Lowa Zephyr GTX MID TF - Before You Buy

[@1desdichado]

Agree. Great boots. Have two pairs - high and mid. Great vids, keep it up!

[@rissardy]

Are they to hot in summer?

[@ReconBrothers]

No, since they're made from synthetic and suede materials they breath rather well. If you would pick a pair without the Gore-Tex they will even be more breathable but than you might get wet feet. I Viper

[@BuffaloBoiii]

Which hight is your favorite?

[@1desdichado]

@@BuffaloBoiiiHigh.

[@danielney6]

@@1desdichado why highs over mids?

[@antazur3983]

KZbin need more long term reviews like this ! Thank you !

[@ReconBrothers]

Glad to hear your appreciation! We're planning to do more of these from various tactical products in the future. I Viper

[@randallminchew6780]

I've been buying theses boots for many years now. They are the best hiking boots I've ever had. No break in time nessary. I use the non gore-tex boot for my desert hikes. I had to get a half inch longer boot to make it fit right.

[@ReconBrothers]

Yes, they're great. My brother has been using them for over 5 years now and they're still going strong. I unfortunately grew out of mine and had to look for a bigger pair. Might be good to do a "5 year use" video of these though. | Viper

[@headquicker6617]

I have these for years now. Still no damage whatsoever. I recommend these boots!

[@The1860th]

I’ve had mine for 12years and they just now blew out on the toebox

[@pathfinder5651]

thanks 💯

[@scratchy996]

How does the waterproofing hold after one year or more ?

[@mrScemp]

Do they come true to size?

[@headquicker6617]

@@mrScemp yeah there perfect fit. Just get the size you normally have.

[@SK-mz4cq]

I’m looking at these boots to help with heel pain/ plantar fasciitis for work. The reviews are excellent.

[@garyjgallagherjr]

Any updates? I'm looking for same reasons

[@stephanstefan6211]

Lowa zephyr GTX Bleack the best ....very durable, they lasted me 7 years, only the sole got dull, nothing else with the seams or the material, amazing Boots👍🍀🏋‍♂️😎

[@ReconBrothers]

Yup 🤟

[@worldsinked]

Ive been through three pairs of these boots. I use them daily in my landscape business. I really love these boots which makes it a bummer to need to switch to something new. The tread on the bottom of the boot only lasts on season which is not good enough for a $240 boot. within 8-9 months of daily use the rubber is down to flat which makes them dangerous on any incline or whenever the ground is wet. these boots aren't meant to be re soled which is another bummer. if you wear these only for specific tasks I think you'll love them. If you're looking for a boot to wear on a daily basis for any reason I don't recommend these.

[@davids11131113]

I haven’t bought goretex boots in so long, they’re not waterproof and what they really do is just make your feet sweat like crazy, and when they do get wet they take days to dry.

[@christian4093]

They are but you have to buy it good shoes like this ones

[@debbari72]

Salomon Quest 4D GTX & Salomon Forces GTX for the last 8 years, and been pretty pleased, but I had to try something new. I just bought a pair of Garmont Nemesis 6.1 GTX, and I'm impressed. I've looked at Lowa for some years, and they are probably the next one I'm buying, when the Garmont dies. Then I can come with a good comparison.

[@ReconBrothers]

Well that definitely gives you a lot of experience but to make a good comparison it's better to have boots from the same production year. It might be that the technology used by Salomon has changed when you get your Lowa boots since the large time period between the buys. I Instinct

[@Moderator_user]

Ima get these because of the video and since I haven’t seen anyone else’s with these on base.

[@romulusratis9472]

I own this model (black) and it has been exactly one year this month. Unfortunately, I have to contradict the description of this model: the sole slides on wet cubic stone, on wet granite, on any kind of polished and slightly wet stone, so that it no longer I mention the ice. Unfortunately, the sole started to lose from the crampons, but not because they dulled, no, they cracked and pieces of 2-5 mm started to disappear. I didn't take them for walking in the mountains , on the contrary, they were used exclusively urban and in parallel I also use some brands of boots/boots in the winter-spring seasons (Mil-Tec, Skechers, Vemont), so I did not wear them intensively in this short period. I love the model and even I was going to buy another "desert" color version, but I carefully inspected the existing model and was shocked to find the cracks on the sole and pieces missing from the studs, which is why I changed my mind and will only stick with these until they will wear out completely, because it was not worth the amount paid. I have practiced airsoft for about 5 years and I would not recommend this model for airsoft scenarios in spaces with cubic or finished stone, because the sole slides. I did not have the opportunity to test the grip on grass wet, or wet ground. The comfort of the foot and the impermeability are extraordinary.

