LOWA Weisshorn GTX alpine boot: Gripping Gear Review
0LOWA Weisshorn GTX alpine boot: Gripping Gear Review
The LOWA Weisshorn GTX® alpine boots for women are LOWA’s most technical mixed-route alpine boot. The Weisshorn has a FLEXFIT-SYNCHRO articulated ankle design which allows for easy ankle flex in steep, glacial terrain. The boot is durable, waterproof, breathable, is automatic crampon-compatible and made on a women’s specific last.
The Weisshorn is loaded with features to help make the alpinist more comfortable when out in cold weather conditions. The boots have a double-tongue design with a removable and adjustable inner tongue that creates a perfect fit across the top of the foot. Foot-hold and lacing is enhanced with the I-LOCK lacing cam. An I-CORE sole insert reduces weight and provides rigidity. I-CORE is a LOWA exclusive carbon insert that forms the intelligent core of the sole construction. It provides both perfect flex and torsional stability in order to achieve better shock absorption and comfort. The upper is made of mountaineering split leather, CORDURA® and microfiber. The lining is made of waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX® with DURATHERM® insulation. Insulate Pro Alu-coated with fleece makes up the footbed while the midsole is PU with I-CORE. The outsole is made of VIBRAM® Dolent, and the Weisshorn weighs in at 1709 grams.
- While the Weisshorn has rigidity, it’s not difficult to walk/hike in the boots with/without crampons
- I-LOCK lacing cam keeps laces in place to avoid having to constantly readjust laces
- Feet stay warm and dry with the GORE-TEX with DURATHERM insulation
- Tongue stays in place when laces are tied with no bunching up in areas to cause trigger points
- FLEXFIT-SYNCHRO articulated ankle design allows for good mobility and flex
- Crampon-compatible design makes for easy attachment of crampons
Gripes
- Not quite enough stiffness when climbing vertical ice or dry tooling
- Overhang climbs are a bit tricky with some noticeable lack of stability
Bottom Line: The comfort level of the Weisshorn GTX is fantastic and they do keep your feet warm and comfortable. The adjustable inner tongue makes for a more sturdy fit along with the other features mentioned. While the LOWA Weisshorn GTX alpine boots for women are an all-around great mountaineering/alpine boot, if you’re looking to climb in more technical terrain involving vertical waterfall ice, mixed climbing with overhanging areas, or dry tooling, you may want to look at a boot with more stiffness. The LOWA Weisshorn GTX women’s alpine boot retails at $490.
