Verdict from 1 expert and 30 user reviews
4 reasons to buy
- A gear critic lauded the versatile look of the Lowa Locarno GTX Qc.
- The triangular boots on the boot’s outsole gripped well even on slick surfaces, as testified by a few hikers.
- An experienced adventurer praised how the midsole of the Locarno GTX Qc provided protection against impacts on bumpy trails.
- The GTX lining which made the boot fully waterproof received appreciation from a bunch of analysts.
3 reasons not to buy
- The boot required a few hikes before finally breaking it in, a handful of gear testers mentioned.
- This day hiking boot was an expensive purchase, based on an online review.
- A group of female reviewers did not like the toe box that felt restrictive.
Bottom line
Lowa was able to impress outdoor lovers with the Locarno GTX Qc. Its cushioned yet protective midsole and aggressive lugs—which bit into various types of terrain—gained admiration. Conversely, its requirement of a break-in period and premium price did not earn compliments. All in all, it seems the Lowa Locarno GTX Qc suits narrow-footed hikers more. Also, budget-conscious individuals who are looking for straight-out-of-the-box comfort may not find this product satisfying.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
Good to know
- The Locarno GTX Qc’s protective leather-fabric upper is constructed with Lowa’s Monowrap technology, providing the boot with additional support. It uses Gore-Tex’s waterproofing technology to keep the user’s feet dry in different weather conditions.
- Supplying users with stability, cushioning, and rebound on the trail is Lowa’s DuraPU with DynaPU midsole. Providing hikers with adequate traction on different types of surfaces, on the other hand, is the Hybrid Trac outsole—another Lowa-owned technology. Together as a unit, these soles form a toe rocker, a forefoot feature that makes toe offs as convenient as possible.
A fairly true-to-size, above-the-ankle hiker for women is the Locarno GTX Qc. Its mid-cut confines is intended for individuals with regular-width feet. Bavarian brand Lowa lists it in half and full sizes. Its speed lacing system permits wearers to achieve a personalized lockdown.
Lowa’s Locarno GTX Qc offers slip and skid prevention over uneven terrain with its proprietary outsole, called Hybrid Trac. Low-profile triangular lugs are scattered across its surface, producing multi-directional traction. These lugs also self-clean during transitions. In addition, the outsole has treaded heel and forefoot zones. Such treads assist users during tricky climbs and challenging descents.
The boot’s hybrid DuraPU and DynaPU midsole takes center stage when it comes to providing wearers with cushioning, rebound and stability. It is made of polyurethane, a kind of material that grants midsoles with abrasion resistance and lasting durability. Also made of polyurethane is the gear’s stock footbed which adds to the cushioning offered by the main midsole unit.
A combination of nubuck leather and fabric makes up the majority of the Locarno GTX Qc’s over-the-ankle upper. A Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is imbued within its confines, barring wet elements on the outside while regulating air flow on the inside. Doubling down on the footgear’s breathability are perforations lined up across the upper’s ankle zone.
Lacing up is made fairly easy as the gear’s closure system features a set of metallic open hooks at the ankle shaft. The rest of the lace holes, from the instep line down, are regular plated eyelets.
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