Some of these accessories help to guard against the wet and cold European weather, while others will lengthen the health and lifespan of your LOWA Boots by providing additional layers of protection. With snow already having fallen in some areas of the UK in October and the Met Office predicting there shall be an increased chance of snow towards the end of November, make sure you don’t miss out on these essentials and you’ll be thanking yourself later.
Socks
There should always be at least one layer of protection between a boot and the wearer's foot, but what is often lost in consideration is that the layer should provide the technical performance and comfort required for all day, everyday activities. Bridgedale offer a variety of socks specially designed with quality and resilience in mind. Bridgedale WoolFusion® Summit Socks and Bridgedale WoolFusion® Trekker Socks both make use of WoolFusion® to deliver durable year-round performance. This has a big pay off in winter due to their thermal and moisture control properties. Wool fusion technology mixes Enduro Wool with technical fibres so it can provide insulation, moisture wicking and durability. A lightweight sock that provides excellent protection and pertinent venting, Bridgedale CoolFusion™ TrailBlaze Socks are worth your attention due to the enhanced impact protection provided by its T2 double loop anti-compression technology.
If you’re likely to be traversing through wet terrain, whether urban or rough, Sealskinz Hiking Mid-Knee Waterproof Socks are mid-weight socks that use Merino wool lining for moisture control and comfort. These socks, along with Sealskins Mid Waterproof socks offer water and windproof technology to ward off the elements. In addition to this, the elasticated ankle and instep give additional support across all terrain and requirements. Perfect socks when your boots are wet and you know you have a sustained period in a harbour area, firm location or hard standing when you know you can dry your socks out.
Insoles
A good pair of socks goes hand in hand with a good insole, whether it be a sorbothane, superfeet, orthosole or heat moldable sole insoles. All help to absorb foot pressure. A good quality insole will help prevent and correct foot disorders, enhance comfort and more; once the weather becomes harsher and colder, the outdoors become more tedious to operate in. Every accessory has a part to play in combating the elements and potential injury.
LOWA has a range of specialised insoles on offer but there are two sets which are highly recommended for application over the winter: LOWA Climate Control Footbed and LOWA Insulate PRO Winter footbed. The former features a breathable top layer and the ability to transport moisture away from the foot, an imperative characteristic to have in aiding any long periods of continuous use. The latter has been specifically designed to be practical, washable and suitable for use in cold and wet winter months.
Gaiters
There are many LOWA boots designed to meet the demands of inclement weather, but Winters are becoming unpredictable and the last few have offered up unforeseen challenges that can put even the toughest military boot through the wringer. Having a pair of gaiters is a good way of preparing for the unexpected as they can be easily packed into a Bergen. They are relatively quick to put on although there is knack to doing this. Gaiters provide a substantial layer of protection to help keep wearers dry and comfortable and if you can keep the gaiters on the boots for the duration of the winter then even better.
What’s more, with the use of gaiters, the lifespan of military boots (LOWA or otherwise) will be increased thanks to the added protection from water, mud, snow or rocks. Berghaus Yeti Attak GORE-TEX® Gaiters are highly recommended and a firm favorite with military personnel while on exercise on Dartmoor, Otterburn or Salisbury Plain They form a perfect combination with winter-ready boots such as LOWA Mountain Boots and utilise GORE-TEX® for added toughness, reliable waterproof protection and breathability.
Boot Care
The last line of defense comes down to the prevention of damage. The better care you take of your LOWA boots, the longer they will last (this is especially true in winter). A lot of damage can be caused by dirt and mud entering the boot material. You can use a professional leather cleaner such as Lowa shoe clean boot cleaning spray, that does more than simply clean your boots. It can be used with a brush to buff up leather and rough up suede and nubuck. As for a suitable brush, look no further than the LOWA Triangular Boot Cleaning Brush, which features three sides to it: a nylon and brass nap, a rubber buff and an eraser. Perfect for not only removing dirt and mud but also for eliminating grease stains and supporting general boot maintenance.
LOWA Active Cream has been developed to maintain Lowa boots by adding a waterproofing layer that still allows the membrane of the material to breath. The cream has been designed to be applicable to leather and GORE-TEX fabric, meaning it is perfect for the vast range of LOWA Military boots. There is also LOWA Water Stop Pro Spray that applies waterproofing as well as a water, oil, and dirt repellent layer conditioning and maintaining breathability of fine fibers. This is a must for any leather boots in winter because when water or dirt sticks and soaks into the leather it can lose its breathability. Using this spray when the boots are still damp after cleaning, means the boots’ leather pores are still wide open and the treatment will penetrate the leather better. It is always worth the extra effort to keep them in the best possible condition - take proper care of your boots, and they will take proper care of you.
