Lowa Men's Tibet GTX Trekking Boot

I have more than one pair of these boots and am very happy I found them. They are a backpacking boot, providing more support than a typical hiking boot, which works well for the mixed trail/scrambling I enjoy. Yes they are stiffer and a bit heavier than a typical hiking boot. But, with a good insole and laced correctly, they stay comfortable all day long on difficult terrain and will leave your feet in good enough shape for the next day as well. I will also wear these to the office some days, just laced a bit looser. There does not appear to be a break-in period (which is good because backpacking class boots will break your feet instead of breaking in the boot).The wide sizes are not something you will find available from many other manufacturers. So if you have wide feet, Lowa may be your home for a good boot fit.There have been improvements to the design details over the 4 years I've been wearing this model of boot. Nice to see the manufacturer tweaking the product better.Downsides: I have worn out the sole, and had it replaced, on one pair of these boots that I wore daily for a couple of years. Still have that pair of boots as a backup. Haven't settled on a water resistant treatment I really like. The heels of the soles tend to slide when descending slippery clay (not sure anything else would do better, but this boot allows so much control in every other situation). Bring your own insole if you have high arches.Correct lacing is important. The bottom section, which should be just barely snugged is isolated from the top section. That top section should be kept snug enough to prevent the boot from sliding on your foot, but with slightly looser at the top so you can rotate your foot through your stride. The centering lug on the tongue is used to center and to lift the tongue. So as you lace around it, you should be lifting it.

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 was on the fence due to cost. However elk hunts in Utah and New Mexico made me a believer. Easy break in, great comfort, 6 miles in New boots=no blisters or hot spots. Water resistant, quick dry, perfect in all conditions. Good stiff sole for mountains. Great boot and will wear these for a long time and buy another pair when the time comes. Would suggest buying a half size larger, I'm normally an 11 and got the 11.5 and they are perfect. They are a little heavy but expected.

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.