Thread: LOWA BOOTS

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I've gone to Anatom Q5's and I reckon they're brilliant, they're reasonably stiff so I wouldn't use them if you're doing a lot of easy country but I've found them comfortable, hard wearing, and provide plenty of grip and support

Thanks Ryan yeah I need a bit more flex as the Tibet are way too stiff as well for bush hunting I keep kicking roots and things.

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...and my Lowa soles disintegrated through “lack of use” (according to sales person). Have changed brands.

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

...and my Lowa soles disintegrated through “lack of use” (according to sales person). Have changed brands.

Are they 'Vibram' soles?. I have seen a pair of Lowas that were 30 years old with genuine Lowa branded soles and the soles were still good. Most of the Vibrams are PU ( polyurethane) and not rubber. That is why they are slippery and why yours disintegrated.

Yes, they were vibram. Slippery as on wet rock as claimed by others.

Originally Posted by Ingrid 51

Yes, they were vibram. Slippery as on wet rock as claimed by others.

Just had a look at my Tibets. The soles are rubber, that dry grippy type like an old car tyre. I looked for a code on the sole but couldn't find one. There is however an 'R' in a circle just off from the yellow 'Vibram' name insert. The 'R' is on the left sole too and at a guess must mean that the sole is Rubber and not PU. The circled 'R' is very small - only about 3mm. Have a look at yours @Ingrid 51 and report.

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Just had a look at my Tibets. The soles are rubber, that dry grippy type like an old car tyre. I looked for a code on the sole but couldn't find one. There is however an 'R' in a circle just off from the yellow 'Vibram' name insert. The 'R' is on the left sole too and at a guess must mean that the sole is Rubber and not PU. The circled 'R' is very small - only about 3mm. Have a look at yours @Ingrid 51 and report.

Pretty sure ALL Vibram tread sole have that little "R"
Looking at a few I got here all have it stamped on - Lowa - Meindl etc
Its the composite between the tread sole and the inner your foot sits on that is the problem
It's what starts the problems of pushing off the tread sole and rand etc

Talking to Josh James the other day and he made a valid point I had not thought of

Guys sitting around camp fire with boots near in the fire and/or leaving near fire to dry overnight etc - the heat and the moisture starts it off
Sounds a very feasible theory too - as been told by boot repairers and manufactures - humidity is the main course that starts the PU compound expanding and changing its structure state
He seen heaps of fancy boots tread peel

Originally Posted by Sarvo

Pretty sure ALL Vibram tread sole have that little "R"
Looking at a few I got here all have it stamped on - Lowa - Meindl etc
Its the composite between the tread sole and the inner your foot sits on that is the problem
It's what starts the problems of pushing off the tread sole and rand etc

Talking to Josh James the other day and he made a valid point I had not thought of

Guys sitting around camp fire with boots near in the fire and/or leaving near fire to dry overnight etc - the heat and the moisture starts it off
Sounds a very feasible theory too - as been told by boot repairers and manufactures - humidity is the main course that starts the PU compound expanding and changing its structure state
He seen heaps of fancy boots tread peel

Bugger, there goes that theory. But having problems with the mid sole doesn't make the boots slip on rocks ( within reason). As a rule I hate Vibrams and even resoled my fishing boots with rubber Eiger soles. My Tibets are soled with a really good rubber Vibram sole so they do make them, are the Lowa boots sold in NZ fitted with rubber or PU soles ? If PU are they advertised as being Rubber soles ??

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Just had a look at my Tibets. The soles are rubber, that dry grippy type like an old car tyre. I looked for a code on the sole but couldn't find one. There is however an 'R' in a circle just off from the yellow 'Vibram' name insert. The 'R' is on the left sole too and at a guess must mean that the sole is Rubber and not PU. The circled 'R' is very small - only about 3mm. Have a look at yours @Ingrid 51 and report.

I think the small r is for the registered trademark for Vibram. ® like this one.

Boots were biffed last year.

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Are they 'Vibram' soles?. I have seen a pair of Lowas that were 30 years old with genuine Lowa branded soles and the soles were still good. Most of the Vibrams are PU ( polyurethane) and not rubber. That is why they are slippery and why yours disintegrated.

Didnt want to be the first to say about the vibram soles.
Had a pair of (I think)Stony creek greywake with vibram soles. they like plastic.
My mate would laugh his ass off at my antics (dance moves) crossing streams etc.
Ended up canning out with a hind quarters on my back a couple of years ago and stuffed my shoulder.
Took a year to get better but will never be 100%.

Originally Posted by nevereadyfreddy

Didnt want to be the first to say about the vibram soles.
Had a pair of (I think)Stony creek greywake with vibram soles. they like plastic.
My mate would laugh his ass off at my antics (dance moves) crossing streams etc.
Ended up canning out with a hind quarters on my back a couple of years ago and stuffed my shoulder.
Took a year to get better but will never be 100%.

I have S/Creek Rusa boots. Last fly in trip (pun) I fell in a creek and buggered tendons in my fingers. The next day fell off rocks in a creek and got concussion. Last day fell arse up again and stuck a rock up my arse. Bloody great trip, and got a nice stag. I have always had problems with those boots on rocks. I will go back to wearing my old Ashleys which I have had no problems in creeks.

Originally Posted by Lentil

I have S/Creek Rusa boots. Last fly in trip (pun) I fell in a creek and buggered tendons in my fingers. The next day fell off rocks in a creek and got concussion. Last day fell arse up again and stuck a rock up my arse. Bloody great trip, and got a nice stag. I have always had problems with those boots on rocks. I will go back to wearing my old Ashleys which I have had no problems in creeks.

Well - I actually found them brilliant boots - but they had some awful reviews
I think - size of guy makes a diff and it comes down to finding what suits you and your weight etc etc
Then they stop making that model an u back to sq one - ~~~~ :-(