I am not shy in proclaiming my love of LOWA shoes for everything from backpacking to traveling. I have worn LOWAs for most of my travel needs for the last five years, and have not looked back. My current favorite pair (the Aerox…see below!) have gone with me on women’s trekking trips in the Sierra Nevada and to Portugal and Peru, and will come along on an eco-lodge trip to Belize soon. I even had the chance to test out LOWA’s warranty when I experienced boot-sole separation (hydrolysis), and was the proud owner of a brand new pair after a very seamless process. I can’t recommend them highly enough, and am back today with two favorite picks for the guys.
If you need a lifestyle shoe that looks stylish but can still hit the trail here and there, the Locarno is your go-to shoe. It’s extremely versatile, ready for the outdoors, and can look just as good on a train or plane. It’s extremely lightweight at only 820 grams, so they won’t weigh down your luggage, either. Even though it’s light, you get the design elements you need, including a rugged sole and great support and shock absorption. They’re fully waterproof, too. The lining is GORE-TEX and the upper is Nubuck Leather.
Pick up a pair on the LOWA website for $190 in 12 men’s sizes from 7.5 to 14, in one of three colors: forest, brown, or anthracite (black).
Just like my absolute favorite trail and travel shoe for women (the women’s Aerox GTX Lo), the men’s version is comfortable, versatile, and waterproof, ready for anything from trail running in the mountains to navigating Europe’s cobblestone streets. You get extreme breathability, which is what I think sets the Aerox apart from other waterproof trail shoes, and the microfiber upper material is soft and flexible. The breathability is possible due to Gore’s SURROUND® concept and LOWA’s direct-injection system of midsole ventilation channels, giving the foot 360 degrees of venting. The lining of this shoe is GORE-TEX and you get a speed lacing system, which means a tighter, more secure fit.
The weight of the men’s Aerox is 1.7 pounds, and it comes in two color combinations in 12 sizes from 7.5 to 14, for $220 on the LOWA site. These shoes will last you years, and be your go-to all-purpose outdoors adventure shoe, I guarantee it.