LowaMen's Zephyr GTX Mid TF Hiking Boot

Here's a brief review (I said brief but much to cover). The goal: to cover the specifics of the Lowa Zephyr GTX TF (Tactical Version) and to address most of the concerns in shopping for hiking Boots.Relevant background: wilderness experience, some of extreme conditions (sub-zero - desert). Having been humbly tutored in the fine points of bootwear by respected professionals in the field of backpacking and boot making (as most true wilderness explorers), I'd be foolish not to consider the Lowa Zephyr GTX TF Boot for my training & use in search & rescue as I have known of Lowa (who hasn't) as well as owned boots by Scarpa, Fabiano, Raichle, Vasque, Salomon, Merrell, etc. All of these being great boots with 'purpose' behind them, and it is a matter of 'purpose'. To what use are these boots for should be your first question when hunting for a good boot (or shoe).The objective in this case was tactical, multi-terrain, wide climate in a performance, lightweight boot (3+ season, urban/wilderness usage with pack loads under 30lbs) and able to run flank with K-9 teams (which is asking a lot of specifics in just one boot).The details; The boot upper is a 2-mm split leather incorporated in about 50% of this boot with Cordura and provides superior ankle/foot support then just a full Cordura only boot. Lowa's unique fused outer mid-sole rand/cage called the PU 'Monowrap' is also helpful under abuse offering torsion control and support. The 3/4" nylon shank flexes well but keep in mind the Zephyr has more sensitivity to the under-sole than a hard core mountaineering boot like my Scarpa Eiger's but you can't run in mountaineering boots and is also why the Zephyr is limited to lighter backpacking loads. The lacing is not 'fast' so time is needed for getting it right but keep in mind that Lowa is not ignorant to 'speed-laces' and I believe the trade-off was to not have hooks that can snag on obstacles which trip-over the user and I've noticed also that these do hold lace-tension better than other methods (this is a Tactical spec boot not a Day-Hiker spec). I believe the TF to have a gum-rubber type outer sole (different from non-TF I think) and as tested, grips well on most urban/wilderness, dry/wet surfaces (there is no 'perfect' world here mind you but a good compromise to grip vs wear ability) and this sole is quiet also. I might add that Lowa did not spec these boots as an all-out backpack across the country kind of boot but a service duty boot involving a portion of in-vehicle patrol/transport. There are more suitable boots for backpacking across the country (as I had previously mentioned). The Zephyr could pull it off (with light loads) but the boot sole would be all done afterwards I think.The Goretex GTX is functional and I was able to withstand 100' F temps in sand dunes using good engineered lightweight hiking socks like Point6 Socks (as you walk, air naturally pumps in and out of the boot but for some, in the heat standing around can be a different story - wear lighter socks). Keep also in mind that 'waterproofing - Goretex' is only as high as the gusset of the shoe-tongue, which is just above the lowest lace-loop (2.5 loops down) and not to the top of the boots. There is also a Hi-Top style Zephyr-TF.Sizing ('must size with proper socks'): For me (and each can have they're own needs in feet feel/comfort), needed 1/2 size up. I go by UK charts (it,s been more reliable for my feet), a size 44 which is a US-10 in most cases but Lowa's size-10 is a UK-43.5 so I went with a 44 (10.5 on Lowa's size chart) and fit perfect. No matter what the talk is, all boots need some time to conform (more or less) to the foot as these do, so give them that time. Correct sizing will fit snug when 'new' (feels like a good hug around the foot when laced correctly) but shouldn't strangle the feet with room for big-toe not striking the inside toe-cap. They will then conform properly.Reference:Google search; Boot Lacing Techniques or methods (and also) Meindl-anprobe Test and Fit of the Boots.A known fact; feet are smaller in the morning and swell by afternoon so don't morning boot shop.Mail-Order Shoe Shopping Tip: Boot sizing is crucial for performance footwear (high cost, long term usage) and in the old days, one could talk with the shoemaker or draw out one's feet on paper to send with an order to the dealer for sizing, was a great thing and I do really miss that. Going to the store is best (that's the bonus in supporting your neighborhood specialty stores) but in today's Internet world, I just buy two and then test the sizing at home, returning the unused pair. You may pay shipping and restocking fees but well worth eliminating all the troubles and pain of poorly fitted boots. No matter how great a boot is, it's useless to you if it don't fit.As one legendary explorer had said; "If your feet ain't happy, you're not going any where." - As mentioned, the goal was to cover the specifics of the Lowa Zephyr TF and to address most of the concerns in shopping for hiking Boots. I hope that it was helpful.CheersAdded: Do you need Goretex in hiking boots?IMO - No and Yes; hard core mountaineering boots have graced the slope above the tree-line before Goretex became a name and my Scarpa Eiger's have traversed many a watershed in dry feet (socks will become moist of perspiration which is normal, always carry 3-pairs) but when hiking a 4-day during monsoon, the Fabiano's turned soaking but this was due to many factors. Keep in mind that rain and perspiration travel down the legs, get absorbed by socks and contribute to a soaker (as with any boot, including Goretex). Full leather boots do dry out but never force the process with heat or you'll be shopping for replacements (the Goretex GTX spec is quicker drying over Std. Goretex). The necessity for Goretex in boots came to solve a few specific functional issues when boot technology moved forward. Firstly was a need for lighter but supportive boots with agility and sensitivity and then (to quote the Goretex GTX spec) an "optimized climate comfort, wide range of outdoor activities [in a] durable waterproof material." In making a boot lighter, CorDura was needed to maintain support and yet gives in a way that allows for agility and doing it in less weight to leather. CorDura can wet easily so Goretex is used to advance the boot structure for the remaining solutions. This boot technology was needed for a Tactical/Military spec as well as all-terrain, ultralight & fast-packing adventures and in these environments, it can excel in doing the job. That's my take on it... as I had said; to what use are these boots for should be the first question when hunting for a good boot.

