Lowa Banff Lady Review

What the reviewers like:

• Great women's fit, with three widths available
• Waterproof but breathable leather, with no chemical-based linings
• Ankle-high, mid-weight -- rated for off-trail hiking and heavy backpacking loads
• Excellent traction

What the reviewers don't like:

• A bit heavy (51 oz. per pair)
• Might need breaking-in
• Not the best for those with narrow feet
• Expensive

Lowa Banff Lady review highlights

The trend in hiking boots is toward lighter weight and waterproof membranes -- and away from classic all-leather mid-weight hiking boots like the Lowa Banff and Lowa Banff Lady. However, we found quite a few owner-written reviews that appreciate the extra breathability and durability of the Lowa Banff Lady, as well as its options for a good fit. We found the most owner-written reviews at Zappos.com and Backcountry.com, but reviews at Trailspace.com and REI.com are also useful.

The Lowa Banff Lady is a mid-weight ankle-high hiking boot that's not only made on a women's last (with a men's version also available), but also comes in three widths. Experts say it's the best women-specific hiking boot. The Lowa Banff Lady hiking boots are also notable for their seamless all-leather construction -- water-repellent but more breathable than hiking boots that use a chemical membrane. Most say fit is great for most women, but a few users with very narrow feet may prefer the Lowa Renegade GTX (*est. $160) for less heel slippage.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Zappos.com
Lowa Banff Lady Reviews
Editors and contributors to Zappos.com
Not Dated

Over a dozen women rate and review the Lowa Banff Lady hiking boots here, giving them near-perfect ratings. This website gets a lot of traffic, so reviews are added regularly.

2. Backcountry.com
Lowa Banff Lady Reviews
Contributors to Backcountry.com
Not Dated

About a dozen women review the Lowa Banff Lady hiking boot here, giving it high average ratings. Some find it comfortable out of the box, while others say it requires a careful break-in period.

3. Trailspace.com
Lowa Banff Lady Reviews
Editors and contributors to Trailspace.com
Not Dated

Over a dozen men and women rate and review their respective versions of the Lowa Banff hiking boots here, praising the fit, comfort and rocker-sole design. Editors also quote several reviews from other sites.

4. REI.com
Lowa Banff Hiking Boots – Women's
Contributors to REI.com
Not Dated

A chemically-sensitive backpacker reports that this is the only hiking boot she's been able to wear. About a dozen men also review their version of the Lowa Banff at this retail site, giving it near-perfect ratings, praising its construction, fit, durability, traction and stability.

Also see full report: Hiking Boots