LOWA Madrix WS Review

Testing the LOWA Madrix

I brought the Madrix Ws because I wanted something light but cushioned. The GR221 in Mallorca is full of loose stone, and while it’s not the steepest trail, it’s repetitive on the feet. By the second day, I knew I had made the right call. The shoes handled long sections of rock without making my feet feel beat up.

The cushioning stood out most. On descents, especially, it absorbed a lot of the impact. I didn’t get that bruised-foot feeling I sometimes get in lighter shoes. And even on long, hot days, my feet felt fresh enough to keep moving. The traction held on dry stone and loose gravel. I never had a big slip, even on uneven sections.

The upper material is breathable, which helped when the heat picked up in the afternoons. I didn’t notice any hotspots or rubbing, and I wore thinner wool socks the entire time. They dried fairly quickly after a morning hike through wet grass, though they’re not waterproof, so you’ll need to be smart about where you’re taking them.

One thing I did notice: the toebox runs a bit more narrow than other LOWA shoes I’ve tried. It wasn’t a problem for me, but if you like extra room for your toes to splay out, you might feel it. I’d try them on in-store if possible. Aside from that, the fit was true and locked down well with the lacing.

They also pack well. On travel days, I didn’t mind having them in my bag. They’re light, and they don’t take up more space than a running shoe.

About the Madrix

The Madrix Ws uses a synthetic mesh upper that breathes well and keeps weight down. There’s no waterproof membrane, so it’s not made for cold, wet days, but it does dry fast if you get caught out. The LOWA DynaTPE® and rebound plate is what gives the shoe its cushioning and spring. It absorbs impact without making the shoe feel unstable or soft.

The outsole has a grippy tread, designed for mixed trail use. It’s not ultra-aggressive, but it holds well on gravel and loose terrain. The heel and forefoot both have enough structure to protect against sharp rocks without adding stiffness.

Fit-wise, this is a lower-volume shoe. It holds the foot securely, but if you have a wide forefoot or like room to move around, it might feel snug. I liked the heel hold, and the lacing helps dial in fit easily.

The colorways are well done. Not something I always care about, but on this shoe, I appreciated it. It felt like something I could wear off-trail, too, which helps when you’re traveling light with a lot on the itinerary, as I often am.