A few months ago, I snagged a pair of brand new, super sleek Lowa Melrose GTX Mid Boots—and started the process of patiently waiting for the first snowfall. Fall turned into winter, and no snow. November turned into December, and no snow. I started traveling to snowy destinations in the Rocky Mountain region, and everywhere I went, the bone-dry conditions were blessed with snowfall the day after my departure. Convinced that the boots were cursed, I returned back home to Boulder, Co., and the next day—it snowed. I’ve been living in the boots ever since. And the verdict? These boots are awesome. Lowa boots are hand-crafted in Europe, using a business model that places an emphasis on sustainable practices. True to their size, the Melrose GTX Mid Boots are the perfect boot for women living in mountain towns, where the cold can seep into your bones and the snowdrift piles last well into spring.
Pros: The warmth factor in these boots is exceptional. The lining is made with GORE-TEX® Partelana® technologies, which means the fabric is durable and waterproof, but still breathable. My boots fit true-to-size, and even though it gets a little snug, they still have room for a nice pair of wool socks. The exterior of the boot is made with full grain leather, making them extremely waterproof. But it’s the sole of this boot is possibly my favorite thing about it. The grip is wonderful, even on those pesky sheets of black ice. This boot is also super stylish, and looks great with everything from jeans, to leggings, to your favorite outerwear.
Cons: While these boots will keep your feet exceptionally warm when you’re out and about outside, they can get a little toasty when you make the transition from outdoor actives to indoor activities. It’s hard to fault something for doing it’s job so well, but the toastyness factor of this boot can be slightly uncomfortable if you wear them inside for too long. Since the boots only come up to the calf level, they aren’t the best footwear option for playing around in area’s with a large snow accumulation, but the laces run up to the very top of the boot, creating a pretty solid barrier between your warm and cozy feet, and any rouge snowflakes. The Lowa Melrose GTX Mid Boots are great for casual everyday-wear, and work best for city adventures, not-so-much for backcountry fun.
Where We Took It: Sun Valley, Idaho. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boulder, Colorado.
