LOWA Hunter GTX^® EVO Extreme Review

  There are a lot of things that can make or break a hunt.  Many hunters think of shot placement, how the guide service was, weather and more.  Many do not take into consideration what hunting boot they are wearing on their feet.

For the past few months I have been wearing the Hunter GTX^® EVO Extreme from LOWA.  These boots have been on my feet Aoudad hunting in Texas, chasing coyotes in Missouri, deer hunting in Illinois and a lot of points in between.

Normally, I like to break my boots in before leaving the house on a hunt or other excursion. Not doing so is only asking for sore feet and blisters.  These boots received a lot of abuse on a recent black bear hunt deep in the wilderness of northern Wisconsin.

After trying these boots on for the first time, I felt comfortable enough to wear them hunting the next day going after my first bear ever.  These leather boots proved their weight in gold as I have covered a lot of miles in them.

So, how does LOWA explain the Hunter GTX^® EVO Extreme boot? “The Hunter GTX Evo Extreme is designed for hunters who are chasing big game in extremely rugged, above-tree-line terrain. With an extra-high shaft for superb ankle support, and a high wall rubber rand for protection against abrasion, the Hunter provides outstanding performance, warmth and comfort in tough fall & winter conditions. It is compatible with strap-on crampons and snow spikes. Durably waterproof/breathable”. 

As a hunter, trapper, hiker, ice fisherman that spends more time outdoors than inside, I know the need to be comfortable.  To me, being comfortable begins with your feet.  Once my feet get cold, blisters or other sores I am done.  I never experienced any of these problems from the first time I put them on.  

Too many boots are built to last a season and be done.  I can tell you that I feel comfortable that these EVO Extremes will be around for a few hunting seasons.  They are constructed of the best leathers I have seen and the strong soles on the boots are made for tough terrain.  And, just in case the soles wear out LOWA can put new ones on.  With minimal seams, there are less places for the leather to come apart than what you find on many brands of boots.  Lacing up is a breeze with tough eyelets and the patented LOWA X-lacing holds the tongue firmly in place.

The hunt finally came to a success when a nice black bear that I saw many times on trail camera photos appeared out of the dense forest.  This proved to be a fatal mistake.

Lining up the crosshairs of the Sightmark crossbow scope, I settled the scope for a 30-yard shot and squeezed the trigger of the Carbon Express.  With a thud, the bear took a direct hit, and died almost instantly.

A lot of things went into making this hunt a success.  Scouting, quality bear habitat, and a lot of luck are normally what hunters think of when it comes to being a successful hunter.   But, first and foremost you need to protect your feet, or you will not be on them long enough to get a shot off.