Lowa Tibet Split Rand

[Fishhunt223]

I am looking for some advice on my new Lowa boots. I purchased these Tibet’s from Hunt of the Day a few weeks ago. Full disclosure - this is my first pair of true mountaineering boots, and I was unsure what to expect. I have worn them for a few short hikes to start the break in process, and one day hunt. Overall I would guess that I have no more than 10 miles on these brand new boots, and I’m pretty mild country. I have noticed that the rand is already splitting on one of the toes. Is this something that is to be expected with this type of boot? Is it worth pursuing a warrantee claim? Or id this normal wear and tear, and nothing to worry about?

 

[bwhntMT]

Doesn't seem normal to me. I'd contact the vendor or Lowa.

 

[justin davis]

Doesn’t look normal. Also looks like sometime sharp hit it there. Kind of an unusual I’ve had a few pairs of Tibet’s

 

[TraderMike]

You will find many suggestions on how to repair/reinforce a rand if you do a search. I used 3M Marine adhesive to reinforce and repair a few nicks on my Tibets shortly after buying them. The 3M takes several days to cure but that stuff has held up remarkably well for many miles in nasty country. I will do this to all my boots rands in the future simply as a preventative measure. I know for as much money that we pay for top shelf boots it doesn't seem like too much to expect them to hold up better... But I feel a little time at the work bench reinforcing a rand is easier than dealing with customer service.

 

[Fishhunt223]

Thanks for the input guys. I will contact Lowa and see what they say.

 

[Fishhunt223]

Thank you TraderMike, I will also search for that information.
To be honest, I am not real concerned with a little nick in the rubber. I anticipate these boots leading a pretty rough life and obtaining damage during their use. I am just surprised to see it happen so soon, with not much more than a walk in the woods.

 

[Topo_trekker]

This is a common issue with Lowa boots. This what happens when rands are not premolded.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kotaman]

Common issue with Lowa. Aquaseal SR or 3M Marine and you're on your way. Either that or switch to a boot with a pre-molded rand. Personally, I wouldn't send in for warranty, but that is just me...

 

[WyoElk]

Had it happen on the first pair I bought. Sent them in for warranty on my dime and they sent me a brand new pair. Second pair did the same thing, again new boots under warranty. I’m on my third pair now, same problem. I’m just fixing them with shoegoo.

 

[TraderMike]

Odd how a boot company with such a decent reputation cant seem to stick down the rand on their boots?
Lowa boots really fit my feet well compared to others and if it were not for this fact I probably wouldn't deal with this particular shortcoming. But they are comfortable (for me) and keep my feet dry (for years on end) and offer the added ankle support I need.

 

[Kotaman]

Lowa's fit me like they were made for me as well. Now, when I get a new pair, I just put on a thin bead of the Aquaseal SR before I even wear them. Seems to help.

 

[MuleyFever]

Interesting. I have 2 pair with no issues. I love how they fit. Never had a blister in them from day one.

That doesn’t look like a defect. Looks like it was cut.

 

[Fishhunt223]

I also chose this boot based on the fit. It is unfortunate that so many have had this issue. Overall, I still think it is a quality boot, and will serve me well.
In the picture, it does look more like a cut, but I do not believe that is the case. It would be impossible to capture in a picture, but you can see where it appears to be splitting. Additionally, there is no scar or indication of cutting in the leather below.