PMCI - March 2021

pmcimagazine.com
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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