[@ReconBrothers]

Did you get them from an official reseller? Because there are many fakes on the market too. We've put these through absolute shite situations and they're still going strong after 8 years or so. We recently even went hiking in the mountains with those same boots. We ourselves and partner stores have sold hundreds and never had a single complain of what you're describing. We also know these are widely used amongst professional units in the world. They're not Lowa's most popular boot for no reason.

[@romulusratis9472]

The shop where I got them is the best in the country. They provide special climbing equipment and because they are respected they give discounts for military personnel and law enforcement. Very comfortable, resistant to moisture, but the sole slipped on wet asphalt, on snow (tested this year in snowy periods) and lose chunks of the studs when going exclusively on tarmac. I bought another pair but learned my lesson and don't wear them when it's wet, or when it's snowing/ice outside .

[@greekveteran2715]

Horizon Explore Primaloft are the BEST socks I've ever used!! You have to try them with any kind of mid boots. I checked the materials on the Similar trekking socks that Uphill sport makes, and they are not as good as the socks I mentioned. That being said, I haven't tried them, but I'm 100 sure, that the Horizon Explore Primaloft, provide more cushioning, are more comfortable and stronger and are made with better materials. Prices are similar, the Horizon Explore Primaloft cost 2 euro more here. Thanks for the review and all the info!!!

[@808yann]

But when the shoes get wet, the Gore-Tex membranes close and then, for example, sweat can no longer escape so the shoe can no longer breathe, right?

[@ReconBrothers]

They still can, the membrane blocks water from coming in, but still allows water vapor to go out. Of course wearing good socks are important too. Because they will help transfer even more water from your foot to your ankles or claves where it will evaporate.

[@ketamyna]

Between those and the z8n?

[@ReconBrothers]

Z8N are better and are also more certified boots.

[@migueles4834]

Hi folks. Thanks for posting this interesting review of the Zephyr. Could you advise as to the differences in terms of build quality, specific usage and overall quality and performance between the Zephyr and the Z8 GTX models? I'm not sure which model to buy for all-rounded back-country hunting boot between the two models. Thank you in advance.

[@Dan-wo4bx]

Different sole zephyr are defo more summer boots the z-series are a bit more boot, thicker leather etc. I’ve got both ... non goretex zephyr for hot dry sandy shite holes and z-8s for everywhere else .

[@joonaslehtonen7965]

Is the boot flexible enough to be comfortable when you are running?

[@ReconBrothers]

Yes it is.

[@joonaslehtonen7965]

Ok, thanks for the reply.

[@kapohimura8721]

For the Lowa Zephyr what is the equivalent of a US size 10? I want to buy the Zephyr MK2 online but I can't get the right size, according to Lowa's size chart US size 10 should be a UK 9, however I have Salomons Quest 4D and in US size 10 but on the label says UK 9.5 so I'm confused So for the Zephyr which UK size I need to buy to get them in US size 10?

[@ReconBrothers]

Hi, LOWA size charts are indeed strange, we used to adjust the one for the Zephyr based on users. However and unfortunately for your case, you can't use that for another LOWA boot even if it is the MK2, if it is build on another shoe last the sizes are different. Best go to a shop and fit them if possible. Unfortunately the technology to do perfect fits online isn't in the market yet. (FootSnap)

[@newgunguy4176]

Do the metal hooks bend closed when sitting in Indian position?

[@ReconBrothers]

No I viper

[@johnrehak]

I have read reviews, that the boots are verry slippery at wett surface(Grass, rocks, etc). It was mostly one of cons of these boots. Is that true?

[@ReconBrothers]

Haven't experienced this personally. I Viper

[@mariustolius4068]

Are these boots true to size? I noticed that Lowa has different foot length sizes compared to other brands. For example, 29cm foot is usually EU 45/UK 10/ US 11, and Lowa sizes for 29cm foot are 46 EU/ 11UK and 12US. This makes it complicated to order these boots online without trying them.

