Lowa Explorer GTX Lo review

Who should buy the Lowa Explorer GTX Lo

The Lowa Explorer GTX Lo might suit you well if:

• You love wearing chunky-looking hiking shoes yet light on the feet. 
• A shoe with reliable traction to keep you safe from slippage when hiking is what you are after.
• You are looking for a well-ventilated shoe to keep your feet fresh and healthy.

Who should not buy the Lowa Explorer GTX Lo

With its outsole separating from the upper (toe zone) way too soon which has been a major disappointment for one experienced hiker, folks looking for a shoe that could stay undamaged for a long time might not like the sturdiness of the Explorer GTX Lo. Also, wide-footed wearers may have to test first this Lowa pair before making a purchase because it has been reported by one owner that the toe section is "really tight." Or they could have a look at other Lowa hiking shoes and find the most suitable hiking companion for them. 

No water allowed

The Lowa Explorer GTX Lo is impressively waterproof, about a third of those who have tried it say.

Big yet easy

Despite its bulky build, this hiking shoe from Lowa will not weigh you down.

A pleasant in-shoe experience

The Lowa Explorer GTX Lo offers a sufficiently padded interior that provides plushness all over.

What a bite

Just like most kicks engineered with Vibram tech, the Explorer GTX Lo provides excellent traction on both manicured trails and moderately rugged terrain.

True to size fit

It has been reported that Lowa Explorer GTX Lo runs true to size.

Watertight yet ventilated

Sufficient ventilation is among the Lowa Explorer GTX Lo's many draws, despite it having a waterproof membrane from Gore-Tex.

Things the box might not tell you about the Explorer GTX Lo

The Explorer GTX Lo is among Lowa’s most feature-rich shoes built specifically for backpacking. From its wetness-defying leather shell down to its sticky Vibram outsole, the hiker, indeed, has a lot going for it.

Having said that, the shoe in question has characteristics (and consequently benefits) that you might not know right from the get-go. These so-called hidden elements are as follows:

Heel wedge. If backpacking is a car race and underfoot cushioning is every vehicle’s speed booster, then the Lowa Explorer GTX Lo is winning. Yes, this piece does not just have a bouncy midsole—it also has a cushy wedge at the heel, which increases the shoe’s ability to absorb shock.

Flared heel. While somewhat minimal, the shoe’s rockered heel makes landings feel more natural. It also works with the midsole’s heel wedge in delivering smoother heel-to-midfoot transitions.

Climbing zone. Flip the Explorer GTX Lo upside down and look at the front end of its outsole. That smooth-yet-patterned forefoot section is the shoe’s climbing zone. Its presence translates to enhanced toeing grip on edges (a maneuver called edging in the realm of approach shoes). Yes, because of it, you should be able to do some very light climbing in this trekking gear.

Additional info

• This Lowa backpacking hiker has a boot-type sibling in the Explorer GTX Mid, which earned Backpacker Magazine’s Best Gear award back in 2019.