I wear a just barely wide (W) shoe, normally. I was a little afraid of the "Lowa" Boots as they are European made and I've heard they run narrow. I ordered my usual size (10). When I tried them on they fit like a glove! Perfect. The most comfortable & stabile boots I've ever worn. I'm 74 years old and have arthritis issues. These really help with mobility, & ankle support especially in the field. I am used to Combat style boots (Jungle Boots). These Mid height boots are much better for everyday wear and for rough terrain. I initially wore them to the gym to help break them in. They didn't really need it, and I have continued to wear them there as they work great as an alternate to athletic shoes, for me. Very light weight. Goretex lined. Get a can of "Water Stop Pro" from Lowa if you buy these. Speed lacing took some time getting used to for an old troop, but now I love it.I ordered 2 pair accidentally, because I don't fully understand online instructions! I have elected to keep the 2nd pair for the future, as they are so terrific!

My 2nd pair of same boots. Comfortable and durable. They aren’t cheap but you are paying for quality.

I waited until I put a few miles on these before submitting a review. Before embarking on a 3-day hunt, I took these boots out on a few day hikes to break them in. Totally unnecessary. The fit was great and there were not hot spots or discomfort. The first hike I did was about 8 miles with 2500' elevation gain. The boots did great, and the extra plastic support definitely saved me a twisted ankle and I was hiking down some rocky terrain. The sole is a softer rubber, and it is not the grippiest boot, but I think this adds to the comfort. Walking over sharp rocks did not over contort the sole.

Excellent boots! I was previously wearing a different brand of hiking boots, but they fell apart after ~1 year of use. Fed up with lower quality boots that I needed to replace, I decided to invest in a high quality pair. After extensive research online, I decided on the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid TF, and I am extremely happy with my choice.The boots are extremely comfortable, and easy to put on/take off. I have taken them on many hikes and backpacking trips, and when worn with a good pair of socks/liners, I have never had a blister, or even a hot-spot. Ankle support is enough to prevent rolls, which I am particularly prone to after tearing several ligaments in my foot.Potential buyers, please note that Lowa sells two versions of this boot, one with GoreTex, and one without. I think the GoreTex is worth the investment: my boots remain waterproof, and breath fairly well.Having owned the boots for approximately 6 months now, they show no signs of wear despite significant usage. I will update this review as time goes on, but I expect them to hold up well.Overall, a great product that you won't regret! Your feet will thank you!

First time buyer of Lowa's. Bought it based on the reviews I've read. They're comfortable and ready to wear out of the box (no break-in) with adequate ankle support, light and seem to be durable. Laces are all good to go (right over left and left over right). Their a bit expensive but the workmanship is top-notch. Outsoles seem to grip well on all (even on wet) urban surfaces. All in all, these shoes fit great. Like your wearing basketball shoes. These run a bit small so BE SURE TO BUY A HALF-SIZE BIGGER THAN WHAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY WEAR. I took that advice and did not regret it. These were delivered to me overseas and arrived earlier than scheduled. It arrived well packaged and in very good condition from seller. Very highly recommended.