Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1519846
One of the ever popular tactical boots from LOWA is their lightweight multi-functional Zephyr, a synonym to tactical sneaker. Its lighter brother is Innox, developed for urban environ- ments. Z6 and Z8 are bigger, heavier and more rugged as boots better suited for use in terrain. At the peak of GWOT and combat operations in Afghanistan, LOWA Elite Desert was developed to face the harsh reality of extreme terrain of Hindukush or Pamir mountain passes. These were even heavier, more durable, stiffer and had rugged soles. When Allied forces withdrew from Afghanistan Elite Desert was phased out. The gap between the Z6/Z8 and the Desert Elite has just been filled by a new generation of LOWA BREACHER boots available in two heights, a co- uple of colors and leather versions. It is a truly multi-functional footwear, suitable for the use in urban environments and in off-road conditions. Main focus was on stability, ruggedness and protection. There are two versions of upper (175 mm high MID and 200 mm HIU), with full-grain, nubuck or suede uppers, with and without GORE-TEX lining. Depending on the version, the upper con- sists of 65-90% of leather (or suede) and 10-35% of synthetic or natural fabric. The leather is for durability and stability and fabrics play a major role in proper moisture management and bre- athability. Heel and toes are protected with an additio- nal wrap-around rubber band for increased resistance. Toe cap has additional protective inserts from polymer as now LOWA Task Force boots are EU PPE Regulations compliant and made according to ISO 20347:2012 safety standard as certified work boots. The BREACHER boot has embedded high-per- formance protection of the ankle area against injuries caused by external impacts. The protec- tion of the inner and outer ankles is ensured by a PORON® padding. The www.fragoutmag.com