User Review: Lowa Banff

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

Reviewed September 11, 2006 by Jonathan Bushey

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: leather
Use: Treeplanting, long hikes w/ heavy pack.
Break-in Period: Very short. Wore them around the house.
Weight: mid-weight.
Price Paid: $320 (CDN)

This boot is the best thing I have ever worn on my feet. Ever. And I am a bit of a boot nerd. I bought this boot semi-reluctatly. I was looking for something mid-weight, one piece leather upper, simple, and sturdy-feeling, but somewhat flexable. I probably tried on fifteen pairs of boots before I tried these on. The price seemed steep at the time, but in hindsight was worth every dollar.

I pounded these boots through all types of terrain, from wet and muddy to steep and rocky. They were thoroughly comfortable. I wore them every workday for about 80 consecutive workdays, sometimes for up to 13 or 14 hours straight. Canadian treeplanting demands the best gear--especially boots--and with a little love, these boots lasted beautifully.

Note--if you buy these boots, you have to take care of them. The boots are durable, but it is important to treat the leather consistantly (I treated them every 2-3 weeks) with a quality spray or wax. Also, I used a few applications of "FreeSole" liquid rubber to keep the sole tight against the leather upper, and to add some protection to the exposed leather toe.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Banff at 4 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Backcountry.com
3 purchase options:		Banff Backpacking Boot - Men's$219.95Buy Now
Banff Backpacking Boot - Men's$234.95Buy Now
Banff Backpacking Boot - Womens$234.95Buy Now

RockCreek
2 purchase options:		Banff Lady 'S' Boot (Women's)$149.95Buy Now
Banff 'S' Boot (Men's)$184.95Buy Now

REI
2 purchase options:		Banff Hiking Boots - Men's$235.00Buy Now
Banff Hiking Boots - Women's$235.00Buy Now

GearTrade		Banff Backpacking Boot - Womens Camel/Navy, 8.0, g (Closeout)$129.84Buy Now

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