Customer Reviews Lowa Laurin GTX® Lo

I bought these shoes for the last 1/3 of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. They were absolute hell from the very beginning. I wanted the full protection and climbing ability of a climbing style boot after seeing what I was going to be facing in southern Maine and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Waterproof and breathable should never be in the same sentence but I figured that because the shoes were so low profile they would breathe fairly adequately. These shoes performed worse then any pair of shoes I have ever owned. Day one I stepped on a wet bog board and my feet went flying out from under me. I attributed this to the shoes just being new, I tried to tell myself that what I read about vibram soles being the best soles possible was true and I had no reason to doubt that. I was wrong. Even 600ish miles later the soles remain tough, slippery, uncomfortable, unbroken in, and impractical. The shoes did stay waterproof for about the first 1000 miles but soon after the leather started to get broken in at the ball of the foot, it started absorbing water and that all too familiar cold wet miserable feeling took place when I stepped in a puddle or stream. I hate these shoes, but being on the shoestring budget I was on at that point in the trail, I couldn't afford to replace them. I assumed that spending this much on a pair of shoes meant that "you get what you pay for" was true. I was extremely wrong. I dealt with the expensive pain. The Blisters - These were horrible, on my toes, in between my toes, on the side of my ankle, my heels! The heels were a nightmare. The shoe itself isn't padded at all at the heels, it is very slick from the fabric, and it is almost a vertical wall made of two pieces of fabric sewn together. This causes your heel to slip out of the shoe on nearly every step and no way to stop it regardless of the amount of duct tape you put on them or your fancy lace locking technique. If you buy these, I hope you like bloody socks. What's even worse then the design of the shoe is the quality. The fabric on the heels was quickly ripped apart to let water in, expose the sharp unpadded plastic that tares up your heel if your blisters haven't already turned into half inch thick callouses. I can go on and on about how bad these shoes are. The only reason I gave it any stars at all is because they look cool and because they helped me get to where I was going. Well, they didn't help, but I carried them at least. Another thing to mention is that I didn't just go for wearing them. I carried my old pair of shoes with me for three weeks wearing the Lowas only a few hours a day, or every other day if I could take the pain. I think that is the only reason I was eventually able to put up with them. I still have them because I'd be hard pressed to throw away an expensive pair of shoes that still should work fine. Do not buy these. In fact, because of my awful experience with these, I'm going to always recommend people to stay far away from Lowa in general. If this review saves anyone's hike, I'll be happy. Too bad they're beyond the point of return I'm sure.

This is by far the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn...bar none! The really got this right. I have tried numerous brands. Nike and Wilson are not wide enough for my foot. Adidas was great in previous years but has cheapened their shoe and now only last maybe 6 months. This Lowa is built to last and I can walk in these all day with no issue.

I own 11 pairs of lowa boots and shoes and all fit perfectly and wear great

Nearly indestructible, excellent value for the $$$. Yes; it is true they are stiff, thats what I want for my scramble over the top, if I'm not wearing boots, toe protection is of above average but don't look for ankle support after all they are low cut. Ive done a lot wearing these shoes Via Farrata in W.Virginia to hiking in the Green Mountains of Vermont, to doing yard work and shopping. I have nearly walked the soles off and they still are comfortable. Lots & lots of miles, Jackson Hole hopefully this Summer shopping for replacements, I may just buy another pair knowing the value they are, my first pair are black and not really crazy about the blue being produced currently.

I Love these shoes ! ! ! This is my fourth pair.

Minimal break in. Excellent grip. Extremely well made. These should last quite awhile!

These are approach shoes, not intended for long hikes. Outsoles are too stiff for that and might cause blisters, especially on heels. In fact, whole shoe is strong and stiff, definitely not soft and flexible. They offer good support and excel at edging. Intended for moving on rocky terrain (mixture of hiking and a little bit of climbing). If you need footwear for long hikes the best I know are Lowa Camino. Those will not cause any blisters.

I just hiked the Na Pali Coast Trail, on Kauai, in my Lowa's (GTX Laurin Lo), I loved them! They felt great just the right amount of comfort, support and protection. I saw alot of hikers on that trail throughout the 4 days, and I saw a lot of shoes that I was glad I wasn't wearing. Sure looked like several of those hikers wished they had on my Lowa's. I live in Alaska and these shoes have seen both extremes. Great shoes!

Love Lowa - owned a the Lowa Pinto Lo for 5+ years - best shoe ever Been looking for a shoe to replace my worn out Pinto Lo. Tried the Tempest, the Focus, and the Laurin - all with a great sole, all great construction but couldn't find one that fit my foot properly. Normally wear an 11.5 Tried both the Tempest and Focus which both required my going up a size to a 12 - appears Lowa's sizing has changed to be tighter in the forefoot. So started with the Laurin - 12 - too big Laurin - 11.5 - tight in the forefoot but the heel still move arounds Guess that's why you have to try a shoe before you buy - sad couldn't find a Lowa to replace my Pinto Lo. Awesome service by Zappos

What I like about this shoe is that the last hits my foot in the exact right spot to be comfortable for standing around. The exterior is durable and the color holds up. What I dislike about this shoe is that the stiffness causes the inside heel to wear out prematurely. You wear through the fabric in a matter of a few months. This is definitely not a shot for hiking any distance because of its lack of durability in that one key area. It's perfect for standing around. Terrible if you're going to put miles on these shoes.