I walked down the streets of Midtown Atlanta.
Although I had a pair of technical hiking boots on, I didn’t look out of place in the urban sidewalks. On my feet were the Lowa Oslo GTX boots, versatile winter boots perfect for adventure travel.
In Atlanta, where I was for a travel influencer summit, the Oslo GTX boots handled the cool-rainy Atlanta weather with ease. But the boots can also be used (and are meant) for more intense endeavors, whether that is hiking in subfreezing temperatures or handling the vile NYC slush.
The Oslo GTX Mid boots have a nubuck upper, shock absorbing polyurethane midsole and grippy outsole. Inside of these boots is what makes them warm and waterproof: the Gore-Tex membrane and fleece lining.
Here are my thoughts on the boots:
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Great ankle support
- Insulated and warm (GORE-TEX Partelana fleece lining)
- Waterproof, has GORE-TEX membrane
- Lightweight (2.6 lb for a pair in size 9 according to my scale)
- Versatile – can be worn for hikes or in the city
- European made
One of the first aspects I’ve noticed when I put the Lowa boots on was how lightweight they were. Most other boots I’ve tested felt clunky in comparison. The soles of the Lowa boots are much lighter those of other winter boots and are the main cause in weight difference.
Fit:
The Lowa Oslo GTX Mid boots are true to size, as I’m a size 9 in Keen, Nike, Timberland and Lowa. The width is normal and fits me perfectly.
These boots are snug but have enough room for me to wear a warm pair of wool socks, like my Injinji outdoor merino wool toe socks or my Columbia socks that I got at The Clymb. When wearing the boots, you can customize the fit with the lacing system.
Since these are hiking boots, they’re comfortable enough to be worn all day and for walking long distances.
Warmth and Waterproof:
These boots are completely waterproof. The nubuck upper by itself can keep water away, but can get saturated if submerged in water for a few minutes. With the Gore-Tex membrane, the boots are protected and water can’t seep through the sides of the tongue or other seams.
Another thing which I like about these boots is that I don’t need to treat the leather with any kind of wax, like I would with other boots. The Oslo GTX Mid boots are waterproof out of the box.
The boots are insulated with GORE-TEX Partelana fleece lining. If you put your hand in the shoe, you’ll feel the soft and fuzzy lining. I imagine that these boots would keep my feet comfortable to temperatures down to around 0 °F.
Once temperatures drop even lower, I will update this review on how the Oslo boots perform in heavy snow and subfreezing temperatures.
Cons:
- Hard to put on and take off. This is only an issue if you’re planning on wearing these to the airport and need to quickly remove your shoes when going through security. If being able to slip your boots on and off quickly is a priority for you, check out the Blundstone Winter Boots, which are laceless.
The Verdict:
These are top notch boots. I usually don’t rave about products and am not afraid to say I don’t like a product – but these boots really impressed me. The Lowa Oslo GTX Mid Boots are versatile, allowing you to wear them when walking down an icy sidewalk or through a rocky trail. They’re warm, lightweight and look great.
The Oslo GTX Mid boots cost retail $250, and come in dark brown/red (which I’ve reviewed) and brown/beige. Considering these boots are sturdy, warm and waterproof, the price tag is reasonable and I expect for them to last several years.
Lowa Oslo GTX Mid Boot Ratings
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10/10
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9/10
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9/10
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8/10
Where to Get These Boots:
- Get these boots on LowaBoots.com
- Also at Amazon.com
Have any questions about the Lowa Oslo GTX Mid Boot? Leave your comment below.
The Lowa Oslo GTX Mid Boots were provided for this review. As always, this Lowa Oslo GTX Mid Boot review contains only my honest views and opinions. 🙂
Jay H Z. says
Just bought a pair of Oslo and they look and feel great… Did you have an opportunity to try them out in colder conditions?
Jonathan Looi says
I have worn them in the winter and in the snow. They held up well and were warm even when I was out for hours.
Vu says
Just to let you know, you still need to clean and treat the leather. Being natural leather, it breathes. Treating it also helps the Gore membrane to perform better.
Jonathan Looi says
Hey Vu – thanks for the heads up.