Lowa Men's Tibet GTX Trekking Boot Review

My first hiking/backpacking boots were purchased in 1974. They were Vasque boots that were heavy and always caused blisters. Over the next few years tried several other brands that were all poor quality and fit. In 1999 I tried on a pair of Lowa glove lined boots (Baffin Pro). Unbelievable comfort and quality. Much happiness. Germans know about quality bootware. Never another blister of even hot spot. After 15 years of some backpacking and a lot of day hikes they were really showing their age and it was time to retire them (I will keep them for yard work). The Tibet is of the highest quality. You know when you hold them they are just in a different category. At 57 years of age my feet have widened and I ordered one half size larger than I normally wear (11 to a 11.5) in the extra wide. The first time I tried them on they still felt too narrow. After two day hikes they widened to a perfect fit. These do not feel heavy on your feet. They have a full shank which means you don't feel small rocks and roots on the trail and you won't get a stone bruise. Also, the stiffness of the uppers means your feet and ankles do not articulate around rocks, roots, etc., so your feet are less tired at the end of the day. I made several water crossings during my day hikes and the water proofing and traction are outstanding (north Georgia and eastern Tennessee mountains). In the field your feet are your transportation. Forget about getting the worlds best pack until you have a comfortable high quality boot. Tibet is one you need to consider, you won't be sorry with this choice.

I have only worn these boots a few times and for short hikes. I also don't have any previous experience with this type of boot. My initial impression is that these are built with very high quality. The lacing system is excellent with the ability to easily isolate the bottom portion, lock the heel in, and secure the tongue in place. They are stiff soled boots, but I found them to have more flex in the forward section than I expected which I liked. They are not ideal for walking down a flat road, but less "ski-boot" like than I feared. Even with that said, it is clear that they really come into their own once the terrain gets rugged. I have used them in logging slash and low hills with lots of bumps, lumps and holes where they have felt great. I have not had the opportunity to try them in more vertical terrain yet, but it seems like my feet will stay in place well. My feet are a little duck like with narrow heels and low volume, but a little wide through the forefoot. I found these boots to fit well with enough room in the toebox and forefoot while still being snug enough in the heels to keep them in place. The footbeds do seem a little flat. I am 6'3" and 230 pounds.

It is too early to provide much of an opinion other than these boots and the Lowa brand in general are highly recommended by serious outdoor enthusiasts. Definately high quality and the best made pair of boots I've ever owned. I purchased for hunting and work (forester). So far they fit and feel great. I did replace the footbeds with High Country Synergy footbeds and they feel better than the factory ones.Ok, I've owned the boots and worn them every day for about 3 months now. I'm a forester, rancher and a hunter and I walk at least a couple of miles every day. Most days, I walk several miles, sometimes in the river bottoms and sometimes in steep, rocky hills. I'm 50 and my feet had started giving me some trouble. I've always worn footwear from the "work boot" category. I know now that I should have always worn boots in the quality hiking/ backpacking category. These are by far the best pair of boot I've ever worn. They keep getting better every day. I don't get as tired as I did when wearing other boots and my feet are in much better shape now. If these boots will last me at least a year ( I think they will), I will, without a doubt, purchase another pair. They are expensive compared to other boots I've worn but they are well worth the money so far.The pair of Lowa Tibets I reviewed above will be 2 years old next month (today is 5/3/2016). They look pretty rough on the outside but still feel and perform great. I'm breaking in a second pair now. As long as these boots continue to fit my feet, they will be the only one for me.

These Tibet GTX boots are absolutely the best hiking boots I've ever owned hands down! Over the 20 years I've tried and worn numerous other brands and Lowa has the best fit and don't even need "breaking in"- in my opinion. I've hiked in some of the most remote and rough, and steep terrain imaginable in the Sierra's, Idaho and Nevada. Some of things that impress me are the grip going down very steep grades, even loose gravel. I don't ever recall slipping and falling. Another is the quality, never had a pair where I got my feet wet, after walking through rain and wet grass for hours. They keep you dry.. The Lowa's I have always bought were made in Germany... I think a German would comment just, "typische deutsche Qualität" - typical German quality! The last pair I had lasted five years and no telling how many miles I have on them. They look beat up but still are comfortable and no stitching or soles coming apart.. They are well worth the $270.00 you pay and I will buy another pair when these wear out!