Lowa Skyterra review: A versatile trail runner that rivals the Hoka Challenger 7

Born in Bavaria, Germany, just over a century ago, Lowa is a highly trusted and well-respected footwear brand across Europe, but it is better known for its excellent hiking boots, such as the Renegade Evo GTX, than for top-level trail-running shoes.

In fact, Lowa only launched its off-road running range in 2025, with the well-received Amplux and Madrix models. The Skyterra is the latest shoe in the fleet, and it appears to occupy a middle ground between the two earlier shoes, combining the versatility of the Amplux with the high-performance capability of the Madrix.

I’ve tested plenty of Lowa boots and walking shoes in the past, but this is the first time I’ve had the chance to put on the brand’s running shoes.

I was confident these shoes would offer top-quality construction, well-considered design and good durability, but I was curious to see how they’d balance all that with lightweight functionality and fleet-of-footness. There was only one way to find out, so I put a pair to the test on a wide range of terrain and in all sorts of conditions.

Lowa Skyterra review

Price & availability

The Skyterra is available now directly from Lowa for men and women, as well as on various online outdoor and running-oriented sites and in brick-and-mortar outlets. In terms of price as well as style, they’re positioned between the more utilitarian Amplux and elite-leaning Madrix Evo.

As such, in Britain you can expect to pay around £160, while in the United States a pair will set you back about $190 and across the European Union you’re looking at €170.

Design and materials

The Lowa designers have opted for a nice, neutral heel-to-toe drop of 6mm on the Skyterra, which will suit most trail runners. Like the Madrix, the Skyterra boasts a brilliantly grippy Vibram outsole, but it lacks a carbon-composite propulsion plate, with the focus instead on midsole cushioning to provide a more comfortable ride over longer distances.

I don’t know what’s actually in DynaTPE, which Lowa calls the material that makes up most of the generously stacked midsole, but it offers a decent amount of energy return.

The upper is made with synthetic mesh, reinforced by a TPU frame, and a reinforced rand goes right around the shoe, shielding the lower foot from injury-inducing obstacles. This rises around the heel, and there’s also a toecap to protect your pinkies.

The tongue is fully integrated with the chassis to stop grit and other trail debris from getting into the shoe, and there’s a pull hoop on the heel.

Overall, it’s a very well-designed shoe, but one thing I find very annoying is the short laces – you can barely get a double bow done up, and if you use the upper eyelets, it’s hard to do that up at all.

It’s a minor quibble, but it seems such an odd decision to skimp on the length of the laces when so much thought has gone into the rest of the shoe.

Performance

Lowa pitches the Skyterra as a shoe for long-distance outings, but in reality, it performs just as well on short and mid-length runs as it does on epic adventures.

I have worn these shoes while doing parkruns (including the UK’s toughest, on the soft sands of Great Yarmouth’s North Beach, where I was very grateful for the integrated tongue, which kept most of the sand out) and I’ve also used them for marathon-distance challenges.

In all cases, I’ve been very happy with their performance, and it’s worth noting that they’re also good on all kinds of terrain, from sealed and hard-packed surfaces through to technical woodland trails and rocky beaches.

It is true, however, that the fit, feel, and design of the Skyterra make it very comfortable to wear for longer periods, with the midsole providing the perfect mixture of cushioning and rebound, and the 6mm drop just right for maintaining a low centre of gravity and keeping your balance.

The upper is supportive without being restrictive (something I really appreciate, with my wide feet), and while they’re not waterproof (a good thing, in my opinion), they breathe well and let water drain out after stream and river crossings.

The 4.5mm lugs on the Vibram outsole supply reliable grip on almost all surfaces, and the intelligent tread design uses multi-directional chevrons to assist with control and braking, which really instils confidence when you’re running on loose, wet and slippery terrain. The studs are well-spaced, too, so in most circumstances, you don’t collect too much mud to cart around the trails and carry over the hills.

I’ve grown to really love these Skyterra, and they remain the trail shoe I reach for most often at the moment, no matter what kind of off-road run I’m about to do. I just wish Lowa had used a better length lace.

Verdict

With the Skyterra, heritage-soaked outdoor Bavarian brand Lowa have used a century of experience in making durable, protective and high-performing hiking footwear and then applied a miracle weight-loss treatment to make the resulting running shoe nift and swift. This versatile trail-running hoof is extremely versatile, with the requisite grip, support and cushioning all in place to provide a comfortable ride over any distance or terrain.

Also consider

If you're looking for a more performance-oriented shoe, try the slightly more expensive Madrix Evo or check out the lightweight Hoka Tecton X 3, both of which come armed with carbon plates for aggressive propulsion. For comfort, performance, and functionality during longer runs, right up to ultra-distance, the Hoka Mafate 5 and award-winning Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 are both excellent alternatives to the Lowa Skyrterra.