Verdict from 3 experts and 7 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • Droves of buyers agree that the Lowa Alpine Expert GTX is an astoundingly comfortable mountaineering boot.
  • Its ability to retain warmth in low temperatures amazes a majority of outdoor enthusiasts.
  • A majority of users find the footgear’s midsole to be sufficiently supportive, especially when carrying a heavy backpack.
  • The ankle support of this Lowa product is outstanding, based on a bunch of consumer reviews.
  • It delivers ample grip on most types of terrain, according to a handful of critics and shoppers alike.
  • A minority of customers state that its durability is astonishing.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Several purchasers say that the Lowa Alpine Expert GTX’s Gore-Tex membrane is not effective in keeping water out.
  • According to a few outdoor lovers, it is a heavy piece of outdoor gear.
  • A few individuals feel that this mountaineering boot is quite expensive.

Bottom line

Those who require a comfy and warm boot for mountaineering adventures may find this Lowa offering a fascinating option. It also garners praise from the outdoor community for its grippy outsole and supportive midsole design.

However, individuals who value water protection may not appreciate its liner’s poor performance against the elements. Nevertheless, the Lowa Alpine Expert GTX remains an endearing option for mountaineers, granted the terrain to be explored contains minimal wet trail conditions.

Expert reviews:

User reviews:

  • 4.4/5 by REI (7)

Good to know

-The Alpine Expert GTX is a Lowa all-around alpine boot with technologies that deliver performance for both backpacking pursuits and mountaineering trips. Its split leather and microfiber upper contains both a Gore-Tex membrane and a layer of PrimaLoft, granting waterproofness and insulation, respectively.

-The boot’s DuraPU midsole is made of polyurethane, a resilient material that gives cushioning. Its Vibram Alp Trac Ice is engineered to withstand freezing temperatures while providing surface traction.

The Lowa Alpine Expert GTX is a high-top mountaineering boot built for men and women. It is equipped with a conventional lacing system, which grants a secure and personalized lockdown. The brand fitted two of their patented technologies into this footgear - Fit Wing and Slingshot. These features deliver a snug fit around the user’s heel. Moreover, a carbon fiber insert is integrated into the midsole to give an anatomical fit underfoot.

This outdoor-centric boot from Lowa features a Vibram Alp Trac Ice to keep adventurers stable on treacherous terrain. Its profile is filled with aggressive irregular-shaped lugs, which bite into virtually all types of ground conditions. It is made of a durable rubber compound, which can withstand frigid temperatures. Its front end features a climbing zone for added ascent control. The component’s rearfoot region has ridges, which work with an integrated heel brake to provide grip when going downhill.

Keeping adventurers balanced on uneven ground is the Lowa Alpine Expert GTX’s DuraPU midsole. It is made of PU foam, a resilient material that grants cushioning, shock absorbency, and energy return. It is paired with a hard nylon joint element, which grants stability and rigidity to the footwear. This Lowa offering also sports an Insulate Pro Alu-Coated footbed with fleece to give extra warmth and underfoot comfort.

Lowa equipped the Alpine Expert GTX’s midsole with a carbon fiber insert wrapped in PU foam, granting arch support to the wearer. It comes with a shock absorber in the heel section for added comfort and rebound. The midsole’s front and rear zones are designed in such a way that makes crampon attachment possible.

The Lowa Alpine Expert GTX’s upper is made of split leather and microfiber to make it resistant to abrasion. It is lined with a Gore-Tex membrane to prevent water intrusions while maintaining breathability. A 400g layer of PrimaLoft is embedded into the upper to provide insulation for cold conditions. A rubberized rand wraps around the upper’s base for durability and added protection from trail dangers.

This Lowa alpine boot employs several roller eyelets and a series of closed and open hooks to help the wearer manage its fit. This lacing system is connected to the brand’s patented Fit Wing technology, which supplies ankle articulation. A Slingshot molded counter is found at the rearfoot region for added heel support.

-Those who require a lighter pair for single-day trips may consider a pair of day hiking shoes, such as the Adidas AX2R.

How Alpine Expert GTX compares

This shoe: 80
All shoes average: 83
55 97
This shoe: $440
All shoes average: $461
$175 $1250
This shoe: 30.7oz
All shoes average: 30.6oz
18.7oz 54oz
Ready to buy? Available from $440
Not sure yet? Overview of all 86 mountaineering boots
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com