Banff

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Banff
Manufacturer Lowa
Page By STW
Page Type Sep 23, 2005 / Sep 23, 2005
Object ID 1389
Hits 4302
Vote
(from the manufacturer)



The classic look of a seamless leather backpacking boot, though lighter on the foot with a sturdy backpacking sole and full rubber rand for durability. Leather lined for close to the foot comfort. Top performer for hard-duty backpacking on and off-trail. Excellent knee and back support for a 30+ pound pack.



* Water-repellent 2.5MM thick seamless Nubuck leather (one piece) upper.

* Comfortable leather lining

* VibramĀ® 'Tsavo' outsole with shock-aborbing mid-sole and climate-control insole with pronation/supination zones.

* New SPS System: Optimum stabilization of the foot for excellent walking comfort

* 'C4' Tongue

* Lowa's AWP (Asymetric Walking Position)

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Reviews


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STW - Sep 23, 2005 4:45 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
Best serious backpacking boot I've ever used.

This is a bombproof, supportive heavy-duty backpacking boot. It's a nicely constructed leather boot with beefy hardware and an added rubber rand. Inside lining is soft glove leather. This might add a bit of weight to the package, but it also adds a ton of comfort. It has a real stiff shank and vibram soles with a nice bit of rocker. It's a fairly high-cut boot - which I like.

This is the kind of boot you want when you're going into the backcountry for a week or more - carrying a heavy pack over tough terrain. When you can't afford to twist an ankle or have something go wrong with your gear. Everything about these boots says protective and reliable.

I found them supportive and protective enough so that my feet still felt great at the end of long days. Yet, they were not so clunky and heavy that I felt awkward on talus slopes, steep trails and bushwacks.

Like many heavy backpacking boots, they don't offer much in the way of shock absorbtion. I swapped out the stock insoles for some 'shock doctor' insoles. These added a bit of extra arch support and a bit of cushioning under the heel. This has worked well for me...

With a nikwax treatment they proved to be as waterproof as I needed them to be in terms of crossing streams and sloshing through melting snow fields. No leaks at all nor wet-throughs.

They did require some break in but nothing outrageous. They were pretty comfortable out of the box, but I did get some minor hot spots on some initial break-in hikes - but pretty soon, they were like old friends.

Another nice thing: they are available in narrow, regular and wide sizing. I tried a regular and a narrow and went with the regular. Sizing felt true to the label. I wear an 8.5 street shoe, and an 8.5 in the Banffs. When you're looking for boots like this, it's great that you can get the best fitting options!

verdeleone - May 27, 2007 4:06 pm - Voted 5/5

Yes
these are great boots. After driving my wife batty with my interminable search for a boot that fit me I am now in boot heaven. Had them a year now and been trekking in the Alps and schlumping in North Cascades. Dry feet, no blisters, can't count the rocks as I walk. Happy happy.

bluffview - Oct 2, 2007 3:49 pm - Hasn't voted

Great Boot
I've been wanting to try the Banff for quite a while now. I was pleasantly surprised to find them on REI's scratch & dent shoe rack for $70. I wore the Banffs to work a few times to break them in, I have a desk job so no major walking. I now use them every time I go out, favoring the Banff over my Asolos. They offer great support and durability. After a few weekends covering anywhere from 2 to 10 miles I haven't had any comfort or blister issues. I'm confident I could wear them on a long hike now with no problems. I am really liking the leather lining. They are much cooler to wear on 60-70 degree days than my cambrelle lined boots. I would not hesitate to reccomend these boots and as soon as funds allow I will probably buy a second pair as it seems boots with a one peice leather upper are becoming harder to find.

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