Taurus Pro Gtx mid anthrazit – Tested and Reviewed
ReviewLOWA Taurus Pro GTX MID: My Honest Take After Miles on the Trail
Okay, let’s talk hiking boots. As someone who practically lives on the trails whenever I get a chance, I’m always searching for that perfect pair. You know, the ones that feel like an extension of your own feet? Recently, I laced up the LOWA Taurus Pro GTX MID boots, and after putting them through their paces – everything from gentle forest paths to some seriously gnarly rock scrambles – I’m ready to spill the beans.
First Impressions: Classic LOWA, Built Tough
Right out of the box, these boots just look like a LOWA. Understated, rugged, and ready for anything. The grey color? Super versatile, goes with everything. And the suede leather? It just screams quality. Plus, that mid-height ankle? It’s a sweet spot, giving you more freedom than a full-on boot but still offering decent support when things get wobbly.
Breaking Down the Features (and How They Held Up)
- The Magic Combo: Leather and GORE-TEX: This is where the Taurus Pro GTX MID shines. I got caught in a downpour during a recent hike, and my feet stayed bone dry. Huge win! Now, breathability… that’s where things get a little tricky. On cooler days, no problem. But when the sun’s blazing? Yeah, you’ll notice the moisture building up a bit.
- Sole Survivor: Traction You Can Trust: The rubber sole on these boots is no joke. I felt totally planted whether I was navigating loose gravel or scrambling up a steep, rocky incline. It’s a fairly stiff sole, which gives you great stability, but you do lose some of that “feel” for the ground. It’s a trade-off, really.
- Comfort is King (Mostly): LOWA’s reputation for comfort is well-deserved. These boots felt pretty darn good from the get-go. No major blisters or hotspots, which is always a relief. But – and this is a big but – if you’ve got wider feet, you might want to try these on before you commit. They felt a little snug on me initially, but thankfully, they stretched out nicely after a few hikes.
- Ankle Support: Good, Not Great: That mid-height shaft provides decent ankle support for most trails. I felt secure on uneven ground, but for serious backpacking with a heavy pack? I’d probably want something with a higher, stiffer ankle cuff. Just my two cents.
The Good Stuff:
- GORE-TEX is a lifesaver – waterproofness is top-notch.
- The sole grips like crazy on all sorts of surfaces.
- Comfortable fit (once they’re broken in, anyway).
- Built to last – these boots feel seriously durable.
- Versatile enough for day hikes and lighter backpacking trips.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Could breathe better when it’s hot and humid.
- Might be a bit too snug for wider feet.
- Ankle support might not cut it for heavy loads or super rough terrain.
- “No featured offers available” – finding a good deal might take some digging.
My Trail Tale:
I recently took these boots on a weekend adventure in the Smoky Mountains. Day one was a breeze – a leisurely hike along a well-worn path. The Taurus Pro GTX MID boots were in their element – comfortable, supportive, no complaints whatsoever. Day two, however, I decided to get a little more ambitious and tackle a steeper, rockier trail. The boots handled it just fine, but I definitely felt my ankles working harder by the end of the day. And, yeah, the lack of breathability became more noticeable as the sun climbed higher.
The Bottom Line:
The LOWA Taurus Pro GTX MID is a solid, reliable hiking boot that’s perfect for most day hikes and moderate backpacking trips. They’re waterproof, grippy, and comfortable. Just keep in mind that they might not be the best choice for super challenging terrain or scorching weather.
So, Who Are These Boots For?
- Hikers who want a comfy, waterproof boot for day trips and moderate backpacking.
- Folks who like a mid-height boot that lets their ankles move freely.
- People who hike in all kinds of conditions, including wet and rocky trails.
And Who Should Probably Look Elsewhere?
- Hikers with super wide feet (unless you can try them on first!).
- Backpackers hauling heavy loads over tough terrain.
- Anyone who needs maximum breathability when it’s hot and humid.
All in all, I’m pretty happy with the LOWA Taurus Pro GTX MID. They’re a dependable and comfortable choice for most of my hiking escapades. Just make sure you think about what kind of hiking you’ll be doing before you take the plunge. Happy trails!