[@ReconBrothers]

Well from my experience they are true to their size. However they are currently almost nowhere to be found.

[@mariustolius4068]

@@ReconBrothers, the new model is out, but getting one is also very hard.

[@ovidiumihaipop233]

There are diferences between Lowa Zephyr GTX MID TF and Mk2 GTX ?

[@ReconBrothers]

We haven't tried them yet, but they'll probably have some improvements, yes.

[@musk69]

I have two pairs of Merrel Moab 2 8inch high Tac boots. My god they are amazing the coyote and the newer "gen" of the black i have look so good. The older black color around 2010 looks a little weird. But the inside of it leaves you speechless. I will say though the older year coyote (they were made in 2010 but I got them in 2020) seems to let your feet get cold and maybe slightly wet but not wet its weird. So I will see how the black ones do.

[@danielrubio6675]

Had Lowa Uplanders and still have the desert elites.

[@DopeFiend]

Good for -15c winter?

[@ReconBrothers]

Leather boots will probably do better, but also your choice of socks will be much more important with such temperatures.

[@mkmusisichannel2387]

Is this boot suitable for all surface condition for example in south east asia forest?

[@ReconBrothers]

🤷‍♂️ I can only say, test it to find out. 😅

[@greenpatriot01]

Super informative video! I would be very interested to know whether you can also walk in these boots in summer or whether you sweat too much in them? Keep ist up!

[@ReconBrothers]

No, they're perfect for it. BTW, sweating depends more on your socks rather than your boots. Socks that are designed to remove sweat by guiding it to your calves is what you'll need for active days, especially during summer. We actually sell a brand that is specialized in this, you can learn more about them here: shop.reconbrothers.com/uphillsport/

[@johnsonrichards1381]

Hey hope you are good sir. Are these boots only for military people?

[@ReconBrothers]

No, they're available for civilians too. | Viper

[@TheSpecter1990]

I personally use UnderArmor runing socks or compression socks

[@mrScemp]

Hi guys, what size do you recommend, my feet's length is 265mm , all my shoes come in size 9US(sneakers, winter boots...)!? greetings from Ukraine. PS. I don't have an opportunity to try them, all military staff is out of stock in Ukraine right now!

[@ReconBrothers]

Hi, shoe size UK8, EU42, US9 starts at 265mm so I would recommend to go for that size. Unfortunately almost all stock is gone of the Zephyr and LOWA can't keep up with the demand ever since people started hiking a lot after the corona lockdowns. I Instinct

[@jimk8592]

They are good right out of the box but I find them rather slippery on wet surfaces...

[@tacticalyuri3474]

Would be good for Running climbing combat ??

[@ReconBrothers]

Absolutely! I Viper

[@timodaems8947]

Hey Viper en Instinct. Ik heb van Lowa zelf al een paar wandelschoenen (de Renegade GTX mid) en ik was op jullie webshop aan het kijken om naar een iets meer "combat" style schoen te gaan. Mijn oog viel op de Lowa Z-8N GTX omdat de enkel ondersteuning bij deze schoen iets hoger is. Wat is jullie mening hierover? Raden jullie deze schoen aan? Is die extra hoogte bij de enkels noodzakelijk?

[@ReconBrothers]

Dag Timo, de hogere ondersteuning is voornamelijk goed wanneer je een zwaar geladen rugzak draagt en/of voor het gebruik in bergen en moerassen. Je kan er ook dieper mee in water, maar daarvoor kan je ook getten gebruiken. Viper heeft altijd last gehad van zwakke enkels en heeft nooit problemen ondervonden sinds hij de Zephyr GTX mid gebruikt, het lijkt mijn dus niet perse noodzakelijk. I Instinct

[@timodaems8947]

@@ReconBrothers Oké dan kan ik verder afwegen welke keuze ik zal maken! Danku voor het antwoord :D BTW weeral een zeer goede video, keep it up!

[@pietroromanelli541]

It's very good boot for all use.

[@ReconBrothers]

Agreed! I Viper

[@mikchetelo7178]

What differences whit model innox GTX mid?

