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Lowa Desert Boots

Lowa Desert Boots

No matter how many pairs of boots I have, there is always another set waiting in the wings to fill a new niche. During the relatively warm summer this year, I have been wearing the Lowa Elite Desert boots to see how they shape up.

First impressions develop quickly from the look of a product and the military origin of these boots is hard to ignore. They are an issued item among many of our fighting forces for whom `Desert` is no longer a distant mirage but a daily environment. Constructed of 2.2mm leather/suede and Cordura upper, their breathable design is suited to hot environments rather than the wet weather we expect in the UK. Lined with mesh and Cambrelle combination, an overall height of 210mm includes the Vibram `MVS` sole to assure their specification as a hard terrain boot with excellent grip.

NO REFLECTION

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My size 11 boots weighed 950gr each but when they slid onto my feet, numbers don’t reflect the true feel. At the mid height this boot is, you would normally expect a speed lacing system but the Lowa’s combine long laces with enclosed eyelet loops and a full height tongue. It takes seconds to draw them fully open but because they slide easily in the eyelets, the boot becomes quite easy just to `step` into. Laces free running within the loops let the boot bed to the foot/ankle quickly and although not offering the localised tension control and support available with notched hooks, it allows a taller boot that still protects the leg and ankle to show more day to day comfort and flexibility.

I found myself wearing the boots a lot! They were quick to fasten but equally fast to `step into` and GO. I never got clammy feet as they gave good breathability and I found them easy to drive in. They actually make quite a good work boot, comfortable all day long with a feeling of solidity and protection, avoiding bumped toes and ankles with assurance.

GOING BROWN

The light sandy colour is a styling trademark but the boot’s latest incarnation will change to `M.O.D. Brown`, blending with the MTP camouflage patterns being adopted by UK forces. The tough uppers have remained in good condition with no sign of any separation between upper, rubberised heel and toe or sole although the sand colour is unlikely to suit heavy use in dirty field conditions.

The lighter colour gives a more casual look but does stain easily. Contrary to the 950gr mass, they felt far less bulky than I expected and the soft Cordura cuffs were gentle on the calves. With a tread depth between 5-8mm and likely to be worn in dryer environments, they didn’t collect dirt and were the kind of boot you could use all day with no regrets. I’m wearing them now as I write this and they are almost my new slippers!

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  • Lowa Desert Boots - image {image:count}

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