FORTUX by LOWA

Shoes can be compared to pocket knives, watches, and wallets. The price range is very large. Some people buy off the shelf, while others look for custom-made items. It is always important to note: When it comes to shoes, one should not save. We emphasize the importance of stress tests in training. They show where weaknesses lie and can reveal potential problems with equipment that are often overlooked. We met with the people from LOWA PROFESSIONAL and were able to get information about the new products at the last ENFORCE TAC in February. LOWA provided us with a pair of FORTUX to conduct a test with them.

The Shoe

The high-performance trail running shoe  FORTUX from LOWA is suitable for ultramarathons; we chose a version without Gore Tex. Size 42.5 EU, weight about 650 grams, color black.

The Cushioning

LOWA relies on an EVA cushioning called “Dynaeva” with three degrees of hardness for the FORTUX. A carbon-reinforced sole under the forefoot protects against stones and returns energy, and the three densities of the EVA sole provide comfortably balanced cushioning for many kilometers.

The cushioning of the EVA midsole is evenly distributed along the length of the shoe. Sometimes biobased materials like sugar cane are used for this purpose.

The Upper Material

The synthetic upper material ensures air circulation and comfort. Noteworthy are the one-piece upper and the glued support and protective applications. The upper material is protected by a stable and robust coating against damage from debris and sharp rock edges.

Rubber Sole

The LOWA® TRAC® sole system is durable, grippy, and abrasion-resistant, ensuring secure footing both in dry and wet conditions. The outsoles designed by LOWA made from optimized rubber compounds or polyurethane are application-specific and perfectly tailored to each shoe. 

The traction of the LOWA FORTUX is quite aggressive. The V-shaped climbing and braking lugs dig into soft or loose surfaces. The traction of the outsole impressed at the trail running festival in the city center of Salzburg on the wet cobblestones, as well as during the SPARTAN RACE on the wet wooden planks in the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm. This applies equally to various surfaces such as asphalt, forest, and gravel paths. 

The durable components are profiled, slip-resistant, and cushioned for shoe and hiking experiences. This construction provides the necessary stability for long-distance runs and hikes. Here is a comparison of the outsoles: left  GTX version eight weeks old, right the test shoe FORTUX after seven months.

The Fit

The fit of the shoe is good, the cushioning is comfortable. 

The tongue is also lightly padded. 

The shoe offers excellent support, and tongue slippage is prevented. The FORTUX from LOWA has the roomiest fit and is true to size.

The Lacing

The FORTUX is delivered with flat laces in a so-called crisscross lacing. Since every foot is different, the shoe can be optimally adjusted with appropriate lacing. The twelve holes for the laces allow finding the perfect balance between secure hold and flexibility.

If the top holes, which are usually slightly off to the side, are used, the hold in the shoe improves significantly without the lacing pressing on the top of the foot. This technique is often referred to as “marathon lacing” and is suitable not only for running shoes but also for sneakers and other types of shoes.

The FORTUX in the GTX version comes with a quick-lacing system and an additional pair of flat laces.

In the Endurance Test

To adequately test this long-distance shoe, we pushed our limits and covered long distances multiple times. As users, we are absolutely impressed. No matter the terrain we were running on: Thanks to the light weight and cushioning, the shoe still feels comfortable after many kilometers.

The grippy rubber sole also ensures that we always had good grip on uneven and slippery terrain. Both accelerating and braking were easy.

Whether on forest floors, sandy ground, rocky terrain, on forest paths with roots, on climbing trails, in rivers, in streams, in lakes, on asphalt, on concrete, on wet slopes, in the gym, or at the bouldering wall – the FORTUX is a true all-rounder and all-terrain shoe.

CONCLUSION

After approximately 3,119,000 steps, 3,348 km, and 4,800 meters of elevation, through obstacles, over rocks, through fire and water, the FORTUX by LOWA still offers excellent cushioning and plenty of grip. With this shoe, running, hiking, and walking are simply enjoyable. Additionally, it features an outstanding fit. 

The FORTUX is an excellent all-rounder that not only brings joy on long distances but is also highly agile. It is particularly suitable for beginners and technically less experienced runners because it provides a lot of security. 

Thanks to its all-rounder qualities, this shoe is suitable not only for sports and private use but also in tactical areas due to its inconspicuous design and colors of black and green, making it an EDC all-terrain-at-any-time shoe. In addition to these important features, the lightweight of these shoes is also worth mentioning. Weight is a crucial factor in footwear. That's why the FORTUX, even in the GTX variant, from LOWA, is extremely light.

The FORTUX from LOWA starts at 160 euros, the GTX variant starts at 180 euros. The shoe is available directly from LOWA or from retailers that stock the brand.

LOWA online

LOWA PROFESSIONAL online