User Review: Lowa Banff

Lowa Banff
Above: The current Banff, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 1, 2004 by Charles A. Miller

Rating:
Materials: Nubuck leather uppers, soft leather interior, Vibram sole
Use: Mountain trail hiking, some approach
Break-in Period: Three solid 5-mile hikes should do it, about 10 to 15 miles.
Weight: 5 lbs dry
Price Paid: $165

After reading several reviews of the higher-end trekking boots available out there, I was already leaning toward the various Lowa products, and finally purchased the Lowa Banff boots a few weeks ago. Since then, I've taken a number of strenuous mountain hikes here in the Appalachians in a range of weather conditions and the Banffs have broken in beautifully.

Yes, there IS a break-in period, during which time the Banffs soften and conform to your feet, with some noticeable creaking. After about three lengthy hikes, however, the boots settled-in and felt incredibly comfortable, like a prolonged foot massage.

Fantastic internal "climate control system" wicks moisture away from your feet, keeping you nice and dry and COOL, with no hot-spots... For instance, after one five-mile mountain hike, I removed the boots to find my medium-weight Thorlo socks entirely dry, which was quite a surprise!

I can tell you that hiking the Smokies calls for versatility in a trekking boot, and the Lowa Banff delivers--The heavy-duty Vibram soles provide excellent traction and stability through moist and muddy as well as dry and rocky terrain. They provide excellent protection and ankle support through the most precarious ridge trails and the most unforgiving scree.

HOWEVER, and I want you to know this is my only disappointment, the Lowa Banff are HEAVY boots at 5 lbs.... These babies are definitely NOT for ultralight pursuits.

When properly treated as suggested by the manufacturer, the Lowa Banff clean up easily, although you may notice some darkening and/or slight mottling of the Nubuck leather after the first few cleanings, particularly if you use mink oil or some similar leather treatment. As far as I'm concerned, the slight discolorations give the boots more character.

In summary, the Lowa Banff are amazingly comfortable and versatile trekking boots that provide support and protection through all sorts of terrain. Based on what I've thrown at them already, I'm sure they will survive many years of similar punishment, and--who knows?--perhaps they become more and more comfortable as time goes on!

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Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Banff at 2 online stores:

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Product Description

Price

Campmor 3 purchase options:	Men's Banff Backpacking Boot	$179.97	Buy Now
	Men's Banff Backpacking Boot - Wide	$179.97	Buy Now
	Women's Banff Backpacking Boot	$179.97	Buy Now