Lowa Tempest Mid

I own four pair of these (both the leather and the fabric models), the fit, immediate comfort, long mileage comfort, clean up was so great.... I bought a second pair, then the 3rd , have the 4th waiting all new in its box.

I'm a high mileage hiker on trail mostly, but also lead my husband off trail where no sane woman has gone or followed her husband before, not a backpacker, have to run to that luxury camp or home. I'd suggest the leather for Spring, Fall and mild Winter days, fabric for Summer. Everything is so great about these boots except that the fabric model after about 1500 miles including off trail can get snags from briars, but is only cosmetic. Even the leather/Gortex® isn't waterproof enough for heavy wet snow or in the mountains on super rainy creek swollen days (I drag out the heavy old Danner gortex leathers). Work good from softest trail to most brutal bouldars, scree, or deep mountain side slide dust.

My first 2 pair both have about 2,000 miles in and are going strong, except a few snags in the fabric pair. Even the laces are original, that's a first!!!! I use need laces every 3 to 6 months, don't you hate carrying extra in your pack, OK I still do... but question why, they might work for some other use in an emergency.

PERFECT FIT FOR WIDE feet, works for tall (not high in step) feet, not a sloppy heel fit designed for fat feet, they even fit with the heaviest Filson Winter wool socks, yet lace tighter for warm weather socks. If you saw Walter Chronkite do the news you'll say "true to size, " if you grew up on CNN you might say "runs large," it's that Asia sizing thing.

Once you have your size keep checking Sierra Trading Post for BIG discounts on these in your favorite color, I like to match mountain trail dust :) the taupe/asphault-great far West, Cascade, & Canadian Rockies match. (leather shown as pictured July, 2000)

I've used Lowa Tempests (Lows and Mids) for years and would give the old models 5 stars. I used the Mids for lightweight backpacking, on and off trail. They were light, cool, and water resistant (I hate Gore-tex boots because they are too hot), though cross-country backpacking beat them up. So I would just buy another pair, which I did several times.

BUT LOWA CHANGED THE DESIGN AND MATERIALS! I bought the same size and model, but the upper material is much cheaper and stiffer (not in a good way). Now the place where the boot breaks digs into the tops of my toes (ouch). Breaking them in doesn't seem to help. I just wasted my money.

These were so comfortable out of the box, they immediately became my hands-down favorites for short hikes and around town. Very supportive, yet light and sensitive. The only downside is that they are kind of ugly to look at. These are even good enough for longer hikes with a light pack -- as they have robust ankle support. The only thing I'd avoid is really long hikes with a really heavy pack or really wet weather. You'd probably want a full-blown leather hiking boot for that. No blisters or hot spots with mid weight smartwool socks or the equivalent -- just super comfortable!! I highly recommend these boots!