When it comes to choosing the right footwear for outdoor adventures or military applications, the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid Outdoor Boots and the Lowa Z-8N GTX C Boots stand out for their unique features and capabilities.
Each boot is crafted with precision, catering to specific needs in demanding environments. The Zephyr GTX Mid is celebrated for its lightweight design and multifunctional desert use, making it a favorite among military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
In contrast, the Z-8N GTX C boots are engineered for robust performance in challenging terrains, offering exceptional support and durability for long marches.
As we see the details of these two remarkable models, we’ll uncover their defining characteristics, helping you decide which boot is best suited for your adventures and activities.
Please also check these products’ features on their official websites because sometimes our articles may contain errors.
1. Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid Men’s Outdoor Boots
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Description
The Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid Men’s Outdoor Boots are a highly acclaimed model, specifically recommended for military use and adopted by Italian soldiers in Afghanistan.
These boots are also popular among armed forces, surveillance, and security personnel. Ideal for airsoft and military tactics simulation in sandy environments, the boots feature high-quality materials and construction to ensure durability and comfort.
Main Features and Materials
- Category: Multifunctional desert
- Upper: Suede leather (1.4-1.6 mm thickness) with Cordura
- Sole: “Cross” rubber sole with PU midsole for shock absorption
- Lining: Available in Gore-Tex or fabric (cooler option)
- Lacing: Eyelets and 3 closed hooks
- Shoe Height: 145mm external, 110mm internal
- Sizes: From 6 (39.5) to 13 (48.5)
- Weight: 1100 gr per pair, up to 600 gr per shoe
- Shoe Seasonality: Summer/Multi-seasonal
- Shoe Use: Rocky desert
Additional Notes:
- ISO 9001 Certificate: LOWA was the only trekking footwear company globally to get this certification in 2009, reflecting excellence in management processes and production quality.
- Lowa Lasts: Custom lasts, not supplied by standard Asian factories.
- Patented Gore-Tex Construction: Seamless lining for reduced pressure points and perfect waterproofing.
2. Lowa Z-8N GTX C Boots
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Description
The Lowa Z-8N GTX C Boots are robust and lightweight combat boots featuring a raised shaft. These boots provide guaranteed weather protection, being waterproof, windproof, and breathable due to the GORE-TEX membrane.
Designed for medium-width feet, they offer an excellent fit and combine the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship. The high-quality leather upper material ensures durability and resistance, while the sole construction provides stability and support in all conditions.
These boots are ideal for demanding terrains and marches with medium-heavy packs, offering slip-resistant, oil- and fuel-resistant properties, and heat and cold insulation. The Z-8N GTX C boots are also antistatic and approved as occupational shoes according to EN ISO 20347:2012 standards.
Main Features and Materials
- Weather Protection: Waterproof, windproof, and breathable thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane.
- Fit: Excellent for medium-width feet.
- Upper Material: 100% nubuck leather.
- Durability: High-quality leather ensures resistance and durability.
- Sole: Use-optimized rubber compound with slip-resistant, oil- and fuel-resistant properties, and heat and cold insulation.
- Construction: Lightweight, flexible, and multifunctional.
- Support: Mid-height upper for optimum grip and support.
- Cushioning: Durable PU material of the sole provides very good cushioning and step stability.
- Lining: GORE-TEX Professional for an optimum foot climate.
- Antistatic: Yes.
- Approval: Occupational shoe following EN ISO 20347:2012.
- Shaft Height: Inside 175 mm, ISO 200 mm, Outside 210 mm.
- Sole Name: LOWA TACTICAL Z TRAC.
- Weight: 1430 g.
- Type of Construction: Injected.
- Code: WR (Water Resistance), SRA (Slip Resistance), O2 (Occupational Footwear without Toe Protection), HRO (Outsole Resistance to Hot Contact), HI (Heat Insulation of Sole Complex), FO (Resistance to Fuel/Oil of Outsole), CI (Cold Insulation of Sole Complex).
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two products:
- Category and Use:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Multifunctional desert boot recommended for military use, airsoft, and military tactics simulation in sandy environments.
- Z-8N GTX C: Combat boot designed for demanding terrain and marches with medium-heavy packs.
- Upper Material:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Suede leather (1.4-1.6 mm thick) + Cordura.
- Z-8N GTX C: 100% nubuck leather.
- Shaft Height:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: External height 145mm, internal height 110mm.
- Z-8N GTX C: Inside height 175mm, outside height 210mm.
- Weight:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: 1100 grams per pair.
- Z-8N GTX C: 1430 grams per pair.
- Sole:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: “Cross” rubber sole with PU midsole for shock absorption.
- Z-8N GTX C: LOWA TACTICAL Z TRAC sole, slip-resistant, oil- and fuel-resistant, heat- and cold-insulating.
- Lining:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Available with GORE-TEX lining or cooler fabric.
- Z-8N GTX C: GORE-TEX Professional membrane.
- Special Features:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Patented seamless GORE-TEX lining for reduced pressure points and perfect waterproofing.
- Z-8N GTX C: Antistatic, certified as occupational footwear (EN ISO 20347:2012), with various resistances (water, slip, heat, cold, fuel/oil).
- Sizes:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Sizes from 6 (39.5) to 13 (48.5).
- Z-8N GTX C: Not specified.
- Construction:
- Zephyr GTX Mid: Not specified.
- Z-8N GTX C: Injected construction.
4. Which is Better?
The Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid and the Z-8N GTX C Boots serve different purposes, making each better suited for specific scenarios.
The Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid Men’s Outdoor Boots are highly recommended for multifunctional desert use and are particularly appreciated by military personnel in sandy environments, such as those deployed in Afghanistan. These boots are also ideal for airsoft and military tactics simulation activities.
Made from suede leather with a Gore-tex lining, they offer excellent waterproofing and breathability. The boots feature a “Cross” rubber sole and PU midsole, providing great shock absorption and ankle support without restricting movement.
Their lightweight design (600 grams per shoe) makes them suitable for summer or multi-seasonal use, particularly in rocky desert terrains.
On the other side, the Lowa Z-8N GTX C Boots are robust, lightweight combat boots designed for demanding terrains and marches with medium-heavy packs. They are made from high-quality nubuck leather, ensuring durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
These boots feature a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof and breathable performance, making them suitable for strenuous activities. The sole construction offers excellent slip resistance, oil and fuel resistance, and insulation against heat and cold. The Z-8N GTX C boots also provide superior stability and support, with a mid-height upper that ensures an optimal grip.
Which is better: the Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid boots are better for lightweight, multifunctional use in sandy and rocky desert environments, ideal for activities that require flexibility and comfort.
The Lowa Z-8N GTX C Boots are better suited for demanding terrains and heavy-duty use, providing robust support and durability for long marches and challenging conditions.