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KIT : BOOTS
LOWA ZEPHYR GTX
A few years back I found myself coming out of the winter months , looking forward to a spring without a pair of lightweight boots in the gear pile for general use . The thought of having to break in a new pair always fills me with dread as well , so I was extremely careful in my search for a new pair .
One model of boot that I found myself returning to time and again was the Zephyr from Lowa ; I ’ d been using their full leather Mountain Boot for a while and it had performed , and continues to perform , exceptionally well . Having become something of a Lowa “ fanboy ” I decided that the Zephyr GTX could well be the replacement I was looking for , and since I got my very first pair they ’ ve proved to be excellent and have become a “ fave ” not just with me , but with a lot of professional users ! As part of Lowa ’ s Task Force range these boots are highly rated by both UK and US SF alike as a tactical lightweight desert boot . The Zephyr GTX fulfils the requirement for those operating in a lightweight role who require a Gore Tex lining .
They feature a slip lasted construction with an injected Lowa “ Cross ” sole ; more of that in a bit . The upper is a clever combination of suede leather ( 1.4 - 1.6 mm ) and Cordura , and a full Gore Tex VISION 3LY inner lining ensures waterproofness . They weigh in at a meagre 1120g per pair , with a very supportive mid height cuff ; the foot is held firmly in place courtesy of closed hook lacing .
The Zephyr also features Lowa ’ s innovative MONOWRAP ® 2 sole unit construction with a firm 7 / 8 TPU stabilizer is the most stable and offers optimal traction and perfect support with its high-quality surface materials . The system features a PU heel stabiliser , a PU-Frame , an additional plastic stabiliser and the “ Cross ” outsole . The plastic stabiliser element features in all Lowa multi-functional footwear , improving ankle and joint stability and torsional rigidity .
I ’ ve continued to wear them on an almost daily basis , and have now subjected them to some pretty foul conditions ; in all situations other than full , snow on the ground winter they have performed admirably . The Lowa Zephyr GTX is now available in a number of different colours for use with UK MTP or multicam types of uniform and clothing , but I have to say that given the sporty look of them in black / grey they look pretty sharp with a pair of cargos or even jeans too ; expect to pay iro £ 130 for a pair from www . lowa . co . uk or most good stockists .
Beloved of units like the US Rangers , Merrell boots from their outdoor line are certainly worth a look if you ’ re running a “ tactical athlete ” set of range gear , and a trip to my local outdoor pursuits store showed me that Merrell definitely still have what it takes ! I recently invested in a pair of ACCENTOR GORE-TEX MIDS for summer and indoor wear and they look the absolute business if you ’ re running fast and light .
With a waterproof inner to keep your feet dry and comfortable , the body has been designed so that water can ’ t get in , but moisture vapour can escape through the billions of pores in the Gore-Tex membrane . In addition , an Aegis antimicrobial , odour-fighting treatment keeps your feet fresh for longer . Humidity isn ’ t a problem in these breathable boots either , as a membrane keeps your feet dry and a large bellows tongue keeps debris away from the foot . When you encounter slippery patches after rainfall , you ’ ll be thankful for two features , a mid-length cut that adds ankle support , and a durable rubber outsole for better grip . For more on these super-light yet supportive boots please check out www . merrell . com .
My “ EDC ” boots of choice are the SHOCK FX from Bates ; with a really cool outdoors look and a “ mid-cut ” cuff these are cracking looking boots , and come in three colourways to complement different uniform requirements , but in each case it would look just as good on a mountain trail or just out and about . I think that this will be a real winner as it most definitely sits in the “ tacticool athlete ” category , and having a waterproof and breathable membrane inside means it will perform in most weathers too . As well as benefitting from the Bates EPS system the SHOCK FX benefits from waterproof full grain leather and performance nylon upper with protective panels , a breathable waterproof membrane with moisture wicking lining to keep your feet dry , mesh tongue for added breathability , Bates anti-fatigue Endurance Performance System providing you all day comfort and flexibility . A multi terrain slip resistant rubber lug outsole , and a “ Cement ” construction providing you a lightweight and flexible platform . I wear these boots day in , day out whatever the weather , and they ’ ve become trusted partners for all my outdoor adventures come rain or shine ; you can check them out online , or by visiting https :// tactree . co . uk which is where mine came from .
As I mentioned earlier , last but by no means least are my “ winter specials ”, otherwise known as LOWA MOUNTIAN BOOTS ! If you were to visit any army barracks in the UK I guarantee that you would find a high number of guys wearing LOWAs and one of the most sought after models has been the Mountain Boot to wear along with their MTP uniform . I ’ ve put a good number of miles under the soles of my LOWAs during the past few winters , and at no time did they feel anything other than sturdy and solid ; the Vibram “ Tsavo ” sole unit has provided stability even on the worst days with a nice high cuff giving excellent support around the ankle .
The boots are made 2.4 / 2.4mm full grain leather which has moulded well to my foot and the Gore Tex Duracom inner has meant that my feet have stayed 100 % dry even in deep , soft snow or extreme wet weather . Open hook lacing means that you can set up the fit of the boot just as you like it , and once you ’ ve found your “ fit ” then everything stays locked down and in place ; the foot is anchored solidly in place with no movement or “ sloppiness ” that will cause blisters . The boots are available in UK 3 – 15 including half sizes . Overall this is one heck of a boot and I can see now why it has become the choice of the professional user . Whilst our lives may not depend on it , this is a fabulously well-made European boot , put together with the very best of everything .
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