Lowa Women’s Lavena II

Details: $679, 1340g
Used by: Features and trips writer Hazel Phillips
Used for: Three years

Having thoroughly wrecked a pair of Lowa Mauria boots over several years, I decided to level up and buy the Lavena as a replacement. As gruntier boots, they’re costly but my experience with the Mauria gave me confidence.

I wasn’t mistaken. However, I’ve been more strategic with this pair and kept them for snow use only while I destroy a (cheaper) lightweight pair of boots for on-track trips. So far, they’ve done the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a few times as well as a couple of other tops trips in snow (don’t tell anyone but I’ve also gone proper alpine climbing in them).

Strap-on crampons fit them snugly and the Gore-Tex membrane is perfectly waterproof. I’ve also found them to be reasonably warm.

A feature I love is the moving roller lace hooks, which enables a comfortable fit across the top of my feet.

Verdict: A robust boot that will stand up to winter use.