[@ReconBrothers]

We don't have experience with the Inbox GTX, but you can find and compare the info charts to get a better idea on our shop: shop.reconbrothers.com/body/footwear/?filters=product_cat%5B1012%5D | Viper

[@revodiver7574]

Hey Guys, did you also wear them in winter and mud? How are the performing? I’m in doubt between zyphir and renegade. As I’ve seen somewhere zyphir is 3 season’s without winter and renegade for 3 season’s without summer.

[@ReconBrothers]

Yes, we have worn them multiple times during winter and through mud and they are still going strong. The key here is to clean and protect them on a regular basis to keep them performing at their max. But that's the case with every boot. In general, the zephyrs are lighter than the renegades, and they'll dry up faster. Performance wise they'll probably be about the same. Although we have a guy in our team that has both and he rather wears his zephyrs, but that's just an opinion of course. Either way, you can't go wrong with both. | Viper

[@revodiver7574]

Reconbrothers thanks a lot. De zyphir zien er wel mooier uit zeker voor Airsoft 👍

[@jaythemachine3845]

What socks 🧦 did say

[@ReconBrothers]

We use UphillSport Socks and highly recommend them.

[@elitetrader5468]

Where are you from?

[@ReconBrothers]

Belgium

[@elitetrader5468]

@@ReconBrothers Right on. Home of FN. : )

[@ReconBrothers]

@@elitetrader5468 Yeah, cool and all until you realize we can't aqcuire FN products ourselves.

[@elitetrader5468]

@@ReconBrothers I know. Yet another reason you need to move to the USA. The last bastion of freedom (and fading fast).

[@damienforrester8431]

Can u get them in full leather??

[@ReconBrothers]

These particular boots do not come in a leather version but LOWA does offer some very good leather boots as well. Have a look at these boots, the combat boots, both TF and PT, and the renegade II are leather boots. I Instinct shop.reconbrothers.com/body/footwear/?filters=product_cat[1012]

[@jazz322alllwaysswing]

Really helpfull video bro 👍

[@footsoldier1468]

These boots look/sound great do they fit as standard size or is it advisable to go up a size or half?

[@ReconBrothers]

We recommend to fit them in person or follow the size charts if that's not possible. | Viper

[@Dan-wo4bx]

I take 11 in lowa , salomon , nike , grubs if that helps 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@footsoldier1468]

@@Dan-wo4bx thanks. I got a pair and find them to be absolutely fantastic. Bang on with my normal sizing but nicely wide

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍

[@ReconBrothers]

Thanks! I Viper

[@zerofire3172]

Hate that europe gets more color options and the lighting makes the colors look misleading. Also sucks there isnt a jungle version with drain holes. Best boots ive ever used. Downside is the rubber wears out before the rest of the boot does. The thin mil laces (brigade quarternaster) are better than the stovk laces

[@ReconBrothers]

Those other colors are only on preorder, so if shop order it I guess you can also get them in other continents. However at the moment LOWA is way behind in production so only standard colors will get delivered. Drain holes would be for an entirely different type of boot, this one tries to keep the water out as good as possible, with drain holes the boot is expected to be submerged.

[@zerofire3172]

@@ReconBrothers so if they made a jungle version of this boot you think it wouldnt work? Why not? Rocky boots made s2vs with and without drain holes for diff enviroment. The point of failure was the tread coming off the boot not the drain holes

[@ReconBrothers]

@@zerofire3172 I'm not saying it doesn't work but there are better systems in my opinion when you expect a boot to be submerged. Like the LALO Amphibious boots for example. However we noticed when testing their boots that they wear very fast in forest environments and the rubber comes off very easily. "The Ultimate Special Forces Tactical Boot. The Shadow Amphibian is made in conjunction with the Navy SEALs and for military operatives to use while in the air, on land and while swimming. The passive drainage system is not designed to keep the water out, but to let it flow in and out of the boot as needed."

[@renato3995]

Are they good for long walks ?

[@ReconBrothers]

They're good, but for very rugged terrain you would be better with leather boots. If you're heavy loaded it's recommended to go for boots with a higher ankle support. I Viper

[@rogue_spirit]

@@ReconBrothers "but for very rugged terrain you would be better with leather boot" ... can you explain a bit more why is that? Thx!

[@rogue_spirit]

@Derrick Probably. I was just wondering what he meant by "rugged terrain" effect on non leather, is it shocks or water or anything else.

