The rapid introduction of man-made materials and innovation in the 1970’s such as the first polyurethane injection moulding systems were brought into operation. On the product side, ground-breaking innovations were introduced - the first vulcanised rubber soles and air injected sole units. They offered 100-percent protection from moisture, insulation from the cold, and maintained their shape despite bending and flexing.
LOWA celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2013 and is by far the largest employer in its rural headquarters of Jetzendorf just outside Munich. Lowa continues its commitment to German production as well as to its original headquarters where the company was founded 90 years earlier. In 2010 Lowa manufactured over 2 million pairs of shoes and boots & approx 8% of Lowa production capacity relates to the manufacture of the Task Force collection (black boots). Lowa also manufacture Work Boots, Ski Boots, Trekking & Hiking boots & Hunting Boots.
LOWA is the market leader in the German-speaking countries including Benelux and continues to build its prominence in the important export markets of North America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Lowa’s strategy of producing nearly 100% of its products in Germany and Europe and to remain in its headquarters in Jetzendorf still proves itself a model of success. Customers appreciate the combination of tradition, comfort and innovation and value the function, quality and fit of LOWA footwear.
Lowa’s aim is to maintain its current accounts in already established countries as well as focusing on new export markets with all of our boot and shoe collections. In the UK Lowa would like to offer a wider range of boots into the Emergency Services and increase the Steel toe capped safety boot business.
Production
Trekking boots endure a manufacturing process and most of these steps, even today, are done purely by hand before completion. LOWA choose only the finest leather from specially selected European cows which are free from pollutants. The leather is cut and punched out by a hydraulic press; each shape is unique to each boot and each size. The placement of this press varies by type of leather and is vital for the quality of boot. These pieces of leather are tightly sewn together by robust sewing machines. LOWA use an exclusive spray glue process to guarantee the pores transport moisture out of the footwear. Lasts are the foot-shaped forms made from wood or plastic that the boots are shaped over. The rubber rand is the rubber strip that runs around the boot to protect the leather from moisture and damage - one of the quality hallmarks of LOWA. Almost exclusively, LOWA uses rubber soles which are usually equipped with a cushioning midsole of polyurethane (PU) foam. Not only are the underside of the shaped and cemented uppers pre-treated, but also the sole must be extensively pre-treated before they can be cemented together with a pneumatic press and chemical process. Immediately after attachment they are cured in a cooling chamber. The last, which has given shape to the product during production, is pulled out of the finished footwear. During the final quality control process, all footwear gets a finishing touch. Laces are threaded, footbeds inserted, and product tags attached before the footwear is packed in a box.
This model was introduced to provide the user with a long awaited all-terrain desert boot designed to endure the rigorous terrains of Afghanistan
"..boots that feel like a trainer but provide support to the ankles. The sizing is “spot on” or “perfect”. The boots fit tightly and have minimal movement once laced correctly. These boots are extremely light which made running and tabbing in them a joy.."
"....the Lowa Desert Elites provided exceptional support and comfort. I absolutely endorse and recommend the Desert Lowa Elites to any one in quest for a boot that can endure unforgiving environments..."
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