The 3/4-ton pickup of boot options - Lowa Camino GTX Hiking Shoes - Men's

A regular half-ton is all the pickup truck most people ever need, but, given the choice, I opt for the beefier components and capabilities of the 3/4-ton version of the same truck. The Lowa Camino is the same sort of no-compromises upgrade. I have owned the "half-ton" Lowa Renegades for many happy hiking seasons, and, with their stable, comfortable fit and surefooted grip on wet rocks, they are my default choice for most outings. But there's no doubt that the sturdier Camino is a better choice for more demanding use. The ball-bearing eyelets on the lower tier of lacing is genius: You can dial the fit in perfectly, lock it in place, and then continue lacing the ankle section independently. (Pro tip: Lift up your heel to cinch the bow.) When your muddy slog is over, the laces relax to the point where you can remove your foot without even touching the boot. Sole is a notch stiffer than the Renegade (already a stiff boot), which takes a bit to get used to, but gives you increased confidence on broken trail segments. Insole length was several millimeters longer than my same-size Renegades, which I assume is to accommodate trekking socks and to allow just a bit more room for toes to shift going downhill under load. Not a problem, though, as the lacing keeps your foot locked back and snug with any sock regardless of the surplus volume in front. As others say about Lowa boots, break-in is minimal to nil. Trekkers or backcountry workers with very demanding needs might consider the one-ton upgrade to the Lowa Tibet. But that's a review for another writer.