I'm disappointed. The shoe did fit me in terms of size, but that's about it. The hold around the back of the heel is a bit shorter than in other shoes. On top of that, the insole in the shoe is a bit thicker, so this shoe barely holds the heel at all. The shoe has such heavily rubberised soles all the way round that even after dozens of kilometres I wasn't able to soften the rubber in the flex area of the shoe while walking. On top of that, since the shoe couldn't really bend properly and basically didn't hold the heel, I constantly felt like my feet were about to slip out of the shoes at any moment. After dozens more kilometres, I managed to soften the rubber in the flex area a little. But by that time, the area around the ankle had loosened even more. So although my heel stopped slipping out because of the stiff rubber, it started slipping out because the area around the heel had become "stretched out". In my opinion, if the shoes had a slightly higher heel-holding collar or, on the other hand, a slightly thinner insole, this situation could very easily have been avoided.
Lowa Zephyr GTX Low MK2 Shoes - Black
Lightweight tactical shoes in black, made from a combination of durable suede leather and breathable Cordura. They will perform well both in the field and in urban conditions.
Gore-Tex membrane, replaceable insole
The breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane allows wicking of moisture while effectively preventing it from entering the shoe. The replaceable insole makes it easy to stay dry and comfortable during use.
X-TRAC Military sole, Lowa Monowrap technology
The cushioned Lowa X-TRAC Military rubber sole with profiled tread provides stability and optimal grip on varied surfaces. Thanks to Slip Resistance technology, the sole minimises the risk of slipping on wet or oily surfaces.
The Zephyr MK2 model features Lowa Monowrap technology, which provides effective foot support, enhancing stability and impact protection.
Quick lacing system, toe and heel protection
Low-profile grommets allow for instant lacing of the shoes. Additional toe and heel protection is provided by an extra layer of material and an overmolded part of the rubber sole.
Main features
- waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
- made of durable suede leather and Cordura
- X-TRAC Military outsole
- Lowa Monowrap foot support system
- replaceable insole
- Slip Resistance technology
- quick lacing system
MILITARY is an authorised dealer of Lowa.
Lowa is one of the world's leading tactical and outdoor footwear brands, with a history spanning more than 100 years. The company's footwear is known for exceptional durability and a precise fit, achieved through the use of modern materials such as Cordura®, a Gore-Tex® membrane providing waterproofness, and hard-wearing Vibram® soles designed for intensive use. Production takes place in Europe, in compliance with strict quality and environmental standards. The brand places great importance on ethical working conditions, cooperating within the Fair Wear Foundation initiative.
| Shoe height | Low |
|---|---|
| Upper material | Nubuck/suede + synthetic |
| Membrane | Yes |
| Insulating lining | No |
| Mounting method | Lacing |
| Gender | Men's |
| Color/camouflage | Black |
| Main color | Black |
| Sezon | Spring, Autumn |
| Weight | 1010 g (size 42) |
| Manufacturer code | 310890-0999 |
| Brand | Lowa |
| EAN |
Cordura is a material woven from durable nylon fibers, developed by DuPont. The structure of the material provides lightness and abrasion resistance, as well as weather resistance. Due to its properties, Cordura is widely used in tactical equipment.
Gore-Tex is a thin membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which features a microporous structure. Its structure makes it highly water- and wind-resistant, as well as breathable. The membrane's pores are 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor, which allows it to efficiently wick moisture to the outside. Gore-Tex is widely used in the production of outdoor clothing and footwear.
X-Trac Military is a special type of outsole, which, thanks to its design and rubber construction, features anti-slip properties. It provides protection against slipping on slippery, wet and oily surfaces, while maintaining adequate grip.
Monowrap is a three-dimensional shoe sole construction technology developed by Lowa. The combination of an injection-molded polyurethane rubber frame along with an outsole and cushioning foam provides better stability and protection for the foot. The sole form absorbs shock and supports the natural movement of the foot when walking.
Slip Resistance is a technology used in the shoe's sole, which is highly slip-resistant thanks to its special design and rubber compound. It provides slip protection on slippery, wet and oily surfaces, as well as traction on varied surfaces.
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Number of reviews: 33
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Size: 42,5
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Size: 43,5
Really great shoes, they have an excellent colour and in my opinion they’re comfortable. This is yet another pair from the Lowa brand that I own. Previously, I used the first version of this model, and its sole could be unpredictably slippery, but according to the manufacturer, that has been improved here. Time will tell. For now, I mainly walk on dry terrain, so it’s hard to assess it definitively, but after several 20–30 km hikes, they’re performing well.
