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Lowa Vertex GTX Hiking Boot - Mens
Lowa's Vertex GTX hiking boot is one of the most lightweight, innovative boots on the market. Winner of Outside magazine's Gear of the Year 2004, Backpacker magazine's 2004 Editor's Choice Award, and 2004 Camping Life Editor's Choice Award. The Vertex utilizes Lowa's solid engineering and Gore-Tex materials to create this lightweight, waterproof, breathable masterpiece. The Vibram Vertex rubber sole has a non-slip universal profile. The thermo-plastic cuff is an anatomical and asymetyrical cuff that aligns itself with the actual axis of the ankle and lower leg. It is there to prevent ankle injuries. It is the first of it's kind in the world of hiking boots. Says Backpacker in the March 2004 Gear Guide, “Old school: The only way to get support is with big boots. New school: Combine innovative design with lightweight material, and go to the head of the class."
On Sale
$224.95 $156.95 
They will hear you coming in comfort.
I have had these boots for quite some time now. I've used them from Rocky Mountain National Park to Boiling Lake in Dominica to the rainforests of Costa Rica. I love the stability to weight ratio of these boots. I hate, however, the fact that the boots squeek with every foot fall. The plastic support is articulated to another piece of plastic. The pivot creates a plastic on plastic squeek. If not for the noise, these would get 5 stars.
Great comfort and support
I bought the Vertex GX's and put them to the test elk hunting in Colorado- great comfort and stability. I noticed same squeaking zen_greg referred to- not good when stalking the great wapiti. I corrected this by applying Body Glide with a jack knife blade into the boot ankle joints. I could use Vaseline or other lube, but Body Glide lasts long and won't leach out polymers in boot plastic (e.g. triathletes know using Vaseline or vege spray on wetsuit is a no-no). Day 3 of hunt rained and moisture in boot despite gaiters- sending to Gore for testing and will provide update with results.
Update
See previous review. Gore said boots failed centrifugal water resistance test. They say boot failure causes are either material, lining insertion process, or stitching. Gore offered to replace with any boot. In spite of failure, I went with Vertex GTX- I'm hooked on design and fit.
Lowa GTX
Remarkably stable and surefooted.
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Training Tips
Heart monitors are useful for knowing when you are in the right zone for your training efforts. If you understand what your maximum heart rate is, you can set up your monitor to beep at you when you exceed the high or low range of your heart rate for the type of workout you are doing.
Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.
Anaeroic threshold is when lactic acid starts to build up in your body as your muscles are not getting the oxygen they require. This threshold is typically expressed as a percentage of your VO2 max - the amount of oxygen per kilogram of weight that a person can use in converting fuel to energy. Elite athletes threshold might be as high as 90% of VO2 max.
Efficient running position allows you to run farther and faster. Keep the heel raise to a minimum, relax your upper body and hands, keep your upper body poised and quiet.
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