Class-light mountaineering, made for heavy loads and rough terrain
Height-high, 8 inches, 8 loops/cleats plus mid-tongue cleat
Materials-2.6mm Nubuck leather, alloy loops/hooks, heavy duty rubber rand
Insulation-none but the skin is thick and there is good padding around ankle
Waterproofing-Gore-Tex waterproof breathable liner, Climate Control System
Cushion-footbed is thin, midsole is firm, outsole is stiff,
Flexibility-very good at the ankle, fore foot, good breakover point, very supportive
Tread-Vibram Tsavo trekking, moderately aggressive
Volume-medium to full, has comfortable tongue, great lacing system  
Width Availability-yes, wide
Weight-my 44.5s (11US) weigh 2 lbs 1.9 ounces per boot
Crampon Compatibility-yes, strap on
Quality-very high, made in Germany 
Break In-none, they were comfortable out of the box

Lowa is a pretty big name in the boot business so when you open up the box there is a certain expectation.  These boots did not disappoint.  I wish I knew who started this style of boots because most of the light mountaineering boots that I have for evaluation look similar.  However, looks are one thing, execution is another.  

The Lowa Hunter Extreme GTX is a renowned hunting boot for high country, extreme terrain sheep hunters.  The Hunter is a 10 inch boot.  The Tibet GTX is the 8 inch version and the subject of this article.

This is an exceptionally well made boot.  There is nothing cheap or flimsy about it.  The hardware is all metal and the Nubuck leather is thick.  There is a Gore-Tex liner to keep water out and the Lowa Climate Control System works to eliminate moisture inside the boot from your sweaty feet.       


The Lowa Tibet GTX boots.  My U.S.11Ds weigh 2lbs 2oz each and have a little more room in the toe box and forefoot than others that I have tried.  Lowa also offers this boot in a Wide version.

The difference between a heavy hiker and a light mountaineering in my way of thinking is the rigidity of the sole and it's ability to haul big loads.  These are heavy duty boots with a hard footbed and a sole stiff enough to handle strap on crampons but they have a unique tread design that makes it easier to walk on the flats.  There seems to be a pronounced break over point at the ball of the foot.  Once you roll forward and cross that point, the front part of the sole tapers off to allow a full rock forward.  It makes for a nice, smooth rolling forward movement.



The perforations around the nicely padded collar are part of the Climate Control System which is supposed to move air in and out of the boot to encourage evaporation of sweat moisture.  The tongue on these boots is very trim and tidy.  It lays down nice and smooth and is very comfortable against my feet.  When you crank the laces down on these boots, they just feel snug, not restricted.

I liked the Lowa Tibet GTX.  It was comfortable out of the box, walked nicely, and didn't cause me any problems.  It is a top quality boot that is built for the abuse of  high country, mountain activities.  I have more work to do with these but so far I am impressed.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor