For the last few years I have been wearing the LOWA Z-8S Tactical Boot every day while wearing the uniform serving in the military. I’m constantly on my feet all day long, and even though my Lowa Z-8S are still in excellent condition, I was eligible for a new boot purchase and noticed that Lowa recently released a new boot that followed all the criteria needed for me to wear them in uniform.
The Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol is an AR 670-1 compliant tactical boot that is lightweight, waterproof, extremely durable, and comfortable to wear. Although you may find other tactical boots lighter than the R-8S GTX Patrols, the difference will be minimal, but these boots are built to last longer and protect your feet better than mostly any other tactical boots on the market today.
Price
At the time of this article, the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrols are listed at $285. This may seem higher than other tactical boots but these boots are extremely durable and should last you much longer than less expensive models.
Specs
Weight: 660 g/Single Shoe
Shaft Height: 8 inches
Upper: Split leather/fabric material
Insole: ATC
Midsole: DuraPU®
Outsole: LOWA® Patrol
AR 670-1 Compliant: Coyote Brown
Lining: GORE-TEX
Stabilizer: Hard
Pros
Lightweight
Highly breathable
Waterproof
Great ankle support
Very durable
Short break-in time
Plenty of toe room
Superb stability
Cons
Extremely slipper on ice (like a newborn giraffe)
Higher cost
Insole stitching
Lacing replacement often
First Impression
The first couple of times I saw these boots were on other serving military members. The boots looked very sharp when in uniform.
So I got a pair myself! I wear a size 11 shoe and went up half a size. But my friend who also has a pair of the R-8S Patrols wears the same size as his shoes are, so it really depends on the individual. Return policies today are pretty standard in that if they don’t fit properly, you should be able to exchange them no problem.
As soon as I put them on I felt something in one of my boots, and it was a piece of material sewn on the insole, keeping the layers together is my guess. I had to grab a pair of scissors and cut a bit of it off. The other insole had this also but it was a smaller piece of fabric so I didn’t notice it. I don’t have any issues with it now.
I did have some bad shin splints for the initial day or two wearing them, but that’s to be expected with such a rugged boot.
Walk around
Top
I personally found the pull loop to be a bit thin. I would have much preferred perhaps a 1″ wide pull tab. That being said, the webbing material is very nice rather than the Lowa Z-8S boot which used a suede leather pull loop which flopped down and was difficult to get a grip on. The Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol pull tab also is in a good location at the top of the boot making it easy to pull the boot onto your foot.
The amount of padding on the top of the R-8S Patrols, which surrounds the lower calf, is very adequate which adds both comfort and protection. What I like too is how the top tapers off as it goes back, which also gives you more mobility.
Middle
Something I noticed is on the middle back of the R-8S is a circular area where there’s no suede leather, which allows for better ankle rotation.
With this area being made of a combination of suede leather and non-mesh material, my ankles are covered by the suede leather material which offers a good amount of protection.
Front
The lacing on the boot is okay, but it isn’t the greatest. I would have much preferred a more paracord style lacing, or 3mm speed laces like the ones sold by GORUCK. These laces don’t collect mud or debris, and they also rinse off and dry a lot quicker than the laces that come with the Lowa R-8S. If you do decide to go with GORUCK’s 3mm speed laces, make sure to read the sizing chart for the correct length of laces for an 8″ boot!
Another issue I have with the boot on the front specifically, and this is just my personal preference, is the lace-locking system. I’ve never had an issue with my boot laces not being tight enough, and these locks feel like they might snap off if I pull too hard on the laces. I have a friend who has worn the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrols longer than I have, and they really like the lace-locking system! So it all comes down to preference.
At the top of the boot tongue is a little spot for you to run your laces through, but I kept mine out. Again, just my preference, but it’s an option if that’s what you like. The face of the tongue is mainly suede leather giving you lots of protection. Lowa also has a gap in the middle of the tongue where there’s no suede leather for great flexibility, especially when you’re in the crouch position.
Bottom
The outsole of the boot has a 2” height (AR 670-1 compliant) and a good amount of traction on the bottom which will give you stability and grip on rugged terrain off-trail or in the backcountry.
The sole and the upper is joined by a single injection which provides the highest precision with a direct and solid connection.
I have plenty of toe room as well. Keep in mind I did go up half a size from the shoes I wear. The outsole of this boot is very hard, which means it will last longer and offer better traction in the field, but if you even step on a patch of ice, watch out! I’ve almost slipped on my backside a few times.
Functionality
The Lowa R-8S Patrols are ideal for hiking, hunting, law enforcement, military members, or just every day life. By no means do they only look good in uniform, but also in just a plain pair of jeans! I wear these boots as much as I can due to their comfort and appearance. My other pair of Lowas, the Z-8S, have a more aggressive look to them, but the Lowa R-8S have a very simple and low-key look which looks great in civilian attire.
Quality & Workmanship
I am very impressed with the overall stitching. Very clean and I didn’t find any broken or loose threads either.
The only issue I had at all with the workmanship was with the insole on one of the boots. Like I said previously, there was a piece of material sewn on both insoles, but one of them was noticeable when I put the boot on for the first time. A simple cut with the scissors fixed the issue though!
You’ll also find Lowa’s signature logo indented on the side and on the tongue.
Durability
Having an ultra-lightweight combat boot may feel nice at first, but when wearing them in rigorous conditions such as hiking, or when on training exercises, or on deployment overseas, day in and day out, they’re eventually going to fall apart.
The Lowa R-8S though are designed to take a beating, protect your feet all day long, and do so for years. This boot is extremely durable and you shouldn’t have to replace it soon at all!
AR 670-1 & AFI 36-2903 Compliant
The Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol is both AR 670-1 Compliant & AFI 36-2903 Compliant. This means this tactical boot can be worn by both US Army members while wearing multicam or OCP, and US Air Force members can wear them while in their OCP.
As far as I know, the Lowa R-8S is the second boot by Lowa to be AR-670-1 compliant after the Lowa Zephyr II boot.
Gortex
The Lowa R-8S Patrol has a GORE-TEX liner which is a waterproof liner and also keeps both hot and cold temperature from penetrating the boot, keeping your feet comfortable in any and every circumstance! Believe me, if your feet are in bad shape, it can ruin your entire day. I’ve never usually bought GORE-TEX boots because I found them to be larger and they made my feet sweat way more, but I don’t have that issue with these! To be honest, if I didn’t see GORE-TEX on the side of the boot or the liner itself on the inside, I wouldn’t have guessed that it had GORE-TEX by the feel of it. Also, the GORE-TEX liner itself is cushioned.
Alternative option
If the price of the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol is slightly too high, then I would highly recommend buying a pair of Belleville tactical boots. For a cheaper cost, you’re still getting a tactical boot that is very supportive, lightweight, and AR 670-1 Compliant.
Another option as well is the GORUCK MACV-1 Coyote Suede which were specifically designed to meet the needs of the Special Forces community. If it’s good enough for them, it’ll sure meet your requirements.
Conclusion
I am extremely pleased with the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrols. They have done an awesome job at meeting my requirements while serving in the Armed Forces. They’re durable, lightweight, waterproof, and look darn good too!
If you’re looking for a tactical combat boot that can handle the rugged terrain, then I highly suggest that you invest in this boot! I know I’ll be wearing these boots for the foreseeable future both while in uniform and while out hiking, fishing, or hunting.
Thank you for checking out my review on the Lowa R-8S GTX Patrol boot!
The views expressed in this article are the personal views of myself and do not necessarily represent the Department of National Defence, or it’s components.