JB from United States, CO Public Profile

I wish all shoe companies were required to use Mondo sizing. Lowa labels the inside of their boots with Mondo sizes but doesn't includes it on their boxes or size charts. I find Lowa runs 1/2 size small according to their US and EU sizes when compared to all other brands I wear. However, their metric Mondo or "JP" sizing on the inside labels is spot on with my usual size.

Excellent materials. Sole has great treads. True trail shoe. Laces pull through nicely from the top. Tuck away pocket is nice but can get in the way of lacing.

Sizing is a puzzle. I knew they ran small. But they run smaller than I expected. My "size" according to measurement is 10.5. I normally wear size 12 US or 46 EU in running shoes. I could go 12.5 here. 12 is tight in toe box. Glove like fit. Can be good or bad depending on your needs.

I bought my boots exactly 4 years ago. I am an avid year-round hiker and have multiple different boots. So these were not exclusively worn. They were used in all seasons. I'm 165 lbs and typically carry a 10-20 lb pack load. I am estimating that I've worn these boots 100 times. Probably 50% of that is on snow.

Fit: true to EU sizing which I normally follow. US 12 = EU 46. Last is narrower than I'd consider "medium". According to the semi-useless "Brannock" device standard, I have a narrow foot. Yet I cannot wear "narrow" shoes. My Brannock length is US 10.5 but I comfortably wear US 12 / EU 46 in nearly all shoes due to my arch location. I had to skip lacing the front most eyelets in these both these boots and another size 12 non-GTX pair of Lowa boots I owned over the same period.

Quality: Excellent build. No trouble with stitching or materials. The waterproof sealing has now failed. After a 4 hour hike in deep snow wearing Goretex gaiters, I ended up with one very wet foot which is a good indicator of a boot problem. I'd expect both feet to be wet if conditions had led to water getting in over the top of the boot. The toe area was wet while the uppers were not. So it looks like the Goretex failed somewhere. Externally, the boots still appear in good condition. The outsoles are worn but still have traction. If I was continuing to use them, I'd have them resoled soon.

Overall I'd recommend Lowa boots. Fit is narrower than I expected so not good for

Ceramic lining really works. No residual taste after cleaning. Is does stain darker from coffee.
Fits in a standard vehicle cupholder. Unheard of for a bottle of this volume.
Keeps hot hot and keeps cold cold.
The included lid seals well. Pouring the open bottle tends to cause dribbles down the side. Works great with the optional Flow Control Lid for direct drinking.

Really enjoying these boots. Great fit. Lightweight. Waterproof. Highly recommended for light trail hiking in any season.

Columbia stated sizing is a mystery. I suggest using their "CM" measurements which do seem accurate and match up with other brands we have worn. The US and EU sizing is way off. Example: I wear US 12 / EU 46 is at least 5 other brands. Columbia shows US 12 = EU 45 = CM 30. Insoles actually measure 30cm. Same with US 11 / EU 44 which is labelled CM 29 and insole actual measurement is 29cm.

I've tried many traction devices over many years. Kahtoola is the best for all around use. They offer aggressive grip on packed snow and ice. The biggest problem most have is not staying in place or falling off. The Kahtoola MICROspikes stay put even in deep, wet snow or when breaking in and pulling up through crusty overlayers (if you know snow you know what I mean). They work well worn over running shoes and hiking boots. The elastic uppers remain pliable at low temps and can be taken on and off relatively easily with gloves or mittens on.

The sharp spikes will grip into bare rock but I advise avoiding dry dirt and bare rock as much as possible to avoid wearing down the teeth.

The only issue I've experienced is a tendency to clog and accumulate snow plugs when temps hover just above freezing. This is most likely due to the bare metal chains being cold enough to freeze water and then attract clumps of snow. The same thing has happened with several other similar devices I've used. The Kahtoolas can be cleared by dragging your foot a few times.

Snug but comfortable fit works well over a thermal underlayer. Great wind resistance. Highly breathable so sweat does not build op. Comfortable over a wide range of temperatures so you can leave it on without needing to stop and shed a layer when the temperature rises slightly.

Tagged size was waist 34" and inseam 32". Actual waist is 35" and inseam is 30". The crotch rise is only 11" and they make me feel like I'm wearing a climbing harness all day long. (That is not a good thing). Front pockets are ridiculously short at only 7 inches deep! I don't carry a lot of stuff but my slim wallet and 5" smartphone don't fit in these pockets. Why, because when you walk or sit the anything over 3 inches long inside these pockets will smash into your hips. I can't put anything other than car keys into the front pockets and comfortably walk or sit.

Pants are tagged as waist size "34" and inseam "32". Actual waist measurement is 36". Yes the "inseam" is technically 32" from hem to crotch. But this is meaningless because the hip to crotch rise is a short 12" which makes to actual leg length only 44". It is so frustrating to try and buy pants online when the supposed sizing is so completely wrong.

The crotch rise is too short for me and uncomfortable. I am a 33 waist but these 34 pants look like I'm wearing balloons.

The quality of the material and construction is very good.