Mountain Expert GTX - LOWA

As the outdoor industry has boomed in the last 2 decades, LOWA has been around much longer than that. They birthed their first outdoor boots in 1923 and have continued to be a mainstay in the outdoor industry. I was excited to write a review for this company and specifically for this mountaineering boot. Given the last decade of using an old double plastic hardshell by Koflach, it was time to give the new technology a whirl and see how it compares in extreme temperatures, technical capabilities and durability. My hardshell boots are still kicking strong with some minor repairs in the leather insert yet innovations have come a long way. 

Appearance: These boots remind me of a red sports car. They are just flashy enough to show off, yet rugged and aggressive to show it means business. These boots are hand-crafted in Italy and don’t hesitate to show off it’s style. To start from the base, the outsoles are your typical durable Vibram soles yet seriously rigid to confidently guarantee security of your crampons.   The shank provides complete support given a moment when precariously front pointing. Now this is where my old Koflach loses it’s charm, the footbed. The Mountain Expert GTX has a sweet insulate Pro-alu-coated fleece footbed which has not let me down in cushion, comfort and warmth. The synthetic insulation of Primaloft coveted by the waterproof Gore-tex lining is an impressive component to the mountaineering experience.

Since I have used these mountaineering boots the last 6 months, they have not lost their luster.

Quality/Durability: Since I am biased and have had the hard-shell plastic boots for over a decade with some potent abuse, it is quite difficult to access the life expectancy of these boots. Since LOWA has created a multitude of impressive mountaineering boots since the early 1920’s, I look forward to using these boots for many years to come. In regards to quality, I have not experienced insulation issues, structural defects in the sole, outer lining, or rubber bumper. No qualms here for it’s aggressive, lightweight, insulating and technical features

Price: $375. Average range for a solid durable pair of mountaineering boots.