These shoes definitely divide users :) On one hand, they are incredibly comfortable – from the sole, through the entire upper, to the lacing system (I used my own insoles, so I don't rate the factory ones, but they seem fairly standard). I used them in various conditions: mud, roots, grass, sidewalks, gravel, asphalt, and even snow with ice, and every time I felt stable. The waterproofness is excellent – after all, it's Gore-Tex, but the problem appeared when the ankle area of the upper got soaked with water because there is no membrane there, just regular foam. This forced me to wear waterproof military socks. I wasn't convinced about using gaiters because I didn't know if they would work well with my sole. Maybe I wasn't using these shoes as intended, but due to the construction and membrane location, I didn't have complete waterproofness. The upper provides plenty of space inside – I chose size 42.5 with a 265 mm mondo point. Size 42 would cause my toes to touch the end of the shoe when squatting, but thanks to 42.5, I have more comfort and can wear thicker socks in winter. On the other hand, the shoes only lasted me a few months of average use before the upper wore through on both shoes (the complaint was accepted at Militaria). The quick-lace system wore out at the last metal eyelet. The classic laces included with the shoes don't provide the same hold, and the comfort dropped significantly – my foot slips forward/backward when walking. I've heard different opinions about Lowa shoes – some praise them, others complain. For some people, they last 2-3 years of intensive use, for others, they fall apart quickly. I gave them a chance and unfortunately joined the dissatisfied group. In my opinion, for this price, the shoes should be much more durable. The only thing I will miss is the sole and cushioning – they're fantastic.
