Lowa  Cadin II GTX Mid Mountaineering Boots - Men's

I have had these boots a few weeks and plan to put thousands of miles on them. Their support and protection to weight ratio is wonderful. The boots have stiff side-to-side support with good forward-backward freedom. Lowa advertises them as mountaineering boots. In my opinion they are also an excellent choice for hiking and backpacking over less than perfect trails. These boots have a stiffer full-length shank than nearly all other boots sold by REI. I may be old-school since I don't really understand why so many people buy soft-soled boots for hiking on rough trails. Despite the full-length shank, these boots have a relaxed flex at the ball of the foot. They are easy on the bridge and because of the easy forward-backward ankle flex, they don't bind the lower shin like other boots that give similar ankle protection. I cannot comment on their durability. But I've owned several Lowa boots and shoes that have been refurbished by Lowa and for $100 Lowa makes them as good as new. Lowa replaces soles, midsoles, repairs cuffs and stitching all over. One cautionary note: Don't judge these boots the first few days you wear them. Mine were literally painful the first day or two. Especially on my ankles that have been broken and have bones that protrude more than normal. I almost returned them before the uppers conformed by my ankles. After three days, they felt perfect. I assume the rigidity that provides the excellent side-to-side support is the reason they are uncomfortable around the ankles at first. In summary, these boots are expensive. But if you wanted one pair of boots that would be suitable for the widest possible backcountry use, I'd consider these. Notice that my location is Washington DC. That's where most of my winter hiking is done. Most of my summer hiking is in the mountains of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. I have lots of boots. I plan to wear these on everything from a day pack on well-groomed National Park trails to a heavy multi-day pack on steep rocky uncleared wilderness routes.

I was looking for a boot for upcoming trip to Alps. 14+via ferratas. Thought first heavy hiking boot would do so got zamberlan vioz . Great boot but no matter how I tied I could not make my heel hold in. Tried Lowa and just like another user said : initially little stiff but after two 4 mile hikes they fit like glove. They are mountaineering boots but softer than zamberlans . So far only some light up to 8 miles hikes with some rock scramble but paired with medium hiking socks they are great.

Great set of boots. They are sturdy and hard enough for rocky/jagged terrain and comfortable enough to walk around on asphalt. I use them for work in the field hiking up steep slopes and on flat roadways.

The tongue on the inside of both boots causes a serious pressure point on my ankles. After 20 miles over three hikes trying to break them in, the pain from the tongue is still very uncomfortable. I also did a 2 mile snowshoe in 10 degree weather and I found it odd that my feet got cold. I’m returning these and buying another pair of Zamberlans.

i bought this boots in October 2023 today is February and the boots are done one of the lace loops is got ripped plus water getting in my feet already, i think the price are expensive for the quality.