Lowa - Cadin II GTX Mid - Mountaineering boots

The Cadin II is a light mountaineering boot that is very hikeable. It's stiff and takes a semi-automatic crampon but is light and moves well enough for trekking use in rough terrain. It's somewhere between a Scarpa Zodiac Plus & Tech in terms of its functionality. Not as inflexible as the Tech but able to take a semi-auto crampon which the Zodiac Plus cannot. The Lowa DYNAPU midsole is comfortable over long distances and superior in cold temperatures to EVA models. I suffer from plantar fasciitis but this boot didn't aggravate the problem and had the right blend of cushioning and support for technical terrain.

I have used it for day-trips and multi-day treks with equal success. The lacing system includes metal eyelets above the ankle and a tough webbing which appears designed to minimise pressure over the top of the midfoot (the vamp?). This increases comfort over long distances standing on inclines. As usual with Lowa, the X-lacing system fixates the tongue. It is easy enough to overtighten the laces around the ankle however but this is easily correctable.

The boot is not insulated but the GTX Performance lining is fine for low alpine winter use or 2-3 season use at higher altitudes. The toebox is a somewhat pointy in the alpine style but I found it had more room than something like a Scarpa Mescalito. The boot is ideal for scrambling and is very protective. The durability is good so far with the only signs of wear being minor and to the neoprene built-in gaiter. Lowa can actually fix this, replace the soles etc. They have the best repair service in the business in my experience. The Cadin doesn't have a full rand but toe and heel protection is tough and a good quality rubber which shows no signs of obvious wear as yet.

I'm giving it a high rating as it is a quality product and for some buyers this might be the only boot they need for their mountain hikes & treks. The forefoot shape won't be for everyone however. In my experience, the fit is 100% consistent with other Lowa boots and true to size.