Shoe Review Women’s Lowa Skyterra Trail Running Shoe

The Bottom Line

The Lowa Skyterra stands out on our list of the best women’s trail runners for its durability and responsive handling during our testing on various terrains. We ran on everything from Midwestern dirt roads to the dirt Creeper Trail in Virginia and from New York City’s Central Park to the rugged mountains of Norway. Although we encountered some fair issues, the Skyterra delivered solid performance everywhere we took it.

The thick cushioning provided excellent comfort and responsiveness, helping us avoid fatigue after long days. Traction is adequate, although we wish the lugs were more aggressive in the more challenging terrain we enter. We were very impressed with the durability of the surface, which showed little wear even after putting on 100 miles.

Despite these good things, we struggled with size; even when the size went down, it felt too roomy in some places and too cramped in others. Those with low volume feet may have difficulty finding a secure fit in this shoe. Some shoes we don’t mind buying online, but this is not one of them.

How We Tested

Over months of testing, we put the Lowa Skyterra through its paces. We ran on smooth dirt roads in rural Michigan in cool weather as we recovered from a long Pacific Crest Trail effort. From there, we headed to the mid-Atlantic, where we rode miles on the Creeper Trail in southern Virginia during a week-long event. The weather was warm, but not forbidding.

Work took us to New York City next, where we found these trail shoes that easily transitioned to the hardpack paths of Manhattan’s Central Park, where we were sandwiched between work and sightseeing during a heat wave that released both mercury and humidity.

From there, our testers took Lowa Skyterra to Norway to tackle the spectacularly challenging, wet, and rugged Massive 350, which ranged from high-altitude grasslands to rocky mountain peaks and glaciers.

Pulling

Overall, we find the traction on the Lowa Skyterra to be strong in various areas. The DYNATPE outsole was grippy on smooth surfaces, including rock and pavement, while the lugs bit into soft trails including mud and dirt.

They are not intimidated by the drag, but we are not afraid either. The Lowa Skyterra is more effective on certain types of trails than others. On less technical terrain such as dirt roads, gravel paths, and urban trails, we had plenty of grip and only minimal slippage (when on wet pavement). The Lowa Skyterra also handled the scrambly bits we did in Norway with confidence.

However, when things got bumpy underfoot, it seemed like we were out of control. We noticed a loss of traction in deep mud or on wet roads. Although the traction was adequate, perhaps we would have chosen a different option for technical or rugged trails in the future.

Comfort

The Lowa Skyterra is the most rugged shoe we’ve tested this year. It took 3 tries to find the right size, which was a full size smaller than our usual. For someone who follows the trail and burns in shoes like we do, this was weird (we know our feet and shoe sizes pretty well at this point).

However, the shoes last a long time, although they fit between the feet and the heel. Given these issues, those with wide or high-volume feet can probably find a good fit if they’re willing to try a few sizes. The toe box is roomy, and the midfoot is also generous. Our low-volume testers had to trim the lacing for a secure fit. Those with thin heels may find the cup sloppy, but we didn’t experience any spills or blisters.

Additionally, Skyterra feels boxy and awkward, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. However, after a break-in period, they conform more to our feet and feel more comfortable than when we first put them on. The midsole foam is quite firm, which some runners may not like.

Weight

There is no weight calculated for these shoes. They feel heavier than average.

Strength

Our testers were very pleased with the durability of the Lowa Skyterras. Even after a hundred kilometers of use they show no signs of wear or compression of the midsole. The surface is reinforced in high-wear areas, meaning it resists abrasion better than most. There is a high quality toe ring that not only protects our toes but also protects the front of the upper part from snagging on stubs and roots.

The only place we really notice a tightness problem is around the eyelets on the lacing. It seems that the welded plastic layer started to deteriorate after about 50 miles. While this does not affect performance, it can indicate a potential problem with all the reinforcement layers throughout the shoe.

Overall, the Lowa Skyterra were the most durable shoes we tested, and runners should get a lot of mileage out of them. Given the steep price point, that’s a very important consideration because without this kind of durability it wouldn’t be a great value.

Breathing

Despite the large amount of reinforcement overlay, the Lowa Skyterra is still very breathable. The mesh upper wicks moisture away from the feet well and allows for good airflow. However, the number of reinforced overlays reduces the overall breathability to some extent. We found that the Skyterra couldn’t keep up with our sweat rate when we ran through Central Park when the humidity was high.

Additionally, when we stepped on the overcrowded plains of Norway’s Hangaravidda National Park, the shoes were incredibly absorbent and quick-drying, meaning our feet were wet for days.

Runners who often cross many forks, or who run in very wet or humid conditions, may not find these shoes to be adequate. However, those who train in dry and cool environments will find that the Skyterra manages moisture effectively.

Reaction

Our testers found responsiveness to be the Lowa Skyterra’s strong suit. The stiffer-than-average foam provided excellent rebound strength, especially in heavy-duty and compact areas. From long days running the Creeper Trail and around Central Park, the rebound was noticeable, and our feet felt fresh.

This was perfect on Norway’s Massive 350 Trail when we logged big days with a heavy pack on rough terrain. Even at the end of the day, our feet were not beaten, and we never had the feeling that you sometimes get after 10 hours of straight travel.

Our only problem with the thick, hard foam was that it really cut us down and felt awkward and dull in the technical area. While this wasn’t a problem on smooth surfaces, we were turned off by the sound of the box when efficiency was required.

Should You Buy Lowa Skyterra For Women?

The Lowa Skyterra is a solid choice for runners who prioritize responsiveness and a firm, firm cushion. Those who run primarily on smooth singletrack, fire roads, gravel paths, and the like will find these to be very effective shoes with the right amount of traction. However, those who prefer a more earthy feel or soft foam may want to look elsewhere.

Additionally, although the Lowa Skyterra is a reasonably breathable shoe, the perforations and slow-drying padding make it less suitable for runners who regularly train in wet or humid conditions. The Skyterra comes in at a higher than average price point, but that should be offset by the per-game cost of this durable shoe.

Runners with wide or high feet may find this shoe a good choice; however, finding the right fit can be tricky. Our testers had to try on multiple pairs to adjust and ended up a size smaller than we normally wear. Those who can’t try on several sizes may want to stick with a product that fits true to size.

What Are Some Women’s Trail Runners You Should Consider?

If the Lowa Skyterra is for you, check out these same trail runners that handle rough trails and offer excellent durability.

HOKA Challenger 8 Review: This top editor’s pick is a great alternative. If you’re looking for a responsive runner, with nimble trail traction and superior cushioning these shoes are a perennial favorite on the trail.

Topo Athletic Traverse Review: Editor’s Pick, this trail shoe is perfect for technical terrain, offering powerful traction and exceptional flex with a wide toe box and forward design.

Topo Athletic Terraventure 5 Review: Are you looking for a Vibram grip with moderate cushioning and a slight fit without compromising on toe space? These Budget Buy winners will take you from dry trails to muddy conditions with ease without breaking the bank.