[@gusjeazer]

@@rogue_spirit you can use a non leather boot on rough terrain too. Leather is better when you want to keep your feet dry. Non leather boots dry quicker when they get wet, and don't increase in weight much when they do. I don't think leather boots are always more durable, usually the soles, inner lining and stuff gives out before the outer material. Leather stays waterproof and is easier to clean. For winter boots leather will be better. For summer and in extreme wetness, like river crossings and stuff, where your feet will get wet no matter what boot, synthetic is better.

[@SmudgyTheGreat]

1:55 That's a weird way to say "Aglet".

[@ReconBrothers]

He says "ankle" I Viper

[@leonchen9372]

mid or high， which is better？

[@ReconBrothers]

The high ones offer a better support which is mainly an advantage when you are wearing heavy loaded backpacks or when you are using them in mountain like environments. They also allow you to go deeper into the water, though you can also use gaiters. My brother has quite weak ankles and he didn't have any serious problems using the mid size boots. So if you don't require the high ankle support you can get the mid version that is a bit cheaper but the high ankle support has the above mentioned advantages so if you need that it's best to go for the high support. I Instinct

[@leonchen9372]

@@ReconBrothers Thank you so much，I decide to choose the high one！

[@Raventommm]

Great review!

[@ReconBrothers]

Thanks! I Viper

[@Raventommm]

@@ReconBrothers if you have to compare them with the lowa renegade boots, do they have the same wide fit?

[@ReconBrothers]

@@Raventommm We have both and they fit the same. | Viper

[@Raventommm]

@@ReconBrothers thats great to hear! Makes it easier to order a pair! Thnkx!

[@petkopeet]

I wanted these boots so bad, but even in smaller sizes i had major heel slip ;(

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Got three pairs! One wolf grey GTX, one coyote brown GTX and one desert sand non-GTX! All fantastic boots!

[@guilhermealmeida-guiga391]

Hello, Willie. I have one non-GTX and buying a second pair. I`m not sure with ou without GTX. I use the boots ona daily bases (no hiking) and I am afraid that GTX might make my feet hotter? Or in fact it breath better and, for this, It will be colder and more comfortable? Can you help me? Thank you!

[@dayday_13]

which version do you prefer? GTX or Non gtx?

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

@@guilhermealmeida-guiga391 Hey, so sorry for delayed reply. The GTX is great in colder weather and also outdoors if you’re hiking. When it’s warmer I swap over to the non-GTX. The GTX is a little bit stiffer, but don’t let that put you off buying a pair. The only downside for the Lowa Zephyr’s is that when it’s really it’s really cold outside and there’s ice on concrete the boots can struggle to grip, but overland in the outdoors they’re brilliant!

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

@@dayday_13 Love them both! GTX when it’s cold/wet weather and the non-GTX is great in hotter or warmer weather!

[@dayday_13]

@@willienelsongonzalez4609 thanks for the reply I ended up grabbing the Non gtx and I do like them a lot

[@jameswaller3201]

The stiffness brake in period is really short due to the company putting a few thousand steps per pair using a machine at the factory. Also due to them having goretex linning they have to be tested and certified by gortex.

[@vincentwpisele6404]

james waller neither of your remarks are 100% correct. If each and every pair of shoes were to go through those tests : 1) shoes would already show wear and tear. 2) if every shoe was to be certified individually by Gore-Tex shoes would be at lot more expensive. 👍🏻What does support your statement are the following facts. Before bringing a new design of shoes to market a lot of research is done by the brands, e.g. the 100.000 simulation steps. Also for a new gtx shoe to become certified the manufacturer has to send to gore-Tex the data sheets of new designed shoes, finalized uppers and a finalized shoes to be tested. Further down the line gore-Tex will do sample tests. Gore-Tex and other membranes like sympatex are being used by hundreds of shoe and apparel manufacturers who together manufactur millions of shoes and clothing, it would be a little naive to believe every single pair goes through these tests. Also the stiffness of synthetic shoes is a Lot less that of full leather shoes, as correctly stated in this video. 😉 👍🏻

[@rogue_spirit]

@WakandaForevar Get out of here!

[@rogue_spirit]

@@vincentwpisele6404 Good info. Thx!

[@qfina]

Your name is Instinct?

