REVIEW: LOWA Zephyr GTX HI TF

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For some, his good reputation precedes him. This is one of those, it's called Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF. He has already earned his name as a tactical boot for missions. At the same time, he is an efficient example of the use of the new GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort shoe laminates. The Zephyr GTX HI TF follows the new Gore concept for Desert Combat Boots using newly developed GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort laminates. They combine waterproofing and high breathability, tailored to the demands of hot environments and high physical exertion. Depending on the specific scenario, there are three types of shoes to choose from the GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort product portfolio:

- High Liability Boots - HERE our review of the HAIX Scout - are ideal for multi-day missions, challenging terrain, and heavy loads: equipped with breathable laminate, they offer increased stability and necessary support as boots.

- If the highest demands for breathability are required, the Patrol Boots are ideal - HERE our introduction of the Meindl Equator. They use an extremely breathable 3-layer laminate without a separate lining. Due to this construction, they absorb almost no water, dry faster, and are extremely lightweight.

- Finally, the Tactical GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort Footwear. This stands for lightweight, agile, and climate-controlled boots: perfect for shorter missions with lighter gear in warm and hot climates, without sacrificing permanent waterproofing. The Zephyr from Lowa proves itself as the flagship of the Tactical line: as a tactical boot, he combines the new GORE-TEX^® interior with a sporty lightweight design. It is intended for everyday use, such as exploration beyond the base, patrols in urban environments, and more.

The Zephyr can be easily recognized. If you see plastic protectors on the sides of the shoes, resembling three peaks, then the observant viewer knows immediately: it is a Zephyr. The side impact protection proves itself in practical use, but also increases brand recognition. The shoe looks like mid-height sports shoes, which are popular with many operatives, even though it appears more robust with a high shaft. In addition to the versatile sports design, the basic properties of a GORE-TEX^® shoe add value: permanently waterproof, highly breathable, without insulation to avoid hindering heat loss, very light. In size 45, each shoe weighs 600 grams, so 1.2 kilograms per pair.

The Zephyr features a high, ribbed protective cap on the front, allowing safe bumping without the wearer worrying about his toes. Its material mix provides lightweight and functionality with GORE-TEX^®. Despite looking suitable for urban use, the Zephyr also performs well in outdoor environments. The wearer should not carry a heavy load, as there are heavier and more reinforced GORE-TEX^® shoes for that purpose. For patrols in urban areas, the base as a deployment site - a light yet sturdy boot is ideal for this.

The high shaft provides excellent support for the Zephyr GTX HI TF and is pleasantly padded. The shoe offers great stability, but is extremely comfortable to wear due to its lightness. The shaft is padded several millimeters thick, then the GORE laminate inner shoe takes over at the bottom. We also tested the Zephyr by running, which goes smoothly and very comfortably, something not often said of shoes of this size. It works well for those who need to accelerate in the city for duty.

Lowa has opted for a two-part lacing system: there are four metal eyelets at the top of the shaft, through which the quite long laces are threaded. When putting on or taking off the boots, there is no need to unlace, making it a very practical "quick-release" system. Slip your feet in, pull and tie the laces - and you're ready to go. Here, the Zephyr proves to be a successful and straightforward companion.

The lower two-thirds of the laces are made of V-shaped sewn webbing. This ensures that nothing presses where the fabric and GORE laminate take over. Here, the lightweight construction can be seen, combining split leather and fabric parts to give the laminate more breathability.

On the heel side, the substructure provides protection high up. The plastic protectors form an arch here, preventing the wearer from hitting the heel from behind. The "sole" acts like a "protective cage" that folds to protect the foot, with GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort shoe laminate in the upper part to protect against the challenges of (moist) everyday use.

The sole has a strong profile, rubbery and flexible. This makes walking with the Zephyr, which has excellent grip, very pleasant. The wearer does not feel like he is rolling with a stiff plate under his foot, but the Zephyr feels like a solid sports shoe with a higher shaft.

The advantage of a laminated shoe is simple: you can step right in. As long as it matches the upper limit of the inner shoe, the foot remains dry and protected. The padding extends relatively far down and overlaps at ankle height with the GORE material inner shoe. This makes the "boot" comfortable to wear, but in hot weather, we would prefer the mid-height version of the Zephyr. The insole is removable and replaceable, and has proven itself with us.

This makes the Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF suitable for cold environments. Cool late autumn weather, light snow in early winter forests, and even a wet spring pose no problem for the boots, socks can be used to adapt to the temperature.

CONCLUSION: The Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF is an extremely comfortable tactical deployment boot that fully utilizes its capabilities: it is robust, provides excellent support with its high shaft, allows agile movement, seems suitable for warm weather but also ventures into winter, protects with its massive protectors, yet relies on a relatively lightweight upper construction; it tackles asphalt, sand, and forest terrain and meets all moist requirements within limits. Highly recommended for urban tactical deployment.

We tested the Lowa Zephyr GTX HI TF in black. It is also available in coyote, desert, and sage. In stores, it sells for €189.90.