Footwear TermsAWP: Asymmetric Walking Position
The ankle section of men's boots is set at a 2 degree outward angle to provide a more balanced stance, less fatigue and easier overall break-in period. A woman's stance is more upright and therefore this angling is not needed. Climate Control System
This moisture management system keeps feet dry, protecting against blisters and hot spots. A series of perforations, or holes, inside the boot's cuff lining allows air to enter the boot lining while walking movement "pumps" heat and moisture back out through the holes. Moisture is pulled away from the foot and evaporates while walking. Comfort Cuff
Contoured soft, expandable cuffs for optimum fit and comfort - helps eliminate pressure points. Specially developed for women's boots to reduce rubbing and discomfort around the back of the Achilles and ankle areas. Comfort Cuff Spoiler
Special women's-only feature provides extra comfort around the back of the Achilles area. Extremely soft and flexible for optimum comfort. Cordura® Fabric
Woven nylon or polyester/nylon fabric that is abrasion-resistant and very durable. Crampons
Metal "teeth" which attach to the bottom of a mountaineering boot. Used for climbing ice or traveling on snow. Crampons come in two primary styles - Strap-on crampons attach by strapping onto the boot. With this crampon style, midsole/outsole does not need to be completely rigid.
- Step-in has special ridges at front toe and back heel areas for attachment. With this crampon style,midsole/outsole must be semi-rigid.
Dri-Lex lining
Woven Hydrofil® nylon moves moisture away from the foot. Helps keep the foot ventilated and dry, eliminating blisters. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
An ultra lightweight foam with cushioning properties. Often used in midsoles and heel wedges. Footbed
The material that is sandwiched between the midsole and sole of your foot. Often times it is anatomically shaped and conforms to the curves of the last. Footbeds are generally made of leather or other synthetic materials. LOWA's Climate Control footbed allows moisture to wick through and be moved away from the foot. Full Grain Leather
Leather that comes from the outer part of the hide, typically fairly thick and durable. Used mostly in the upper part of the boot. Holds color well. Could be found with nubuck or pull-up leather. Glove Leather
Leather is nature's original moisture management and climate regulator. Soft leather lining cradles the heel and foot area and conforms to the shape of your foot (like a leather glove). *Leather lining, like any "skin," needs to be occasionally cleaned and moisturized. GORE-TEX®
Patented membrane that offers waterproof and breathable comfort in footwear. Made of ultra lightweight, micro porous Teflon® (PTFE). GORE-TEX® lined boots are identified by the "GTX®" symbol after the LOWA boot name. GORE-TEX® XCR™
Provides climate control comfort in warmer temperatures and during increased physical activity. Ideal in wet, warm conditions to keep feet cool and comfortable. GORE-TEX® XCR™ boots are identified with the "GTX® XCR" symbol after the LOWA boot name. Lasts
The last determines the inner shape of the boot and is the major component in determining fit. LOWA lasts are gender-specific and precisely designed according to years of anatomical data about foot shapes and sizes. Lasts are a molded cast of a foot shape. This provides the form or template, which the leather upper is shaped upon. Micro-suede
An ultra lightweight and durable synthetic leather with water repellent properties. Micro-suede is used in our ATC Outdoor Fitness collection of footwear. Midsole
The Midsole is the portion of the boot between the leather upper and rubber outsole. Midsole is often made of PU (polyurethane). Provides cushioning and shock absorption, stability and support. Nubuck Leather
Full grain leather that has been lightly sanded for a softer, suede-like finish. Durable and rugged, Nubuk is generally used in the upper portion of the boot. Outsole
The outsole is generally made of rubber, providing traction and stability underfoot. Pronate
The flattening of the arch when the foot strikes the ground. Excessive pronation causes increased stress on the inside/medial aspect of the foot. PU (polyurethane)
Used most often as midsole material. PU foam has excellent cushioning properties. Rand
Most often applied to the toe and heel of a boot to protect against bumping and scraping. Rubber rands are hand-wrapped and glued on; leather rands are sewn on. Shank
Part of the midsole, providing correct torsional rigidity and appropriate flex. Nylon shanks are sandwiched between the midsole and outsole. They vary in stiffness according to usage, boot and gender. LOWA uses nylon shanks vs. steel because nylon does not conduct cold, and offers better support underfoot. Nylon is also airport-friendly. Split Leather
When leather is split and the inner, more textured side, or suede is exposed. SPS System
LOWA proprietary technology strategically places TPU (thermoplastic urethane) inserts in the PU (polyurethane) midsole. These visible harder TPU inserts create "zones" of support and literally guide the foot into a proper walking motion. Stabilizer
Plastic stabilizers are used to provide ankle stability and torsional control underfoot. Placed between the midsole and outsole, they provide flex and support. Supinate
When the ankle "tips" outward, so you are standing on the outside border of the foot. Excessive supination predisposes the ankle to injury because the stabilizing muscles on the outside of the lower leg are in a stretched position. Vibram®
One of the most respected manufacturers of outsoles. LOWA works with Vibram to provide top performance sole units for a variety of boot functions.
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