Lowa’s Lightweight Tactical Boot | Innox Pro GTX Mid

The Vietnam era jungle boots I was issued while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment in the 90’s were so terrible compared to the offerings today. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just a bit jealous. The LPC (Leather Personal Carrier) is the Infantry’s primary mode of transportation. Also known as the boot. If a soldiers feet aren’t taken care of, the combat effectiveness of the unit is sure to decline. Todays boot does a much better job of keeping those feet moving. And the new Innox Pro GTX from Lowa is among the best out there.

Tradition & Innovation Since 1923

“Since 1923, LOWA has earned a reputation for crafting premium outdoor boots and shoes that blend outstanding quality and fit through innovative design and proprietary technology.” ~lowaboots.com

Available in Coyote, Wolf Gray and Black, this new boot isn’t hiding its target market. Designed with the warrior in mind, the Innox Pro GTX is a beautiful synergy of high-tech manufacturing and materials. When I first unboxed them, I was shocked at how utterly lightweight a boot this size was. The LOWA website states 470g for a single boot. I’m not sure what size they weighed but my size 11 with laces came in at 510g. Or about 1 pound. Pretty impressive for a mid-top boot with this much support.

LOWA Innox Pro GTX Features:

• Upper: Microfiber/Synthetic
• Lining: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort – Tech Performance
• Insole: ATC
• Midsole: Double Injection DynaPU®
• Outsole: LOWA® MULTI TRAC® II
• Weight: 470 g/Single Shoe
• Country of Origin: Slovakia
• MSRP: $245

I had the chance to put these boots to use on a late season Whitetail Deer hunt in Iowa. Our method of hunting requires hunters to push deer for miles and miles. And when we’re done and back at the house, you can hear everyone state how ready they are to get their boots off their feet. I actually could have gone another 8 hours with the Innox Pro GTX on my feet. The season before I tested a mid top combat boot from 5.11 Tactical that I really liked. This year, the Innox Pro raised my expectations.

The interior of the boot has no seams that can cause hot spots. The DynaPU Midsole was buttery soft while trekking through the rugged terrain. Lowa’s own MULTI TRAC II Outsole gripped the hardened dirt walls as I climbed out of the many creek beds that required crossing. A few creeks still had water flowing and the GORE-TEX lining kept my feet dry as I waded across them. What impressed me was how easily the outsole cleaned itself once clogged with sticky mud. I never had to kick rocks or stop my feet to clear the soles. They just shed the mud while walking.

One of the main contributing design factors that keep weight down is the use of materials lighter than traditional leather. The upper features a Microfiber/Synthetic that at first glance concerned me a little. Most of the boots I’ve used in austere conditions were mostly leather. Hell, they even had additional leather on to op leather in high wear areas. The Innox Pro takes a different approach and only time will tell if it’s the right one. But after beating them up for a few days in Iowa, color me impressed.

Final Thoughts:

I look forward to more hunts in these boots as well as days at the shooting range. The mid height is ample for ankle support and the PU MONOWRAP frame offers great lateral support. All in all, the Innox Pro GTX is more than just a lightweight tactical boot. It’s kind of a multi-purpose outdoorsman’s dream come true. Just what you’d expect from a Bavarian boot maker that’s been working hard at it for almost a century. And best of all, these boots are 100% vegan. Just incase you were wondering.