Lowa Banff Backpacking Boot - Women's

I bought these in Feb and thought I could wear them during the winter to break them in a little before the backpacking season... Well, I didn't really get a chance to wear them and when I went away for my first trip, you would have thought I had worked really hard to break them in because they fit like a slipper! They are so comfortable and I love stomping right through all kinds of terrain without feeling wetness, heat or anything through the boot. They do run SUPER big so be careful. I wear an 8 usually and I bought these in a 7! Get a pair and have some fun!

Quality is poor.

These run a bit larger than my Falco's by Lowa but still a great boot. Heavier also than Falco's. Mine came already treated with waterproofing agents. Lowa makes the best boots around. I have tried Merrell, Montrail, Vasque and others and will never buy anything else that isn't made by Lowa. While I can't say these were comfortable out of the box (got a toe blister the first day I had them on), they are still far better than anything else out there with the exception of the Falco by Lowa.

These boots were too loose and large for my long, narrow feet. I need to be able to tighten laces across my toes for a snug, no-slip fit, but the laces on these boots stop mid-foot, moccasin style. Perhaps these would better fit someone with a wider, higher-volume foot.

As I prepare for my first Appalachian Trail hike, the guide is adamant about the need for boots that would hold up and be comfortable. I began breaking in my boots in the house, wearing them for several hours every day while I did housework. I graduated to wearing them while I worked out on the elliptical trainer. Finally, I used them outside with the 25 lb pack as I built up hiking endurance. These boots are so comfortable. The interior is like a chamois - no chafing and easy to form to my feet. I'll let you know how they did on the trail after I get back.

Comfortable, breathable, supportive and good looking! I just hiked 12 miles with no break in period. Because they're so new going uphill there was some rubbing on my heel. But NO blisters/hotspots. My feet didn't hurt at all! I stopped hiking because my stomach was craving coffee. These are the best priced boots for overall performance. Look nowhere else!

After meticulously researching all kinds of boots, I have determined that Lowa makes the best and I can't say enough about them. Lowa's really are a bargain at any price. The traction on every surface is fantastic; from mossy rocks to sandy slopes, these boots own all. They are deceptively simple in design, but they refuse to leak, have never given me a blister, and put up with some serious abuse. Mile after mile, they are super comfortable and supportive. Follow the care instructions in the box-- you'll want these boots to last forever.

After my first real test of the Banff wearing a 24lb backpack and going on a strenuous, steep but relatively short hike, I did develop hot spots and eventually minor blisters on both my heels. However, when I went on a one week backpacking trip in Yosemite, I had no serious problems. In fact, I was very glad I opted for the new boots rather than my worn-out Asolo ones. These boots give wonderful support and a feeling of security on the multitude of difficult terrain we encountered on our last trip: clambering over huge rock slides, crossing over wet rocks, balancing on tree trunks, etc. etc.

After a year of using these boots, I am still in love with them. They were really comfy out of the box, but they are now my best friend. The boot has nicely molded to my foot, and the support is really awesome. I have hiked 100s of miles on them on rough terrain and they have not failed at all. I stepped in water for long slogs and no wetness in the least. The shoes really have saved me quite a few times. The sole is so grippy that I have never lost footing from slipping yet. My narrow heal and fat forefoot never had any problem either, which shocks me. The only thing is that they are a little eaten up on the toes because I am VERY hard on shoes. This is to be expected and give my boots character. I LOVE these boots. I bought 2 more pair because I was afraid they wouldn't make them anymore. One other thing, I noticed that my feet never got hot like in some other boots that I have worn. It must be the pump air system that they are touting. It works. These boots are worth every cent. The more you wear them, the more you'll appreciate them.

I have been a "Lowa Boots Only" girl for a while, but with over 300 hundred miles on my old pair, (they were pretty worn) I thought I would buy a new pair. I'm on a 2 month long hiking/camping trip and with a little extra waterproofing, these boots are stable, comfortable and dry. One tip: make sure you get the correct size, it makes a huge difference. Lowas run big, so size at least 1/2 to 1 size smaller than usual.

These boots are very nice. Comfy out of the box with very little break in time. They are very similar to Scouts and Sareks which I have owned. I like the rocker sole which neither of the other two shoes had. The Banff shoe is nice and sturdy but not clunky. It keeps my feet from getting fatigued with a pack. Traction is great except on wet rocks but that is to be expected. I give them 5 stars. I have hard to fit feet (flat and wide) and these do the trick!