The Story of Special Boots - by Mary Ann Kondro

My husband, Leo, loved his LOWA boots. In the moments of his life, he had two pairs of LOWA boots which took him on adventures in the wilds of Southeast Alaska. These special boots helped him bring moose and deer out of the woods, helped him as he wandered over muskegs on berry-picking gatherings, and camping/hiking adventures.

Leo often recommended LOWA boots saying, “You will never need another pair of boots after you have a pair of LOWAs!”

Leo was an adventurer and his life of adventures ended in his death in March of 2014.

That same year, I moved from my home in Southeast Alaska to Kodiak, AK to be near my son, Ben, and family.

In the spring of 2016, friends asked me to travel the Pacific Crest Trail with them from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass.

Early on, I realized that I needed to get new hiking boots as my old ones were heavy, 25 years old, and an upgrade was in order. I was in Washington State early in the Summer of 2016 and decided to purchase new boots, take them back to Kodiak, break them in before the late July PCT adventure.

The REI store at South Center Mall near Renton, WA had a substantial selection of women’s boots. My shopping began with trying on 9 pairs of boots – not finding any that felt as good as the boots I was trying to replace.

I even thought about just buying new insoles and using the boots I owned. While sitting in the store, thinking about what to do next – I glanced at a pair of boots on the table next to me. These boots were LOWA – first I thought very kindly of Leo’s love for his LOWA boots, then noticed the size, womans size 6, my size.

Trying them on, I noted with the first step how comfortable they were, like a most comfortable slipper. But the price, around $200, for me, was over budget. I left the store – there was no way I was going to pay that much for boots for one hiking adventure. I got in my car and, right away, I knew I would be back.

The next day I returned, bought the boots and never looked back.

This summer of 2020 in Kodiak, I have been participating in “Adjust Your Altitude” a campaign to get locals wandering outside. I hiked one mountain and my LOWA boots supported this 71-year-old lady up and down.

My PCT backpacking adventure was a journey of a lifetime. These special boots hiked and climbed every step. Providing support for long days of hiking on several kinds of terrain, not one blister, just lots of smiles as I thought of wearing the boots Leo loved and so recommended.

This adventure was huge – but little did I know this climb was only a beginning. Now as I prepare to begin to climb my 6th mountain, my LOWA boots are still the boot of choice.

                      The best summer, the best boot, woven into the best of memories.