While benefitting from a women’s specific fit, the Lowa Lavena Evo GTX does have some downsides, says Kirsty Pallas.

The Lowa Lavena Evo GTX is a completely women’s specific boot, built on a women’s last rather than a downsized men’s boot. I found it had slightly more volume than the other boots in the test and would use a thicker sock to pad it out.

Kirsty Pallas’ verdict

Overall, this boot wasn’t quite as warm and secure as I’d hoped but the price and features are good.
Pros
  • price
  • women-specific last
Cons
  • warmth
  • comfort
Quick specs
Price: £275
Weight: 1304g (UK5 pair)
B rating: B2
Waterproofing: Goretex
Upper: Suede
Crampon welts: Heel welt
Sole: Vibram Alp Trac
Sizes: EU 36.5-43 or UK 3.5-9 with half sizes
Men’s version? Yes, the Ticam Evo
www.lowa.co.uk

The outer is mostly suede, but there’s no other insulation or padding around the upper, so I found these surprisingly cold. The suede also wet out quickly, and although the Goretex stopped any water getting through, that wetness did contribute to the feeling of coldness. I could feel the heel bail of my crampon when it snapped on, which was uncomfortable for long periods of walking.

There’s better padding around the ankle, with flex zones built in for movement, and a rubber rand around the heel, toe and inside of the boot.

The Vibram sole is grippy on rock, and has medium sized lugs for wet grass and mud. There’s a very generous climbing zone at the front of the boot which runs not only under the toes, but also the forefoot and towards the arch of the foot. This is well suited for mountaineering or scrambling but does limit the ability to kick steps, without more lugs to slice away at the snow. It is set up ready for resoling as well.

An asymmetrically padded tongue prevents hotspots and keeps it comfortable, but it doesn’t connect to the boot that high up, which leaves gaps for water and debris to get in. The rest of the lacing runs through roller eyelets, and the top one locks the laces in place before three hooks to allow for comfort and flexibility.

Overall, this boot wasn’t quite as warm and secure as I’d hoped. The price and features are good, but make sure the fit works for you.

Testing Conditions

Kirsty is a UK size 5/EU 38, with a wide forefoot. These boots were tested in winter 2024 in the Scottish Highlands on both personal mountaineering days, and delivering winter skills courses in all weather and conditions. All weights are from Kirsty’s own scales.

This review was first published in the February 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. To compare this model to others suited to winter mountain days, as chosen by the experts, see our guide to the best winter mountaineering boots.