How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Comfortable and supportive, the Lowa Tempest Lo Hiking Shoes supply lightweight and nimble performance for day hikes or weekend backpacking trips in dry climates.
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View all Lowa Men's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Split leather/cordura |
Lining | Polyester |
Midsole | Polyurethane |
Support | Nylon shank |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 pounds |
Gender | Men's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 | |
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U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 |
U.S. Women's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | |||||||||
UK | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14 |
EU | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 48.5 | 49.5 |
Wide = E/EE; Narrow = C; Medium = D
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I have been wearing this exact Lowa low boot, the Tempest, since the early 90's or when it was introduced. It fits my foot like a dream. I am on my feet all day working outside as a Landscape Contractor in Construction Work of Landscaping Features, not maintenance. I have lost track of how many pairs I have worn. All from REI. I find something I love and I don't deviate from such a pleasant path, so to speak!
Lowa is known for making rugged, comfortable-out-of-the-box footwear that justifies its premium price. The Tempest Lo has been one of my favorite shoes for over a decade. This is the latest of many redesigns, and Lowa has addressed the serious misstep it made with the previous generation. First, its sole: Lowa switched to its Enduro sole, introduced last year on its high end urban walking shoes. That change should clue you in to what Lowa thinks the appropriate use for this shoe is... walks on mixed hard and soft paths or 3-season travel on European streets, NOT serious hiking with a moderate load, regardless of how burly it looks. For that mission, the Renegade II GTX Lo is Lowa's entry level product. It has the stiffer shank and waterproofing that the Tempest lacks. Last year's Tempest used essentially the same sole as the Renegade, which wears extremely quickly on hard surfaces, but grips well on sketchy pitches and is very cushy. I haven't used the Tempest long enough to determine if the Enduro sole works better, but its design looks promising. Watch this space. Over the years the Tempest has evolved towards a fairly low volume narrow fit, and this year's model is no different. If anything, it feels a trifle lower in volume in the forefoot, again just like Lowa's urban walking shoes. If you like to wear insoles, make sure that they are thin in the forefoot. The toe box will stretch only a tiny bit. The lacing is where the other major change has occurred. The small tongue slot and solid upper in the forefoot of last year's model has been replaced by a wide, long slot and mesh tongue more reminiscent of a running shoe, and the ankle hooks are now closed rings. This allows for more adjustability and lets the shoe breathe a bit better, which is nice. Color scheme: past versions of the Taupe/Green have used a fairly muted green on the top and tongue. This year, the green is very deep, and the tongue is black. The overall look is not coherent; look at it from the side, the shoe is light brown; look at it from the top, it's dark green-er, black, er... The Black/Grey scheme looks a bit better. The same black tongue is used, and there it makes more sense. Finally, the price has gone way up. Lowa has never been cheap, but now is asking as much or more for a non-waterproofed walking shoe as do several as durable, more waterproof, and more supportive true hiking shoes next to it on the shelf. It is a shoe that can remain comfortable and rugged long after its running shoe derived competition has quit the race, but only if its sole doesn't give out first. The Tempest's value proposition is riding on the longevity of its outsole. I hope the new Enduro sole lives up to its name.
The Lowa tempest is the most comfortable shoe I have ever had. I have a strange flat-ish foot. There was no need for break in with these shoes! I have put quite a few miles on these shoes and they are still holding strong. the supporting foam is much more durable than that found in other hiking shoes. I did end up spending a bit more than I usually do on these shoes, but the support and comfort I have gotten from them is more than worth it. They have traveled with me to the gore range, the sangre de cristos, canyonlands, and the saguach. still going strong!
The absolute most comfortable thing I've had on my feet since my 14 year old lab passed away. I wasn't even looking for new shoes. Tried these on and was sold. I look forward to wearing them. Great job!!
REI pulled my primary boots of choice, Ahnu Elkridge II, off it's shelves. I tryed these for a week delivering mail, 12 miles walking a day, and found them uncomfortable. Their insoles are hard, the shue does not flex well and the toe box pinches my feet. I went to Amazon to purchase the Ahnu's, problem solved. Lowa= Bleeeh!
Finally a shoe that fits a long narrow low volume foot; my size 13 (left foot half size larger than right). I have a very difficult foot to fit and usually have to search long and hard. My REI store suggested the Lowa Tempest. Before trying them on I also asked for SuperFeet green inserts because of my low-volume foot, and I bought a pair of lo-cut Smart Wool Light Hiking socks. I wore the shoes in the store for 20 minutes and I knew I had a winner. The lacing system design is brilliant, allows a custom fit, and holds its position; no double knots needed. There is enough gap between the lacing sides to allow for a variety of foot widths and volume. After a week in the house and 3 weeks outdoors, there is no break-in required, very good cushioning, and excellent support. These could easily be an all day shoe; I will be using them for summer hikes. They are so good that I have now also ordered the waterproof Gore-Tex version; The Lowa Renegade II GTX. Both pairs are quality leather construction with really good soles and lacing systems.
Seams in toe box cause blisters on the top of toes and the narrow toe box caused the first corn I have gotten in more than two decades.
I have small (size 8), wide feet. I prefer shoes with big toe boxes and flat, smooth insoles. These have been great.