Lowa Z-8S, The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots!?
After learning so much about the Lowa Z-8S and seeing these boots in action over the past year, I just had to put you all on to this detailed personal review that was shared to me. It has inspired me to get myself a pair!
Lowa Z-8S and why I chose them
Seven years ago I was halfway through the south-west coastal path, which was eating through my trainers like alcohol through a student’s wallet. My previous attempts at getting walking boots (Berghaus Hillwalker) had all ended in blisters or Achilles tendonitis (which incapacitated me for months) and, left me hiking in soft-soled running shoes. Those were performing well apart from the fact that I'd already destroyed two pairs.
After studying what people wear in the army and police, I found the popular brand was Lowa Z-8S. I thought I'd try out the Z-8S and I've never looked back since. 2500+ miles later! Not only are they very comfy, proven by the fact that I've never had a blister in them, but they are also very good for road walking and rocky terrain.
The Lowa Z-8S are the perfect height to wade most streams or fords. When wearing shorts in muddy terrain the boot is tall enough to act as a gaiter, keeping your legs clean, or when worn with waterproof trousers they keep you completely waterproof without the need for gaiters. The soles are also very good and provide amazing grip on wet boulders, or slippy terrain, and they come with Lowa’s Monowrap frame.
Rating 9.4/10
So Why Lowa Z-8S?
Unmatched levels of ankle support
Gore-Tex liner
No need for gaiters
Waterproof enough to walk through streams
Very hardwearing soles but are still very grippy
Lower leg protection from biting insects and animals
Cushioning to way above running shoe standard
Flexible like a trainer (can even be run in)
Unrivalled Achilles tendon support
Reasons Why Not?
Expensive
Hot in warm weather (But the jungle version is fully breathable but not waterproof for hotter weather)
Due to the larger size, it takes longer to dry
Why should I buy a pair of high-sided boots?
Before trying out the Lowa Z-8S I had tried out multiple other walking boot brands all of which provided very little, to no, support for the Achilles tendon or ankles. The staff in my local outdoors store always insisted these traditional low-sided boots such as the Berghaus Hillwalkers or Solomon Quest 4 GTX would provide “all the support needed when backpacking”, but they were wrong.
These boots are good when walking unloaded (like in a store or country park), but they just don't go high enough to stop the ankle from twisting when carrying a backpack or in a fall. The boots in your local hiking store are all designed so the salesman can upmarket them to you. They start off cheap and flexible like trainers but with no cushioning and are slightly waterproof. These are for the dog walker who just wants an alternative to their trainers.
Next, they may upsell you to the more expensive brands by saying they have more cushioning for backpacking or long days walking and firm soles to stop hard objects from hurting your feet and extra stability. When have you ever heard of someone running in solid-soled shoes to add stability by making their feet more ridged?
If you try and use solid-sole shoes you will inevitably end up walking uncomfortably or awkwardly. Also, there is barely anywhere in the world where you will not walk at least 10 miles on a road. If done in solid-soled shoes, this intensifies the force through your knee to your hip, adding an extra impact on joints because the natural flex in your foot is designed to take the impact out of walking.
The verdict?
Lowa Z-8S are worth the try.