Lowa Banff Backpacking Boot - Men's

I've had these for over a year now and I'm still happy. I do most of my hiking in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah--very steep&lots of loose scree. The Banff has a solid feel under foot and the ankle support I need on the way down. Still 100% waterproof after a year. My only complaint is that the metal Lowa insignia has broken off one boot after a year's use and the rubber could come a little higher up the toe-box to protect better from scuffing on sharp rocks. I have no real complaints on fit or performance though.

These are my second pair of Lowa Backpacking boots. The first pair lasted 6 years and had to be retired, so I replaced them with a new pair of the Banffs. So far I've put about 30 days in the backcountry of Utah on my new pair and I've got two complaints: 1) The ankles on the Banffs are just a wee bit too high and cause some minor discomfort; 2) they take forever to dry out, and can stay a bit heavy. Other than that, they are sturdy, well made and comfortable.

i was very impressed with the boot, straight out of the box. No seams in the soft leather interior of the boot, Wow! i wore for a day and they great the only down side is that they are backing boots with a lot of extra padding which makes them bigger and heavier then i was used to. But despite that i would have kept them had i been able to stabilize my heel from moving, no matter how tight the heel slipped and i fore saw blister and even put in an insert but then they didn't fit right,so i returned them. I recommend them if they fit your feet.

I used it for 2 week in the Canadian Rockies in late August and they didn't leak a drop even after crossing countless streams. They're really hard to dry though if you get water in the top. I had the unfortunate luck of snow on my last day, my feet were frozen but these aren't intended for snow so I can't complain. Worth the high cost, if they ever wear out (which I doubt) I would buy it again.

Like the boots. Haven't taken them more than a couple miles yet, but they seem to be stable, sturdy, waterproof, etc. I was surprised that I didn't get blisters hiking in new boots.

Reviews and advice were right on. After waterproofing them and putting in Superfeet insoles; I first wore them on a 3 mile hike in the Grand Canyon. Then I wore them on a 12 mile and 2 six mile hikes in the GC. They feel great, like a custom boot. When asked how they feel; I say "Like slippers. They fit better than the boots I have been wearing for 2 years."

I hiked up the Grand Teton Exum direct route with a pair of the Lowa Banff Boots that I ordered direct. No blisters and hot spots on the break-in hike. I even climbed some 5.6 rock on the route and they performed fine. They have a solid bottom rand which helps planting the toe on small granite nubs. They are also great at bounding over talus, or hiking down scree. Comfortable boots, but get stinky after wearing them for 4 days straight without changing socks. I'm 6'4" and they make me 6'5" while improving my posture. I never thought it possible to have increased confidence and more noticeable presence from a pair of boots? What can I say?

I really like my boots from Lowa. I wear boots full time all seasons and have had trouble finding boots that are tough enough for the job. Many heavy boots are becoming so expensive and hard to find. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase online through here and hope when these boots wear out that I can find another with the same quality and price.

This is a great boot at a great price! After about 20 or so hours (reviewing posts on different boots over about a 2 month period), I settled on what I wanted in a boot. 1) mid to heavy-weight all leather construction (both inside and out) backpacking boot with as minimal seams as possible—maximum breathability with maximum water protection; 2) no insulation—good for hot or cold weather (always use thick socks, but vary the material for insulation quality); 3) no Gore-Tex—again, maximum breathability; 4) Vibram sole with rubber toe rand—the standard for traction and durability; and 5) fully replaceable insole—does any off the shelf boot come with a great off the shelf in-sole (that is, off the shelf for less than $200)? One thing I've learned in my 40+ years is that a great pair of insoles can really make or break all but the worst of shoes. Lowa's Banff matched the above and can't be beat. I've had them for about 2 weeks now and wear them everywhere. They are stiff, but are slowly working towards perfection. The all-leather liners feel smooth to my fingers, but hey—my fingers aren't in the boot all day either! I purposely purchased a half size up to accommodate a thick sock—the right choice. The boot doesn't seem too narrow, but is just a bit tight with my thickest combo sock. I wear it most of the time for the break-in period. I put on a few layers of waterproofing on them right from the start, and so far no problems; but hey it's winter time and not much water around. Lastly, I didn't mention looks in my desired characteristics. To be honest, didn't much care because I expect that most of the time they'll be covered with the elements (mud, grass stains, horse ****, etc); but for those interested, I get a lot of good comments from others on how they look. Bottom line: Very satisfied so far!

Bad ankles and plantar fascitus in both feet were putting a definite crimp in my hiking trips. My Lowa Banff's did a great job of locking in the heel and holding my feet in a secure position. I was able to do a wilderness trail hike at Grand Canyon (Tanner trail) with a heavy pack/extra water without a single blister, and I didn't roll my ankles once despite the rockslide scrambles. Boots are heavy but the protection and sense of security are worth it. Worth my money to be able to get back on the trail.

I like Lowa boots, ever since I bought a pair of Lowa renegade mid-hiking boots several years ago. They required literally no breaking in. My new Banff backpacking boots are not yet quite so comfortable, being more robust for heavier ground, but they are well on the way and should last for years.

Top quality construction. Much lighter than my old pair and when coupled with custom orthotics really secures my foot in place. Very comfortable to wear for hours on end. Small break-in period. Great choice for a beefy person (>210lbs)

These boots are simply fantastic. I have had them for 1+ months and did some winter hikes in New Mexico. They need no walking-in time and are as comfortable as trainers within minutes of wearing them. However, they also give you great stability when walking in snow and ice. Plus they are warm when you need them to be. Lowa realy hit the jackpot when they created them. Size is true to numbering. Only pity was that BackcountryStore did not have them in the right size for my wife. In short a high quality boot for the right price. Highly recommended

These are easily the best hiking boots I have ever owned. Breaking them in took only a couple short hikes and they are far more comfortable than other models I have tried. Backcountrystore.com got them to me in record time as well. Thanks for the good shopping experience.

I have very wide feet. Sadly the Lowa boots were too narrow. We Americans just do not fit into European shoes.

Let me preface this review by saying that I am not in the sports apparel or boot business. Neither is anyone in my family. I am an attorney of long standing; and quite discerning in my purchasing…of anything. And, I am generally loathe to praise a company for doing that which it is supposed to be doing; e.g. making a quality product and even coming close to the "puffing language" found in their advertising. This, therefore, is a rare occasion. I recently went looking for a comfortable hiking boot with the support I wanted. I wanted the support, but they had to be the kind of boot that still felt good after a long day’s hike. I am so very happy to say that I found MORE than what I was looking for in the Lowa Scout. It is absolutely a fantastic boot. It provides the support I need in heavy rock, yet is so comfortable that I often wear it around town on a Saturday while I am running errands in the city. I find myself reaching for my Scouts more and more often. I can only give Lowa my highest praises. (As a matter of fact, I like them so much, I'm seriously considering buying "a pair for church" and one for "work" -- as they used to say "down on the farm". Whoever designed these boots was really thinking. Goodbye Vasque (what @#%*! happened their boot sizing?? Will they go the way of Gerry??); hello Lowa. My hat is off to you all at Lowa. Well done! Very well done, indeed!