From LOWA: Task Force Z-6S GTX Boots

As we mentioned last week we've got some LOWA boots headed our way. Since we don't have them in hand yet, we thought we'd do a little research — lo and behold, Military Morons just published an extraordinarily thorough review (as usual) just a few days ago.

Here's an excerpt.

LOWA Task Force Z-6S GTX Boots

Weight – I measured the pair of boots on a precision electronic scale to be 3 lb 2 oz for the pair of size 8.5 US. For comparison, the size 9 Elite Deserts weighed 3 lb 9.6 oz and the size 9 Zephyr GTZ Hi 8″ boot weighed in at 3 lb 0 oz for the pair, so the Z-6S are in-between the Zephyrs and Elite Deserts in weight.

Break-in – None was needed of any note. All it took was a couple of days to ‘settle into' the boot. While the Z-6S has more of a trekking sole like the Lowa Elite Deserts, the upper is more like the softer Zephyrs and no where as stiff as the Elite Deserts when new. The Elite Deserts required about five days to break in to be comfortable on my ankles, whereas the Zephyrs and Z-6S were pretty much comfortable out of the box. The cushioning around the ankle and on the tongue is very comfortable. I haven't had any hot spots or blisters walking around all day with these over the past three months.

Comparison to the Elite Desert and Zephyr – The 6S is supposed to offer trekking-like boot support (like the Elite Desert) but with a lighter upper. I'd say that it's exactly that. The 6S is definitely stiffer than the Zephyr, as it has the full-length shank vs. a 3/4 shank. The Zephyr sole is quite flexible, being more like a light hiker suitable for running with lighter loads, as the design of the outsole and 3/4-length shank allowing flex at the ball of the foot produces a more natural heel-toe roll of the foot than boots with a stiffer, blocky sole. The 6S isn't quite as flexible as the Zephyr, and also has more torsional stiffness, making it more suitable for trekking with a medium load. The 6S upper also utilizes more complete leather coverage, with less use of fabric, making it more supportive and less flexible than the Zephyrs.

You can read the entire review right here; just scroll down the page a bit. You can follow MM on Facebook right here.