Boot Q

[sasha]

Did anyone use the Lowa Zephyr desert boots.. I been looking at this boot and wanted to give it a try. With the price i want to make sure it would be a good boot so i dont end up throwing money away.

http://www.rei.com/product/796120

My #1 problem is that i get hot and then my feet over heat. I need shoes that breath. I also plan on doing some rough terrain hikes more then normal. Another problem is i wear the front or the sole very fast its something about how i push with the front of my foot when i walk. And i also got a very very flat feet.
Been using merrell moab mid they were the most comfy boots i tried but they didnt last long the cushion lost its cushion and i had to use inserts and the vibram sole just wears out so fast. Im not crazy about Vibram. I think there is just too much hype about it. It also dont stick well to rocks that are wet or a surface that is more smooth.

Sasha

 

[sasha]

sorry i thought this Q was the right one for the wilderness. I wanted to know if any people used it for hiking and outdoor activities.

 

[gazz98]

I don't know anyone that has used that brand before. Most of my hiking boots have been Merrell.

What socks do you use? Do you bring extra (even on short hikes) and change them frequently?

If you have very flat feet, a good insole should help although I'm no expert.

Sorry not much help.

 

[CC U]

I have 2 pair of Lowa, the banf and the uplander boots. They hold up very well to abuse. The uplanders don't have the rubber rand around them, so I installed a redwing glue on rubber boot cap. Both pair of boots are very comfortable, and the vibram soles hold up very well to abuse. I have a size 13 flat foot, and they support me very well.

They have good cut of leather, which I can reapply obenaufs leather oil to as a water proofing and to keep them supple. The banf's are the most comfortable boot that I have ever owned. They have a leather lining, which breathes better than a goretex, and are my go to hiking boot on hot and humid days.

The uplanders have held up to 2 seasons of phesant hunting, and look brand new. They are a light boot, and feel as comfortable as a nike shox that I run in. I have destroyed many expensive boots phesant hunting, with the thorns and barbed wire fences, the lowa with the cordura upper have held up very well. The zepher is a similar boot in the materials used.

I also have the Jannu Lo, also leather lined, and they are so comfortable, with a great sole, that I use them for coaching baseball, instead of cleats. I coach 3 teams, so I wear them 7 nights a week. I have had them for 3 years, and they have outstanding construction, and with obenaufs, they still look brand new.

I hope this helps.

 

[sasha]

thanks guys. I use cotton or wool socks or socks for hiking. I dicide on the weather and where im hiking. Use the socks that work the best for me from exp. I did come from REI and picked up the boots. I got wide feet but they dont offer them. CC U that helps alot it seems that Lowa makes good shoes. the nice thing about REI is if they dont fit right i can return them. Went to the store to do some grocery shopping and they felt real nice walking there and back. Tomorrow we got a group hike with guys from WSS that would be a real good test for the boots hiking 10 miles.


Sasha

 

[X in 415]

thanks guys. I use cotton or wool socks or socks for hiking. I dicide on the weather and where im hiking. Use the socks that work the best for me from exp. I did come from REI and picked up the boots. I got wide feet but they dont offer them. CC U that helps alot it seems that Lowa makes good shoes. the nice thing about REI is if they dont fit right i can return them. Went to the store to do some grocery shopping and they felt real nice walking there and back. Tomorrow we got a group hike with guys from WSS that would be a real good test for the boots hiking 10 miles.


Sasha

Stay away from Cotton socks. Merino wool is the best bet for superior heat transfer and wick-ability. Hell, stay away from synthetic socks as well. I suggest a Smartwool or Icebreaker mid-weight hiker with a small amount of cushion on the ball and heel area of the sock. Your feet will still get hot and sweat, no matter what, but the Merino wool does a fantastic job of transferring that sweat to where it needs to be to evaporate.

 

[CC U]

For new boots, I suggest smartwool with a silk liner. New boots, could equal trouble.

 

[Longtrang]

I wouldn't think twice to give Zephyr boots a try. I am wearing the Lowa Dessert Elite boots now. BEST BOOTS I HAVE EVER WORN! Hands down. Check out Thorlo boot socks, about $10 per pair but worth it.