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Size: 42,5
Excellent trainers. At first, my heel was slipping inside, and I thought I had made a mistake by getting a half size bigger than I normally wear. But then I laced them using the heel lock method, and my heel stayed in place and the problem disappeared. I tested them over long distances, and everything was excellent. My foot does not get tired; on rough terrain it feels like walking on asphalt. I did not get any blisters while breaking them in; very comfortable footwear. I recommend them.
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I do not recommend these shoes – the price is too high for the quality offered. When walking on stones, you can feel the unevenness because the sole and insole are too thin, which is a major disadvantage in trekking shoes. These shoes are better suited to people with wide feet, while they will be uncomfortable for those with narrow feet due to too much looseness. I also do not like the classic lacing in this model – after tying the laces, I don’t know whether it’s better to tuck them in or cut them off, which is why I prefer the Quicklace system. Comparing these shoes to Lowa and Salomon Coyote models, I think Salomon is definitely better.
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I am very pleased they feel great and very high quality as expected, in hot weather my feet are only warm which is nice because with my other boots my feet feel like they are in a oven, when walking over rocks I don't even feel anything and they feel very comfortable and grippy perfect for work where you stand and walk alot 10/10 would recommend.
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This is my next pair of Lowa shoes, the second in the mk2 version, this time I chose the short model. I think these are the most comfortable shoes I have worn so far. With regular leather impregnation, they are very durable and can last for years. The only downside is that the sole wears out quite quickly – with daily use, often for 15 hours a day, after about 1.5–2 years the tread in key areas gets worn down.
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Very comfortable and high-quality trainers that are suitable both for everyday wear and for active use in the field or outdoors. The low version offers more freedom of movement, but your foot is still well supported and feels stable. The GTX membrane protects well from moisture, so you feel confident in the rain or on wet surfaces. The sole has excellent grip, doesn't slip and works well on different types of surfaces. The materials are of good quality, the stitching is neat, and the footwear looks reliable straight away. The black colour is universal and practical. As for the downsides – the price is above average, but the quality fully justifies it.
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This is already my fourth pair of Lowa shoes, the second generation has definitely better grip than the previous one. I use these shoes intensively in the forest, on fields and at shooting ranges and I have no complaints about them. When it comes to comfort and quality, they are unbeatable for me.
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The shoes are rather expensive, it's hard to judge whether they are worth their price. They seem to be well made. They fit the foot well and have attractive colours. I have noticed that the quality of footwear goes down year by year, but this model is interesting and maybe it's worth a try.
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After several years of using various Salomon Cross Hike, Speedcross models and several Merrells, I decided to try Lowas – and I was very disappointed. In my opinion, these shoes are highly overrated – very uncomfortable, stiff, heavy, and in addition, the right shoe pressed hard at the crease near the little toes. Only after walking several dozen kilometres can you walk in them without pain, but they still do not match the comfort of other trekking shoes. The sole offers virtually no cushioning, so you feel every pebble or uneven ground. Additionally, they are slippery when wet, both on grass, mud and asphalt, and the tread quickly clogs with mud and does not provide grip on hard surfaces. Even after using dedicated waterproofing, the shoes still let water in, and after the first contact with wet grass my socks were soaked. My wife's pair of the same model also leaks. The only positive is good foot support, but that's what I expect from any good outdoor shoe. I do not recommend them for long walks, running or for use on wet surfaces – they are simply impractical and hard to justify as a purchase. It's better to go for more comfortable and affordable models from competitors. In summary: I do not recommend these shoes, if you are looking for comfort and waterproofness – choose another brand. Buying Lowas, in my opinion, is a waste of money and a source of frustration.
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The shoes are comfortable, have a stylish design and attractive colours. They are very well made. I chose the shoe size based on the foot length according to the size chart. I am satisfied with the purchase.
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If you plan to walk in winter or on slippery, icy paths, the grip of these shoes may be insufficient. The advantages are stability, durability, protection, and waterproofness. They also provide comfort during longer routes and when carrying heavier loads.
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The shoes are lightweight and comfortable right from the first wear – even on the first day of use, I didn’t feel any foot pain. However, for winter hikes or icy trails, their grip may be too weak.
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So far I have used the MID version and I liked it a lot. The low-cut shoes are a bit different; you have to retie them more often. My pair had a lot of white marker marks on the left shoe, probably from production. However, this doesn’t bother me, as they’ll get dirty soon anyway. The breathability of the Zephyrs is mainly noticeable when on the move.
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Lowa, as always, does not disappoint – these are great, solid and very comfortable shoes. At first, they might feel stiff, but after some time they become really comfortable. The sizing, just like in the MK1 series, may be slightly generous, so it's a good idea to try them on before buying.
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