Here’s what SNEWS contributors had to say about the new Lowa line…

Lowa Boots has utilized a new injection molding technique that’s intended to shave weight from the light hikers currently in its line without diminishing the support those light hikers have long been recognized for. With the new AL-X series, Lowa injects polyurethane and other polymers into a mold to create a single, continuous piece of material that not only serves as the midsole, but also wraps over the upper portion of the shoe.

One goal of the technology is to reduce the amount of materials and layers need to form the midsole and upper, and the shoe succeeds in this regard. But does it shave that much weight? Well, a pair of men’s size 9 shoes is 2.4 pounds per pair — definitely not a big difference from other low-cut hikers on the market, but the weight is right in line with other shoes offering good support in a relatively lightweight package. Also, the AL-X 66 has a trim profile and feels pretty nimble on the trail.

One thing the AL-X line will certainly do is attract customers. The Mono-Wrap construction lends it a unique look that should stand out on the shelves. For the vast majority of consumers hiking a few miles on established trails, the AL-X series should be pretty popular.

SNEWS Rating: 4 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

To see the full review, click here.

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