Old Greenwich, CT, Summer 1999 - True to its heritage, out of the box comfort and fit are the core themes of LOWA's Spring 2000 technical line of alpine, backpacking and trekking boots. Fit has been optimized with new lasts and new patterns. A wide range of detail work reflects an evolution in user styling preferences. Brand new models include the Eiger, Sarek Gore-TexÆ and Katmandu Gore-TexÆ. Other boots, including the Lady Light, Lady Gore-TexÆ, Baffin and Scout, have the same names and quality fit with a major facelift. Changes include new patterns, lasts, soles, rands and hardware. The leather mountaineering boots have been resized one half size down by lowering the volume for better fit. Women's size ten and men's size fourteen have been added to meet an increasing demand for larger footwear by American consumers. All LOWA's are produced in Europe.

Several technological features are exclusive to LOWA. A "marriage" between Gore-TexÆ and LOWA's Interactive Climate System maximizes the benefit of Gore-TexÆ for the end user. This patented system utilizes an internal lasting and spot gluing process to enhance breathability and ventilation. Holes in the scree, tongue and liner allow heat and moisture to escape. Foot movement creates a bellow effect that forces fresh air into the liner.

Two other exclusive LOWA features include the asymmetric walking position and C4 tongue. The walking position with its raised scree offers better anatomic support to the ankle. Cuffs canted two degrees to the outside help prevent pronation and ankle roll inward. The Asymmetric C4 tongue on the trekking and backpacking boots is anatomically designed to follow the motion of the foot. This is accomplished by asymmetric lateral padding, free ankle zones, flexible inserts and a soft top.

"Hiking boots represent LOWA's roots. LOWA is not run by traditional Europeans. They don't believe in sacred cows and they are proactive," stated Peter Sachs, General Manager of LOWABoots in the U.S. "They research what their core customers will want down the road and develop accordingly." Thousands of hikers demo and critique LOWA boots each year at LOWA's Test Center in Interlaken, Switzerland. This real life input is combined with high tech computerized research and development. "It takes significant financial resources to do all this testing, but it is the right way to design the line," said Sachs.

Every boot in the LOWA line is offered in a ladies lasted model except for the heavy-duty mountaineering Civetta. LOWA does not, however, stop with the last. A woman's foot is generally narrower with a higher arch. As a result, LOWA builds their women's boots narrower at ball of the foot with a higher arch and heel construction. They then soften the flex, ending up with boots that fit over 90% of their female target customers.

The Cristallo F1 returns revamped with a new downsized last for better fit. Also new is the hook closure system with a spring lace hook for a more precise fit. The boot is made from 3.2mm split leather with a leather upper scree and trim. The Cristallo F1 also features Outlast lining, known for its ability to absorb heat, distributing it to the foot when body temperature dictates that it is needed. A Vibram 8000 sole, smooth rand and new hardware complete this crampon compatible boot.

The Zodiac is back with a new low volume last and hook closure system. New for Year 2000 is the ladies Zodiac LS. The Zodiac is designed with the same kind of rugged features found in the Cristallo F1 but caters to those who prefer a lighterweight yet heavy-duty boot. They are approximately one pound lighter per pair than comparable leather boots. Features include Kepro Tec leather, fabric upper, leather upper scree and trim, Outlast lining and Vibram 8000 soles. The Eiger and Eiger LS have been redesigned with the new low volume fit; new lacing system and a Clusaz Rigid sole for all around rock use. They also feature split leather, leather lining, and rubber toe/heel rands. Their asymmetric C4 tongue is anatomically designed to follow the motion of the foot.

The Triolet and Freedome technical approach models round out the mountaineering line. Both models return with a new black midsole for better cushioning. Especially significant is the lower price. Suggested Retail on the Triolet is reduced from $175 to $160. The Suggested Retail on the lower cut version Freedome goes from $160 to $150.

The Baffin is a leather-lined version of the Tibet Gore-TexÆ. Both models feature the new high smooth rubber rand for increased optical appeal, durability and protection as well as the Vibram Foura Sole, PU midsole and new spring lace hook system. These are solid boots designed for long backpack trips. The Sarek Gore-TexÆ, a more flexible version of the Tibet and Baffin,returns with a new upper pattern and easily identifiable ankle flex piece for better fit. Other design elements include Nubuk leather and upper scree/trim, a Vibram Foura sole, PU midsole and a smooth rand.

The leather lined Scout backpacking boot is back with a new last designed with more toe room and featuring the smooth new rand. The Scout is a benchmark and is one of LOWA's best selling core backpacking boots. Fewer and fewer suppliers produce this kind of boot since working with leather is difficult, time consuming and expensive.

Completing LOWA's Classic line-up are their two transition models from ATC to backpacking. The Pinto is the low cut version of the Tanark. The lightweight, modern styling, with randed toe and heel, enhances appeal to younger customers as well as to women. Like the heavy-duty classic boots, they feature a new better fitting leather lining. These boots combine aesthetic looks and relaxed performance with technical features found throughout LOWA's core line. Trendy reverse stitch on the toe and heel cap is good for durability. The boots are constructed with Nubuk leather, Cordura upper scree and trim, Vibram Izoard sole, and a PU black midsole.

LOWA trekking boots are slightly softer and more flexible than their mountaineering and backpacking models. Geared to day hiking and light backpacking, they are designed for the hiker who wants a boot that is easy to break in and keep its shape each year. They feature a new last with more toe room for better fit, new smooth rubber rand and additional detail work designed for enhanced shelf appeal. The MasterTec soles are more flexible than Vibram soles used on mountaineering and backpacking boots. The soles also incorporate firm side supports and internal fins for stability, a soft center for grip, and a PU midsole all built for comfort.

The Trekker returns reworked for spring with a new last, less stitching and a smooth, optically pleasing rand. This model is also offered in sizes fourteen through sixteen. It is made of waxed Nubuk with leather lining and a PU midsole. The Lady Sport is the ladies version of the Trekker. Both models are available in narrow widths.

The Lady Light and Lady Gore-TexÆ offer a choice of leather or Gore-TexÆ lining. They are lighter and softer than the Lady Sport with softer ankle flex and softer ankle treatment. The lace- up area is particularly soft and flexible reducing the risk of rubbing or blisters. Other features include Nubuk leather upper, scree and trim, MasterTec lady sole, PU midsole, new last and a smooth rand.

The Katmandu Gore-TexÆ has a new pattern and new last resulting in a more cleaner looking upper. Waxed Nubuk leather, leather upper scree and trim, lining, MasterTec sole, PU midsole and smooth rand complete the package. The Katmandu is available in men's fourteen through sixteen and offers an excellent price point for a Gore-TexÆ boot at $210. ($220 in sizes fourteen through sixteen) The Katmandu LS is lower in the back than the men's but otherwise offers all the same features.

LOWA Boots LLC is a partnership with LOWA Sportschuhe Gmbh based in Jetzendorf, Germany.