a very good piece of footwear, capable of taking you hiking through 4 seasons across even the most punishing terrain in all weather conditions. Its crampon compatible too, when you need to work above the snowline.