[@ReconBrothers]

It's a callsign

[@Haxo1337]

Cant decide to pick highs or mids 😮

[@ReconBrothers]

If you aim to go through rougher terrain and/or ahve weak ankles highs are better. In the other cases, you can go for the mids.

[@jeanhebert2130]

I have Lowa tactical

[@koolcat6893]

I just use 5.11 combat boots

[@musk69]

How have they held up. Imho 5.11 is way over priced. So yeahhow r they now ten months from your post. I hope they are still great and working out for u.

[@koolcat6893]

@@musk69 They are still good as new, and I use them about once a month for airsoft and I use them once a week for something else but nothing strenuous because it is just part of a uniform.

[@musk69]

@@koolcat6893 ok cool cause ive been using Merrel at least once a week for airsoft field that is pretty hard on footwear for about 3months and they are still looking new. I just picked up a black pair for my black mc load out and they are smae great quality and even born on a newer date which says something about my other one's because they sat in a box for about 10 years before I bought them.....so all that said lol iif u go for a new pair maybe try that brand

[@DNYS8N]

What is TF? Some have TF some don’t

[@ReconBrothers]

@@DNYS8N It refers to their "Task Force" line.

[@DNYS8N]

@ how would a zephyr gtx mid without the TF be different than one with TF in the title

[@ReconBrothers]

@@DNYS8N Probably nothing, some sites just don't mention the TF part, but in reality the boot falls under their TF line.

[@DNYS8N]

@ thanks for being on point

[@Greekmilsim]

Iam using the lowa zephyr 8' in army .They are light as hell only 600g .they are ideal for hiking ,patrols , walking .I don't recommend them for winter period they are not enough waterproof ,they cannot deal with mud and snow

[@Epsilon1061]

Ποιο προτείνεις;;; μέχρι 200 ευρώ δίνω για αρβυλο που να μην περνάει νερό και να είναι αξιόπιστο.

[@美国雅正-x5n]

Can you show the boots more than your face?

[@matthill216]

Highs are better than mids. Don’t take chances with rolling your ankles

[@ReconBrothers]

I have weak ankles myself and haven't had any injuries with these. So, they don't really differ on that part. Highs are a bit better for heavy load travels. I Viper

[@rogue_spirit]

Zephyr Mids are still good in holding ankles, but Hi are much better for that ofc.

[@sergiob2803]

Slippery as fuck when It rains and walk on concrete or rocks

[@pathfinder5651]

LOWA or LALO TACTICAL BOOTS

[@ReconBrothers]

We just received a pair of Lalo's ourselves. So we'll test them out soon. 😅 | Viper

[@world44x]

soles are falling apart lowa know it and will do nothing do not buy

[@ReconBrothers]

Never had an issue with that. Did this happen to your Zephyr boots or is it another model? 🤔 | Instinct

[@stojanjankovic8458]

🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸💪💪💪🤗

[@rostislavhruska8601]

Prabos are better, for that money.

[@s.eidsmo3240]

I have a pair of Lowa hiking boots, and last week while hiking in Norway the soles of both boots started to fall off within 15 minutes of each other. At the end the soles were only attached at the tip of the boot. No matter what the cause of the problem, the manufacturer is responsible and ought to replace a faulty product. If they use a material (polyurethane) that is inapropriate for the purpose of hiking once or twice a year, they should not use that material. Period. Do yourself a favour and find a boot producer that does not use PU in their soles.

[@gusjeazer]

You commented this on tons of other videos. Bot

[@nicholehoward259]

yippee

[@jimsolari7141]

Had bad experience with Lowa. I will not buy them ever

[@ReconBrothers]

Ok, but were they genuine ones? Because we never had a single issue and their boots are amongst the most used ones in the professional industry.

[@DimitrosSJ]

What is this? Are you just reading Lowa's booklet? Wtf?

[@balderedda]

Do NOT buy these boots. A design flaw makes the leather on the side of the toes tear very easily. My boots lasted only a few hours. Went on 2 walks in a town. Only 2 days before they broke. Thats horrendous quality. Again.. Do NOT buy these boots.

[@ReconBrothers]

Then you need to contact the shop that sold them to you and ask for warranty. We're still using ours and they still keep going. (Also if this is real they might be fake boots, there is a lot of fakes out there.)