Lowa Innox Pro Lo

The Lowa Innox Pro Lo is a high quality hiking shoe that has a padded upper that feels like a sneaker, yet still provides under-foot feel when hiking on unstable terrain. This highly breathable and lightweight low-top (GTX/waterproof version also available) is stylish enough for everyday use, and therefore is ideal for both trail as well as town use. This trail shoe suits the fast packer/speed hiker/trail runner, as well as a backpacker carrying a substantial load.

Lowa’s new Innox range of footwear is an exciting hybrid shoe that covers several categories. This shoe can suit as a quiver-of-one for day-in/day-out use as a street shoe, as a trail runner, or can be capable of off-trail duties while carrying a loaded backpack. Although best for lightweight/ultralight backpacking, the Innox Pro Lo comfortably handled a day hike with approximately 30 pounds. These Lowa sneakers could work well for the long distance hiker, as well as someone scrambling to the crag.

On or off trail, these high-traction shoes allow one to feel enough of the trail, while still providing substantial support and protection. Although a subjective opinion, I truly feel these low-tops are absolutely marvelous!

Lowa has been outfitting people for the outdoors since 1923, providing tremendous quality footwear without compromising a stitch of craftsmanship. 

Specifications:

• Price: $175 USD
• Gender: Men’s and Women’s separate lines
• Weight: 350g/12oz per men's shoe / 275 g per women's shoe (Lowa website); 387g/13.5oz (actual recorded weight without insole, men’s size 10)
• Sizes Available: 7.5-14 Men’s, 5.5-11 Women’s
• Material: 100% Vegan synthetic/microfiber upper lining, rubber/PU midsole & sole

Testing Conditions: The Lowa Innox Pro Lo has been tested from May 2020 in mixed use. Approximately 340 miles have been logged in approximately six months, from daily dog walks, to multi-day section hikes on the Appalachian Trail in the mid-Atlantic USA. 

Break-In: These shoes feel spectacular right out of the box! Despite wearing them around the house for a few days, the Innox Pro Lo had no necessary break-in time.  

No hot-spots, blisters, or other break-in concerns have occurred at any point during testing.

Fit & Comfort: Having already owned a pair of Lowa Ticam Boots, sizing down slightly proved beneficial. Normally upsizing to a 10.5 boot, the men’s 10 (typical best fit-size) were found to be ideal. This should be a significant consideration, as it does not appear that Lowa offers wider sizing within the Innox Pro Lo range. 

Lowa's sizing chart can be found here.

A subjective consideration has to do with the shoe’s stack height. Due to having a narrow foot with a high arch, replacing the included insoles was necessary. 

Note: All testing with the Innox Pro Lo has been performed either wearing The Orthotic Group Prescription Orthotics, or Superfeet Green Insoles. Various socks have been tested at home/around town, but Darn Tough Socks with Injinji Liner Crew Socks were used on the trail.

The original Lowa ATC insole/footbed is designed to absorb shock and sweat while offering extended odor control.    

The highly cushioned upper is made similar to a skateboard sneaker, with an extremely comfortable feel. 

Although these shoe do not feel narrow, the toe-box area does not have excessive room. After long days on the trail, my enlarged and tired feet left little space to splay out. Having narrow feet and high arches, no concerns have been evident during testing. 

The out-of-box comfort is still present after six weeks and approximately 340 miles of use.  

Not being a concern around town, slight heel movement has been noted. After changing the lacing configuration to a runner’s heel lock, heel movement was quickly eliminated. 

Support/Protection: The Innox Pro Lo is constructed with a multiple-layered system—a rubber blend sole is layered under a nylon joint-stabilizing element. This shank provides excellent protection, while allowing the wearer to still feel what is under foot. 

Lowa uses a proprietary PU (polyurethane) midsole that contributes to energy rebound, while still being extremely supportive and lightweight. Lowa touts "superb support, rebound and extra-long midsole life." At this point in testing, a successful balance has been met without greatly compromising any of these important categories.  

Water Resistance/Temperature Control: Although the Innox Pro Lo also is offered as a GTX model, this shoe is designed for warmer weather. GTX (Gore-Tex) is a waterproof membrane, much like a booty, that prevents water intrusion, yet allows atomized water vapor from the body out. Lowa’s design allows excellent breathability, and moisture management. 

The lining wicks moisture well, which dries out quickly after water crossings, or long hot days. Unfortunately, little foul weather has found these shoes at this point in testing. 

Traction: The varied lug pattern has excellent grip, while allowing mud and dirt out. Wet, mossy rock-hopping is not a concern with Lowa's proprietary grippy rubber blend. 

Tread life is in exceptional condition; over 200 miles of product testing has been on sidewalks and city streets!

Construction & Durability: The Innox Pro Lo has some of the highest quality construction of many shoes tested, worn, and worn out. Lowa’s attention to detail is unparalleled, and it shows.  

Many thanks to the people at Lowa for the opportunity to test the Innox Pro Lo All Terrain Sport Shoe for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps. 

Background

The product tester has been wearing almost exclusively non-waterproof footwear for the last several years, like the Inov-8 Roclite 295 and more. "You can never walk a pair of GTX shoes dry..."