Lowa Hunter GTX Extreme Boots review | Gear/Equipment Test Reviews

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Lowa Hunter GTX Extreme Boots

By: Pete Moore

You may recall in the February 2010 edition John Rippin introduced us to Lowa Hunter boots. I have known John a long time and respect his views, so when he gave them a big thumbs up I was instantly interested. So much so that I got myself a pair, which is unusual as I prefer a hi-leg military/hunting style and not what is visually a more walking-type. Though at 10” tall the Hunters are hardly an ankle boot, which suited me! Testing was over an seven month period which encompassed the bad winter of 2009/2010 and included a good few weeks of deep snow through spring and summer; well the British version anyway…

First impressions

The Hunters weigh 2.2 lbs apiece. Construction consists of a 2.5mm water repellent Nubuck leather outer, sandwiched between this and the soft, micro-fleece inner is an insulated yet breathable Gore-Tex Duratherm liner. Working in conjunction with this is Lowa’s Climate Control, moisture management system. This allows the foot to breath as the hot air rises and exits through vents around the top of the padded collar with air being drawn in to replace it. This should keep the foot dry and therefore reduces the chance of blisters.
Comfort is further enhanced by the shaped and padded C4 tongue system that’s anatomically designed to follow the motion of the foot and eliminate chafing. Likewise the foot is supported by a shaped bed. Though the leather outer is impregnated and waterproof Lowa includes a high rubber rand and hard toe cap. The sole is a Vibram Tsavo pattern and self-cleaning too with a 360° cleat layout that gives good grip on all surfaces. Inside is a nylon shank for added stability and the feel as ever is initially rigid, which as I was to discover does pay dividends on uneven terrain and slopes, as the foot/ankle will not turn through lack of support. Again enhancing comfort and ability.
The lacing is best described is self-regulating as it does not tension up when the boot is under load as it would be when ascending a slope. It’s hard to describe but you can feel it working.

How you doing?

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Well that’s the technical stuff out of the way for we anoraks. So how do they feel? Very good has to be the answer. The sole is quite rigid, which took some getting used to when compared to lighter and more flexible styles, as you tend to roll the foot more. Likewise driving is a little different. However, protection and comfort is superb and you can really feel the support on uneven and sloping ground and know you are not going to skid out.
Overall a very impressive boot and one that with care will probably last for a long time.

For: The design covers comfort, support and protection equally well
Against: More rigid sole takes getting used
Verdict: If you’re looking for serious hunting footwear the GTX Extremes are it

Technical Specifications
Name	Lowa GTX Hunter Extreme
Price	£210

All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates

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