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Review

Gear review: LOWA ATR Amplux

Publication date: 30 May 2024

GearHiking shoes

LOWA recently launched their newest line, providing hikers a new option before setting out on the trails. These line, called All Terrain Running or ATR combines the quality of their premium quality of a hiking shoe with lighter, trail running fabrics making it a perfect option for long-distance hikers. So said, I tested the new LOWA ATR Amplux. LOWA, a german brand knowing for their larger boots are now entering the world of lightweight hikers with these ATR line. Exciting!

And as you might know, I’m a big fan of lower shoes for most trails in Europe. Only when the trails are wet and go through a lot of swamp areas do I take higher boots with me. But finding the right shoe is always tricky, so I tested the LOWA ATR Amplux, the new All Terrain Running shoe that a lot of hikers use. I found that it is like most other trail running shoes in that it is great for hiking in general.

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Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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About the product

LOWA recently introduced this new All Terrain Running line of shoes which offer more grip and cushioning than other models. The Lowa ATR Amplux is one of theses shoes in the new ATR line. LOWA is a company with a rich history in outdoor footwear, blending tradition and innovation since its foundation in 1923 by Lorenz Wagner in the Bavarian village of Jetzendorf, near Munich, Germany. They are well known as a maker of high-quality shoes from mountaineering to walking shoes.

I walked more than 800 kilometers in Switzerland, Austria, and France in these LOWA ATR Amplux trail running shoes, mainly on rocky and technical mountain trails. The size fits true to my ´normal´ shoe size other than other brands where you might need to size up to your normal size. It’s one of my favorite shoes for technical trails. Especially perfect for a long-distance trail in the mountains. I love the grip and stability of this line. These LOWA shoes last way longer, than competing brands, sometimes two times the time I otherwise needed to replace another similar trail running shoe. It’s a great mix between a trail running shoe and a bit heavier hiking shoe for more grip and stability.

close up photo of hiking shoes
Man jumping on rocks near grassy field

LOWA recently introduced this new All Terrain Running line of shoes which offer more grip and cushioning than other models. LOWA is a company with a rich history in outdoor footwear, blending tradition and innovation since its foundation in 1923 by Lorenz Wagner in the Bavarian village of Jetzendorf, near Munich, Germany. They are well known as a maker of high-quality shoes from mountaineering to walking shoes.

I walked more than 800 kilometers in Switzerland, Austria, and France in these LOWA ATR Amplux trail running shoes, mainly on rocky and technical mountain trails. The size fits true to my ´normal´ shoe size other than other brands where you might need to size up to your normal size. It’s one of my favorite shoes for technical trails. Especially perfect for a long-distance trail in the mountains. I love the grip and stability of this line. These LOWA shoes last way longer, than competing brands, sometimes two times the time I otherwise needed to replace another similar trail running shoe. It’s a great mix between a trail running shoe and a bit heavier hiking shoe for more grip and stability.
man hiking on asphalt road

LOWA recently introduced this new All Terrain Running line of shoes which offer more grip and cushioning than other models. LOWA is a company with a rich history in outdoor footwear, blending tradition and innovation since its foundation in 1923 by Lorenz Wagner in the Bavarian village of Jetzendorf, near Munich, Germany. They are well known as a maker of high-quality shoes from mountaineering to walking shoes.

I walked more than 800 kilometers in Switzerland, Austria, and France in these LOWA ATR Amplux trail running shoes, mainly on rocky and technical mountain trails. The size fits true to my ´normal´ shoe size other than other brands where you might need to size up to your normal size. It’s one of my favorite shoes for technical trails. Especially perfect for a long-distance trail in the mountains. I love the grip and stability of this line. These LOWA shoes last way longer, than competing brands, sometimes two times the time I otherwise needed to replace another similar trail running shoe. It’s a great mix between a trail running shoe and a bit heavier hiking shoe for more grip and stability.

Specifications

Lowa ATR Amplux
Upper Seamless REPTEX Sport (Ripstop Synthetic laminated with PU coating)
Lining Microfiber Panels
Insole ATR
Midsole Full-length high rebound DYNEVA midsole, charger plate nylon & 15% carbon, fore - / midfoot EVA midsole shell, rearfoot EVA midsole shell
Drop 6 mm
Stack height 24.5 / 18.5 mm
Outsole LOWA TRAC Agility
Weight 294g per shoe
Price €170

pro's

Grip: The sole and tread are perfect for grip in wet conditions and rocky mountain terrain.

Stability: The slightly stiffer shoe compared to other trail runners gives you a lot of stability.

Durability: The sole and tread are still intact after 800 kilometers, and they will definitely last much longer.

Comfort: Good fit and no blisters (personal for everyone, of course).

Cushioning: Nice soft cushioning compared to other models.

con's

Fabric: The fabric around the ankles tears a bit quickly on rocky trails.

Rubber: The rubber at the front of the shoe starts to lose a little after 800km.

Cushioning: They have slightly less than other well-known trail runners.

Conclusion

I’m very happy with the LOWA ATR Amplux shoes and the development of this line at LOWA. Perfect for technical trails on rocky terrain, such as hut-to-hut trekking and long-distance trails. The grip is very good compared to other trail runners. They will definitely last more than 1500km and are comfortable to wear. However, for really long walks like thru-hikes, it would be good if the shoes had a bit more cushioning.

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