Lowa Uplander GTX®

Last year after running an article by John Rippin about the Lowa GTX Hunter boots I was so impressed I got some. Not my usual style I admit as I prefer the hi-leg, military types and these were more of a mountain-style with rigid soles, which offered serious support and a technical build. I have been wearing them ever since! However, I would admit as the weather gets warmer something perhaps lighter would be more the ticket!

Speaking to the Lowa importers (TKC Sales) indicated a new design called the Uplander that seemed to embody all the superb design and ability of the GTX Hunters but in a more middle of the road build and look. Well I can tell you know they do!

Lightweight & Nimble

At 10” tall they are made from premium quality split leather (suede) finish in olive colour. Inside is a GORE-TEX lining so making them 100% waterproof and very comfortable with a removable and shaped footbed. The sole is a Vibram® Vialta pattern with a full, medium height rand, this is combined with an injection-moulded performance mid-sole, between these are full-length plastic stabilisers. Like the Hunters they provide a lot of ankle support and torsional control over rough and rocky terrain.

The cuff, which extends around and to the rear is well padded, as is the ¾, stitched-in tongue. Lacing uses five, integral eyelets and four speed hooks per side. At the rear is a pull tag for ease of putting them on. At 1lb 10oz each they are surprisingly light and I was expecting good things; given how much I rate the GTX Hunters and was not disappointed.

Monterao and Minus 5

James from TKC Sales sent the Uplander GTXs along with some 6 Merino wool socks, which as I was to discover complimented them perfectly. Wearing them around the house for a day made me break my rule on never taking new boots into the field before breaking them in.

My first trip out was to Spain on a monterao hunt in January with Browning/Winchester. The weather was warm at 8°C and the combination of the Uplanders and the socks kept my feet comfortable – neither too hot or cold and sweat-free. In terms of stability they were superb as some of the shooting stands were up in the mountains and I had to negotiate shale slopes, which can be a bugger in terms of grip and lower leg stability. Again no problems at all.

Two weeks later I was out in Germany on the Zeiss Press Hunt. Again over broken ground the Uplanders gave superior support and a morning in a high seat with snow on the ground approaching -5°C my tootsies were just right. Overall the Uplanders are a hard boot to fault in any area.

PRICE: £130.80

FOR - Superb design that punches well over its weight
AGAINST - Nothing
VERDICT - Top quality, year-round boots for the hunter