The LOWA Skyterra is a new trail running shoe for 2026 that can double as a hiking shoe. In fact, I prefer this trail runner to LOWA's true hiking shoes because it's more athletic and more than grippy enough for mountain terrain. Over the past month, I've tested the Skyterra over a half-dozen hikes in New Mexico's high desert mountains. My LOWA Skyterra review gives a hiker's perspective on this new trail running shoe—which LOWA made for medium- to long-distance trail runs.
Testing the new LOWA Skyterra amidst New Mexican Hoodoos
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LOWA Skyterra Review
As always, my review of the LOWA Skyterra is based on my first-hand experience and my professional experience as a Gearhead® Expert at Backcountry and footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors. I've hiked approximately 40 miles in the Skyterra on trails I've handpicked to test its traction, support, and comfort. This includes fast-moving fitness hikes in the foothills, canyon hikes with slickrock and steep scree, and moderately difficult trails outside Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Testing the LOWA Skyterra in the Sandia Mountains
Support
You shouldn't expect a trail running shoe to be as sturdy as a hiking shoe, but the Skyterra has enough support for moderately difficult hikes. Most of the trails I hiked in mine are rocky and steep—and my ankles aren't great. My feet and ankles felt locked in on all of my test hikes.
The Skyterra is stiff through the midfoot with plenty of lateral stability. This protects the ankles, even though this is a low-cut running shoe. Sure, it's no mid-cut hiking boot. But this trail runner has some backbone to it.
Weight
The main reason some hikers choose trail runners is to cut some weight from their feet. My LOWA Skyterras (men's size 13) weigh 1.36 ounces per shoe—1 lb 11 oz per pair.
By hiking shoe standards, that's ultralight. By trail running shoe standards, the Skyterra weighs 2-5 ounces more per pair than most trail runners I've tested. If you want the absolute lightest trail runners, you might want to browse others I've reviewed. The Skyterra blends weight savings with support.
Fit
The Skyterra has a standard fit but requires sizing. I get a decent fit for my moderately wide feet by sizing up a full size. For US brands, I typically hike in a size 12 (Altra, Merrell, KEEN) or 12 Wide (Oboz, Danner). In LOWA, I'm a 13 or 13 Wide (when available). The Skyterra is not available in wide sizes.
This shoe is moderately cushioned with super-critical foam
Comfort
Comfort-wise, the LOWA Skyterra is moderately cushioned with supercritical foam. I found it plenty cushy, but the foam is more responsive than plush. You're not walking on marshmallows but supportive foam.
This is an athletic shoe by hiking standards. It's not a flyweight, so gram counters might want something lighter and less supportive. But I like its build for both fast-moving fitness hikes and moderately difficult trails.
Testing the LOWA Skyterra at Jemez Pueblo
Weather Protection
The LOWA Skyterra is not available in waterproof. Which is no big deal.
Most people who prefer trail running shoes over hiking shoes don't worry about weather protection. They prefer non-waterproof shoes because they wear cooler in hot weather and dry quickly when they do get wet.
I appreciated the ventilation of the (non-waterproof) Skyterra on my desert mountain hikes in New Mexico. Plus, my pair dried relatively quickly after cross a spring and snowmelt in Embudito Canyon.
The aggressive Vibram lugs of the LOWA Skyterra
Traction
My favorite trait of the LOWA Skyterra is its traction. My test hikes included almost every terrain imaginable: desert crust, steep switchbacks, slickrock, gravel, and mud. The Skyterra's tread handled all these conditions well.
The Vibram outsoles feature 4.5 mm lugs—deeper than most trail runners—with an aggressive tread pattern. The sharp edges of those V-shaped lugs dig into dirt, gravel, and mud well.
The Skyterra features both climbing and braking lugs across the whole shoe. I found this combination effective on steep terrain. This compensated for the lack of a heel brake on steep descents.
Value
Shoe prices have skyrocketed in 2026. The LOWA Skyterra has a MSRP of $190. It's not the most expensive trail runner I've tested, but it's close. For this price, you get supercritical foam and premium traction for mountain terrain.
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Men's LOWA Skyterra
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Women's LOWA Skyterra
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LOWA Skyterra: Pros & Cons for Hikers
Please consider the specific pros and cons of the LOWA Skyterra before pulling the trigger on one of LOWA's new trail running shoes for 2026.
Should hikers buy the LOWA Skyterra?
The LOWA Skyterra is an expensive trail running shoe, but it should appeal to hikers who want a supportive and extra-grippy trail runner for mountain trails. The Skyterra's weight savings and cushioning don't stand out from other trail runners I've tested and reviewed, but its support and traction do. If your hikes cover gravel, mud, mixed terrain, or steep switchbacks, this is one of the better trail runners I've tested in these conditions.
Overall, I actually prefer the Skyterra to LOWA's true hiking shoes because it's lighter, more athletic, and has better traction—while still being relatively supportive.
