Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo hiking shoe review

Lowa took the know-how of its popular Innox hiking boot, remodelled it into a low-cut walking shoe – and the Lowa Innox GTX Pro hiking shoe was born. Lowa reckons these synthetic, fully vegan and European-made shoes are ideal for ‘summer exploring’ – so I put them through their paces on warm weather adventures. Read on discover how they stack up against the rest of the best women's walking shoes and the best men's walking shoes. Here's my Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo hiking shoe review.

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo review: design and features

I always find Gore-Tex’s waterproofing technology reliable on test, and the Innox Pro is no exception. A waterproof membrane effectively halts heavy rain in its tracks without stopping the shoe from being breathable enough to keep you comfortable on a hike in balmy summer weather.

Grip is decent thanks to Lowa’s own-brand MULTI TRAC rubber soles. On test I found these triangular lugs (the stud-like pattern on the bottom of the shoes) gripped trails and tarmac well, but offered more limited grip on wet, slippery surfaces. If you don’t tend to go far from well-maintained trails, you’ll be a happy hiker in the Innoxes.

Looks are as neutral as a hiking shoe is likely to get, in smart navy or black that are ideal if you don’t like garishly-hued trainers or if you want footwear you could get away with wearing to work.

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo Hiking Shoe review: performance and comfort

I often say that the most important features in a walking shoe are grip and good weatherproofing – but actually, if a shoe isn’t comfortable to wear, it’s not much use for hiking anywhere, in even if it performs well in the technology stakes. Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Lo stood for its quality of build and its waterproofing, but I reckon the best thing about this model is the impressive comfort it offers straight out of the box. Deep, cushioned inner soles feel soft and springy underfoot and seem to mould instantly to the foot for a custom-feeling fit. 

Couple that cushioning with a light weight (325g per shoe for the women’s model) and you’ve got a very comfy shoe indeed that won’t feel heavy or tire your legs out even if you’re tackling miles of trails in a day. These springy shoes will also be a big comfort to anyone who works outdoors or spends hours each day on their feet.

The Innox Pro is also fairly breathable when compared to leather hiking shoes thanks to Lowa’s use of lightweight synthetic materials (this construction also makes the shoes a fully vegan pick). That said, if you want a shoe strictly for hot weather hiking or tropical travelling, I'd opt for a design that employs more mesh or has built-in air vents, instead of this more solid shoe.

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo review: alternatives to consider

If you like the weatherproof performance and delightful comfort of the Lowa Innox Pro Lo but want a shoe for colder weather or that offers more ankle support, the Innox Pro GTX Mid (£175) follows a similar design but offers better warmth and a higher cut. 

If you are considering a boot, you'll find more recommendations in our guide to the best women's hiking boots (or the best men's hiking boots), including some lightweight and minimalist options that aren't so different from a walking shoe. 

Fair-weather hiker? Lowa also makes this style with no Gore-Tex for a lower price. 

• Day hike essentials: what to pack for a single day trip
• Protect your feet with the best hiking socks

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo Hiking Shoe review: verdict

If I was to summarise Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Lo’s offerings in just one word, it’d be ‘comfort’. These shoes really are buttery-soft to slip your feet into, and you won’t notice them weighing you down or restricting you even if you’re hiking all day, every day. Waterproofing is also top-notch, but the grip will limit you to more established trails rather than tackling gnarly mountain terrain. All in all, these are a great walking shoe all-rounder, and are worth the spend if you plan to spend a lot of time on groomed trails from spring through to autumn.