Overall Rating
- Comfort(5)
- Protection and support(4.5)
- Traction and grip(5)
- Performance on rock(4.5)
- Performance on snow/ice(3)
- Thermal comfort(4)
Summary
A boot with a semi-rigid sole and an important structure to withstand trekking with heavy loads and on demanding terrain. Its characteristics also make it usable for easy mountaineering ascents on snow, rock and glacier, where the excellent comfort can make long summer approaches much easier.
Pros
- Walking comfort
- Precise and adjustable lacing
- Precision on rock
Cons
- Weight above the segment average
The Lowa Ticam Evo Gtx is a semi-automatic boot designed for demanding trekking but also suitable forclassic summer mountaineering.
It is a structured and robust boot, designed to offer comfort and high performance on a variety of terrains. The special lacing system allows for the right degree of stability and control at all times.
Technical features of the Lowa Ticam Evo Gtx
- Weight: 815 g (size UK 8 / EU 42)
- Sole: Vibram Alp Trac® Numen with front climbing zone
- Upper: suede leather with Gore-Tex lining
- Midsole: 80% PU and 20% thermoplastic PU
- Inner sole: 40% polyester, 50% viscoelastic latex foam, 10% Mesh
- Tongue: C4-Tongue technology with asymmetrical padding for balanced pressure distribution
- Lacing: 2 Zone Lacing for separate adjustment of the laces on the forefoot and upper thanks to I-lock and X-Lacing technologies
- Link to the manufacturer
Test mode
I tested the Lowa Ticam Evo GTX in spring and summer 2024 on easy treks, on rock routes in the Brenta Dolomites and mixed routes in the Adamello-Presanella Group. The temperatures on the test days were varied, from below zero on snow-ice to summery on the other hikes.
Lowa Ticam Evo Gtx on-site test
Fitting and lacing
I have used the Lowa Ticam Evo GTX in the same size that I use for approach or trail running shoes, without ever having problems with blisters or discomfort on downhill stretches even after walking for many hours.
The fit is fast, snug and comfortable. Lowa gives the option at the time of purchase to choose between the standard or wide fit model with more volume in the forefoot area, for feet with a wider footbed.
The asymmetrical, softpadding of the tongue adapts well to the shape of the ankle, offering good comfort without creating pressure points.
In addition, the central insert, called the X-LACING system and consisting of an anchor around which the laces can be fixed, ensures good tongue stability. On my outings, it always stayed in place on any type of terrain and slope.
The I-LOCK lacing system, consisting of two self-locking eyelets lacedat instep level, allows for differentiated lace tightening. This feature confers considerable versatility to the boot, which can thus be used both on easy climbs, where it is important to keep the forefoot steady and the ankle mobile, and for descents on technical terrain, where the ankle must be well supported.
The sliding of the laces is facilitated by the presence of a ball bearing in the eyelets, which reduces friction making the lacing smooth.
Upper
The upper is made of suede leather, resistant to abrasion and demanding environments. The waterproof Gore-Tex inner membrane performed well, keeping the foot dry even after a few minutes under a jet of water or with the boot submerged up to instep height.
Despite the fact that these boots do not have a gaiter, I had no problems in terms of debris or snow entering the shoe.
Sole and midsole
The Sole made of Vibram Alp Trac Numen gives excellent traction in all situations, I tested it on wet and damp terrain, on rock (granite and dolomite) even wet and it always gave me confidence in my footing.
As far as durability is concerned, I have so far found no obvious abnormal signs of wear. The slight front rocker favours rolling during walking.
The midsole compound, described in the technical features, gives good shock absorption.
The boot has an intermediate stiffness: the semi-rigid sole gave me good support on mountaineering routes up to UIAA grade III and on snow channels at moderate inclines.
Use in a mountaineering environment
On rock, the performance of the boot amazed me, thanks to the excellent traction of the Sole made of Vibram, which allowed me to keep my foot firmly gripped. The climbing zone at the toe guarantees good precision even on relatively small holds for the type of shoe. They are therefore also excellent for vie ferrate at high altitude.
On snow, once the semi-automatic crampons are sheathed, the boot follows the movements of the ankle well, giving good stability. Obviously, since the Sole is semi-rigid, it is not a boot suitable for use on extreme slopes or on live ice, but on glaciers and medium-light snowfields it does its job well.
Lowa Ticam thermal comfort
On hot summer days and at low altitudes, the boot makes its structure felt and breathability inevitably suffers: feet sweat. In contrast, on spring days or at higher altitudes, the Ticam Evo GTX maintains a perfect temperature in the foot, never too hot or cold.
In a winter environment or on snow/ice, I have kept the boot on my feet for several hours without having cold problems. Only in one case, where the temperatures were lower and the day was very windy, did I start to feel cold at the toes. After all, Lowa’s Ticam Evo GTX is not a boot designed for ice climbing or winter mountaineering.
Don't miss the next reviews!
Receive product tests for your mountain activities by email.
Recommended for
The Lowa Ticam Evo GTX is a great boot for challenging treks (even multi-day treks) thanks to its really high comfort, excellent shock absorption even with heavy packs and high precision. It can also be used for classic summer mountaineering where there is a lot of walking on the approach.
These are advanced trekking boots with the right characteristics to take on – occasionally – something more challenging.
I would therefore recommend them to anyone trekking from high altitude traverses (difficulty levels EE and EEA) to easy mountaineering routes (difficulty levels up to PD), on rock, snowfields or glaciers.
