What Is Ankle Shield Technology & How Does It Benefit The New LOWA Boots 2022?

LOWA has been relied upon for providing durable, supportive & versatile footwear for nearly 100 years now. Having led the way in introducing new boot technologies across the decades, LOWA continues to innovate and look for new ways to enhance the performance and quality of their footwear. The new LOWA boots which will be available to buy from January 2023, highlight this evolution. 

The newest additions to the LOWA Professional boots collection are:


COMBAT BOOT MK2 GTX




BREACHER Range of boots 



The new LOWA boots are packed full of original properties found in existing LOWA military boots, including Gore-Tex® technology and PU midsoles, alongside a whole host of new innovations. This includes anti-slip soles, Rayflect® cooling technology, and new ankle shield, or AS® technology, which we’ll focus on in this blog. Both the Combat Boot MK2 and Breacher range of boots use the new ankle shield technology to enhance the comfort, support and protection that they offer. Let’s take a closer look at how this technology works. 


How Does LOWA AS® Technology Work?


Through vigorous research and testing, LOWA has developed a certified ankle protection system with EN ISO 20347:2012 certification. This is all down to a 3mm circle of a specialist material known as Poron®. This is a shock absorbing material that sits just underneath the upper materials in an anatomically correct asymmetrical position. Poron® is an industrial polyurethane foam that keeps its shape, flexibility and cushioning throughout its lifetime, even when faced with multiple impacts. It absorbs vibrations and impacts to ensure feet are protected when exercising in challenging conditions, and to enhance overall comfort. In short, this small but clever technology ensures the new LOWA boots offer exceptional ankle support, to complement the other supportive features of the boot. 



Why Is LOWA AS® Technology So Important?


When undergoing any kind of physical exercise, it’s essential that your ankles are supported. When hiking, running, rucking, tabbing or yomping, if you’re not wearing the correct footwear, your ankles are susceptible to injury, particularly when exercising on rugged terrain. Whilst your ankles are flexible to an extent, they are formed on a hinge joint which means they’re designed primarily to provide motion in just one plane. This makes them a lot less conducive to rotation and movement than your shoulder muscles for example. As a result ankles are prone to rolling or twisting, particularly if you’re not wearing supportive footwear.

The Poron® used in the ankle shield technology on the new LOWA boots absorbs shocks and vibrations, reducing impact, and preventing the ankles from jarring. This is important for preventing long-term foot problems, whilst enabling you to perform at your best and in comfort. 

For more information on any of the technologies used in the new LOWA boots, or for details on how to order and fit your own pair, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01752 344355 or email [email protected]