Lowa Zephyr GTX Hi boot review

by Brad McLeod

Just received these new Lowa boots in the mail yesterday (April 2016).

I took the Lowa Zephyr Hi TF Hiking boot out of the box as is and slipped them on like a pair of bedroom slippers and hiked 3 miles in the forest.

They felt great and I did not have to adjust them at all.

These boots are really lightweight at only 42 ounces (2.6 lbs) per pair (595 grams/21 ounces per single boot) and are made for light to medium weight hiking (carrying a 25 lb pack).

I wear a size 10 in most running shoes and boots and these fit my feet perfect in sizing.

This pair has GoreTex for breathability and keeps out water.

I tested this by walking and splashing my way through a small creek and watched the water roll off these boots. The water did not soak in like I thought it would. The shoe kept my feet and socks dry.

Check out this video of Navy SEAL Brad McLeod showing this same pair of boots after two years of abuse.

Check out the Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF boot at Amazon.com

The hi boots are 8 inches high so just a little bit taller than the 6 inch versions.

Overall these boots felt amazing and super comfortable. I will be going back out this afternoon for another ruck/hike and further testing that I will post up here.

Lowa bas been building mountaineering boots for 90 years so they have a large experience base on what works.

Sticky rubber on bottom with softer/ shock.

Where To BUY:

Check out boot prices at Amazon.com

SGPT 6 Month Update
I have been wearing the boots about 3 times a week for walking around town and hiking in the woods. The boots have worn well with no problems with the sole or edge of boot where I have seen others fall apart.

SGPT 2 Year Update
This boot has outpaced my expectations and is still going strong. Despite being caked with mud and no exterior treatment – the boot is still water proof when walking through Florida swamps. Only when I get in deeper water does the boot get wet as water overtops the boot. They are very easy to clean even if they are covered completely with mud. I just pull the foot insoles out and use the water hose and spray them off. Then put them in the garage with a fan on them to dry quickly. I have also washed the foot insoles in the washing machine.

Very satisfied with this boot and would love to own a second pair.

UPDATE 2022 (6 years of use).
These boots are still my favorite go to boot out in the field. They are really getting broken in well but still provide support.

The tread and toe bumper are still intact and not peeling. I would definitely recommend this boot and would personally purchase another pair when it comes time.

Question: What can I put on my toes to help prevent blisters?

Answer: We have several athletes using Trail Toes: Phenomenal Ultra-Extreme, Anti-Friction Foot and Body Cream on their toes to prevent blisters.

Question: Coach Brad, a few days ago you sent out an email raving about a certain pair of hiking boots that you said were the most comfortable pair of boots and were great for doing ruck hikes. I was checking them out, but noticed they were goretex boots that would be pretty warm for someone who lives in Phoenix, AZ.

So, I was wondering if you had some other recommendations for a very comfortable pair of boots that would be a better selection for the warm desert climate in Phoenix Arizona?
Thanks– Don P

Answer: Yes; check out the Lowa Zephyr Mid Hiking Boot.

This boot is water resistant when stepping in streams or walking through knee high wet grass.

But if you are hiking in the desert that may not be so much of an issue as it would if you are hiking in Florida.

I also have a few Special Forces buddies that love them too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brad McLeod is married with two kids and an all around average family guy. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and despite training all the wrong ways – made it to Navy SEAL training in Coronado, California.

He flunked out of Navy SEAL BUD/S training after making it over half way through (6 months of grueling training). After a year in the Fleet Navy on the USS Cleveland (LPD-7) he came back to graduate BUDS and serve on SEAL Team Four.

His story is simple–Don’t Ever Quit on your Dream! Put one foot in front of the other and fall forward.