Lowa Zephyr vs New Balance OTB boot reviews

Check out these reviews and comparisons of the Lowa Zephyr vs New Balance OTB Desertlite boot reviews and you make the best choice for your feet.

Lowa Zephyr boots review
These boots are AWESOME. They are indeed the lightest pair of boots (summer Bates included) I have ever owned.(15 years and counting) I ordered the GTX version for the added water protection and my dogs didn’t really “sweat” in them. The laces provided were flimsy and didn’t last very long. Simple fix..take white “issue” laces-ask your supply and soak them in tea(you have limited resources downrange-those that have been will attest) and these laces still are in the boot to this day (almost a year out of country).

Lowa Men’s Zephyr GTX Mid TF Hiking Boot Review
I bought these boots while on deployment and I haven’t been diappointed at all. They have help up in water, mud, snow and on the rocky terrain. I wound up in a puddle of semi-frozen water (up to my laces) and my socks remained dry! I wear them with boarding socks, so you might want to get them a little larger. Your feet will sweat some but it beats having soaked socks and boots. I definitely would buy another pair!

New Balance OTB boot reviews
Best military boot you can buy. The OTB Desertlites were recommended to be by a Green Beret who has fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I now own two pairs of these boots, and they have taken me through four months of infantry school, Airborne School, and through the forests, mountains, and swamps of Ranger School. And I still wear the same ones whenever I hit the field. They are the best boots you can find.

The New Balance OTB boots are extremely lightweight, on par with the lightest but cheaply made Nike boots. I have run on both trails and pavement for long distances without feeling the typical heaviness and awkwardness of combat boots. The sole is not a vibram sole, but it is more flexible and just as durable (my soles show minimal wear despite 8 months of hardcore use). The soles are sown on the heel and the toe, and glued on everywhere else. Some of my buddies have had problems after a few months with the soles starting to peel off from the sides, but mine have stayed on fine. The laces are strong and well suited to the boot. You don’t need to use 550 cord.

The OTB’s are an excellent boot for both moderate and hot climates. They’ve got three drain holes and the insole is breathable and quick-drying. These are the fastest drying boots you can find. They’ll dry within a few hours after complete submersion if you leave them out in the sun, and within 4-8 hours if you continue to wear them. Same with the insoles.

Despite the rather soft soles, these boots held up well rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain climbing. They gripped wet rock as well as vibram-soled boots, and they also held a solid lock when rope-climbing. They do not provide much for ankle support, so if you have chronic ankle sprains, either lace them up tight or use an ankle brace (it will fit inside the boot. I’ve done it).

I used them in the field for weeks when the temperature was below freezing, and, as you’d expect, my feet were numb if I was stationary. If you need an extreme cold weather (0 degrees Fahrenheit and below) boot, or you expect to endure cold AND wet weather, get an extra pair of boots for that purpose.

Question from our readers online.

Question: What are the differences between the Zephyr vs Sesto? The Sesto is a low cut trail running shoe.

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