The low-cut version of a new backpacking boot for 2026, the LOWA Explorer Lo is an alpine hiking shoe that I've been testing the past few weeks. It's a sweet-looking shoe with approach shoe vibes. But how does it hike? After a half-dozen test hikes, my LOWA Explorer hiking shoe review shares my notes on its support, comfort, weight, fit, comfort, traction, weather protection, and overall value.
Scrambling in the new LOWA Explorer Lo hiking shoe in the Sandia Mountains
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LOWA Explorer Lo Review
This first-hand review of the LOWA Explorer Lo is based on more than 30 miles of test hikes outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. After breaking in my test pair on the Bear Canyon and Piedra Lisa trails, I hiked the 3 Gun Springs (8 miles 2300'), Pino (9 miles 2800'), and Embudito trails (8 miles 3200') in the LOWA Explorer Lo hiking shoe. As always, my reviews are 100% independent (not sponsored posts) and based on my first-hand experience.
Testing the LOWA Explorer hiking shoe off-trail
Support
Based on my test hikes, the LOWA Explorer Lo has above average support for a hiking shoe.
This shoe is derived from a backpacking boot. As such, it's stiffer than most hiking shoes on the market—which adds support on steep terrain, rocks, and uneven ground. In spite of inheriting weak ankles, I had no foot or ankle concerns when testing the Explorer Lo on some moderately difficult trails and off-trail side quests. My ankles appreciated the shoe's torsional rigidity, which prevented my ankles from rolling over on rocks and slanting sidehills.
The tougher the trail, the more I appreciated the support of the LOWA Explorer hiking shoe. I consider it more of an alpine hiking shoe than a general hiking shoe for the average day hiker. If you're looking for a supportive hiking shoe, I prefer the LOWA Explorer Lo to the LOWA Maddox Pro.
2 lbs 7 oz / pair for a men's size 13
Weight
The Explorer Lo may be "lightweight" compared with heavy-duty trekking boots, but it's one of the heaviest hiking shoes I've tested. My test pair (men's 13) weighs 2 lbs 7 oz. That's a half-pound heavier than most of my favorite lightweight hiking shoes.
If you're looking for a lightweight, skip the Explorer Lo and check out LOWA's trail running shoes, the Fortux (14 oz lighter) and the Skyterra (12 oz lighter). They're legitimately lightweight and good for many types of hiking.
LOWA's snug fit helps with precise foot placement in rocks
Fit
As with most LOWAs I've tested, the Explorer has a snug fit (at least in the men's size) that favors hikers with narrow to standard feet. Most men and women will want to size up.
If you have wide feet, the snug fit in the heel may let you to size up extra to get more width. I got just enough width for my moderately wide feet by sizing up 1.5 sizes from my everyday shoe size. Overall, though, this shoe is not a great fit for hikers with wide feet.
This shoe's more comfortable on steep, rocky terrain
Comfort
As with all hiking shoes, the Explorer's comfort depends on fit, your hiking style, and your preferences.
The Explorer's relatively stiff build and firm cushioning can be comfortable if you're accustomed to serious hiking/ trekking shoes. Many experienced hikers know that sturdier shoes can be more comfortable on longer hikes and rockier trails. My feet felt fresher after hard, 9-mile hikes in the Explorer than they felt last week after I tested lighter, more cushioned hiking shoes on moderate, 5-mile hikes.
That said, the Explorer's PU (polyurethane) midsoles are firmer than the EVA foam midsoles in most hiking shoes. The Explorer flexes a little at the foot's natural flex point— but not much. If you prefer a fast-and-light feel or a max-cushion ride, you may not appreciate this shoe's performance fit and stiffer-than-average build. You're more likely to appreciate this shoe if you're an experienced hiker. It's not beginner-friendly.
Choose the LOWA Explorer LO GTX for a waterproof hiking shoe
Weather Protection
I tested the non-waterproof Explorer Lo because I mostly hike in the desert. However, the LOWA Explorer Lo GTX (GORE-TEX) is waterproof and breathable. The combination of leather uppers on the outside and a GORE-TEX membrane on the inside of the shoe should provide excellent weather protection. Even after all these years, GORE-TEX remains the most reliable and breathable waterproofing you're going to find in hiking footwear.
The moderately aggressive tread of the Explorer Lo
Traction
The LOWA Explorer Lo offers solid traction on mountainous trails. The Y-shaped lugs have some bite in dirt, mud, and gravel. At the same time, they offer enough surface area to generate friction for traction on solid rock. There's also a touch of climbing tread in the toes and heels for rock scrambling. The shoe's deep heel brake helps on steep descents.
Over 30 miles of testing, I only had traction concerns on smooth, wet rock—where few shoes excel. I had to go extra slow on some slickrock sections of Embudito Canyon that were damp after monsoon rains. Otherwise, I had no problems hiking moderate to difficult terrain in the LOWA Explorer Lo.
Women;s LOWA Explorer Lo GTX
Value
LOWAs are expensive—and extra-expensive in the U.S. right now due to Trump's tariffs. At its release, the LOWA Explorer Lo GTX (waterproof) is listed at $260. That's on the high-end for a high-top backpacking boot, and this is a low-cut trekking shoe. That said, its build is top-quality. Plus, the Explorer Lo is one of the rare hiking shoes that's resoleable. You potentially could own this shoe for a decade if you like its look, feel, and performance.
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Men's LOWA Explorer Lo GTX
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Women's LOWA Explorer Lo GTX
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LOWA Explorer Lo hiking shoe: Pros and Cons
Here's a short summary of the pros and cons of the LOWA Explorer hiking shoe after 30+ miles of testing:
Should you buy the LOWA Explorer hiking shoe?
If you're a serious hiker, I like the LOWA Explorer Lo GTX as an alpine hiking shoe. Its support, torsional rigidity, GORE-TEX weather protection, and mountain-grade traction match the steep terrain and unpredictable weather you'll find hiking harder trails at higher elevations. More generally, the Explorer has more appeal if you mostly hike rocky terrain, need more ankle stability, or tackle via ferratas.
If you're a casual hiker, you may not like this shoe's fit and feel—and won't really reap the benefits of the Explorer's premium features (and premium price).
