LOWA Ranger II GORE-TEXThermo Boots

For any of you that follow my reviews, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of LOWA boots; not only do they use the very finest quality materials and components, but they’re also put together with meticulous care, and of course most importantly the last on which they are created is absolutely perfect for my foot shape.

I’m looking forward to some cold weather airsoft and shooting, but find my old boots I usually use at this time of year are starting to let in water, not bad for six- years’ of use, but not good if I want warm, dry feet. The thought of having to break in a new pair always fills me with dread as well, so I was extremely careful in my search for a new pair. I have several criteria when it comes to what goes on my feet; boots must be lightweight yet supportive, they must be protective without being bulky, and ultimately they need to be waterproof, especially in the winter!

Baby of the family

Lowa refer to the boot I’ve been looking at as the “baby Mountain Boot”, allying it fully with their flagship model, and claim that “the new LOWA Ranger II GORE-TEX Thermo boots will be the boot that future professionals use”. LOWA’s Military specification Ranger II Thermo boot is the product of 90-years’ of European boot-building craftsmanship. Identical in most respects to the LOWA Mountain GORE-TEX in specification and style, the key differences are the shorter cuff, Vibram MVS sole and Primaloft thermal lining.

Unbelievably comfortable, no nonsense, hard wearing, easy-to-maintain and with all of LOWA’s fantastic boot technology, these are a high performance, surprisingly lightweight boot for the discerning professional for the harshest environments and coldest of weather. You will also be able to interchange the thermal insole supplied with the boot, depending on your specific requirement.

Ever-lasting

The Ranger II boots have a board lasted upper with a cemented sole unit; ‘lasting’ is the shoe making process that sets the final shape of a shoe and holds it in place, so that the outsole can be permanently attached. Board lasting is a very common process used to make all types of military, hunting and hiking boots or any shoe requiring a stiffer bottom, so this is absolutely the right process and totally fit for purpose.

The upper is of full grain 1.8-2mm leather with a Vibram ‘MVS’ sole unit; this specialist unit has a tread design which supports the boot’s stability and gives an ideal roll-through/push-off motion, thanks to special stud configuration. The soft rubber also increases cushioning and comfort. Lacing is kept simple thanks to an open hook layout. Internally is where things get a bit special as well, as the boots benefit from both a GORE-TEX MS Rock lining and 200g Primaloft insulation; originally developed to serve the needs of the U.S. Army, who desired a water resistant, synthetic alternative to goose down, PrimaLoft, Inc. is recognized globally as a market leader in thermal technologies so what you’re getting inside the Ranger II is state-of-the-art stuff!

Weighing in at 855g a boot in Size 9½ these are by no means a heavy boot although they do feel good and stable when worn. The cuff height is slightly lower than other boots in the Task Force range, which means you can actually drive in them without restriction and the cuff digging into your Achilles tendon. The toe box is nice and broad (this is important, especially in a winter boot so as not to constrict your toes) whilst the heel cup is supportive without being tight.

I’ve not had the opportunity to use theses boots in full winter conditions as yet, but after a couple of month’s wear they have bedded in nicely, and have proved to be very stable when worn in wet and slippery conditions, even under load. I am hoping for some snow this year, especially now, so that I can really put the Rangers, quite literally, through their paces!

Priced at £194.40, which is spot-on for such a well-specified winter boot, and available in UK sizes 6 - 13 these boots are really quite something, and I’m absolutely certain that they’ll be every bit as comfortable, durable, and do me every bit as much service as every other pair of boots I’ve had from LOWA.