LOWA Sirkos GTX Lo
RRP £140 Target price £140
The Sirkos feel right at home in the mountains. They’re strong, precise and supportive, and I felt confident pushing off from even the thinnest of rock edges in them. Lowa boast of what they call the Monowrap frame, which means the upper can be pulled snugly around the foot, while the midsole offers threedimensional support. It was the lateral support in particular that gave me superior confidence compared to other shoes on test – the glove-like fit really cradled my feet in a way that few shoes do. The outsole feels close to the ground, giving great traction over rock, while also offering deep lugs and an aggressive heel edge to negotiate the changing terrain of hill country – the patches of bog, mud and loose stuff that invariably rear up on the path. There is a trade-off to the support they offer, though – they’re not quite as cushioned and flexible as many of the other shoes I tested, meaning they aren’t as comfy over hard paths or long distances. They’re a little on the heavy side compared to others too, but still offer a significant weight saving compared to a full boot. RB
INFO: Sizes: 3.5-9 (incl. half sizes) Weight per shoe: 405g (6) Membrane: Gore-Tex Contact: 01380 872818, lowa.co.uk
Extremely supportive, high performing, snug fit, good grip On the heavier side, not the comfiest, expensive COMFORT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ SUPPORT: ★★★★★ VERSATILITY: ★★★★ ★ VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★★★ ★
BEST FOR: Mountain adventures, from valley to peak.