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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review

This boot is a midweight hiker that weighs just under 3 lbs, while its high collar provides excellent stability and water resistance
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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review (The all-leather look of the Renegade is a timeless classic.)
The all-leather look of the Renegade is a timeless classic.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Price:  $255 List
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Manufacturer:   Lowa
By Ryan Huetter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 25, 2022
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 19
  • Comfort - 25% 7.0
  • Support - 25% 8.0
  • Traction - 15% 7.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 4.5
  • Durability - 10% 7.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a perfect example of a classic hiking boot. Featuring a tall ankle cuff, solid underfoot stability, and top-notch durability thanks to an all-leather upper, this boot embodies all of the attributes we think of in a tried and true boot. It is heavy, to be sure, and other boots best it in most metrics while also being lighter. But this is a boot that is built to last, and it can pay off to not have to replace your hiking gear often.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable collar
Great support and stability
Lightweight for its class
REASONS TO AVOID
Not our favorite lacing system
Lots of upper seams
Pricey
Editor's Note: On October 25, 2022, this review was updated to ensure that all comparison information and metrics are up-to-date.

Compare to Similar Products

 
lowa renegade gtx mid
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hiking Boot
Top Pick Award
Best Support
Top Pick Award
Best for Off-Trail Hiking
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price $159.95 at Amazon
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$143.83 at REI
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$210.25 at Amazon
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$144.73 at REI
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$150.00 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
72
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Robust and comfy, this midweight boot comes in under 3 lbs and performs ahead of the curve in most metricsThis high-top boot is one of the most stable we tested, and with plush cushioning is perfect for big backcountry missionsThis flagship hiking boot is our first recommendation for a hiking and backpacking boot, achieving remarkable performance in all terrain types and conditionsThis is a high-performance boot that eats up demanding off-trail terrain thanks to its above-average stability and tractionThis inexpensive boot is super comfortable and is a great all-around option
Rating Categories Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Salomon Quest 4 Gor... La Sportiva Ultra R... Merrell Moab 3 Mid...
Comfort (25%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
Support (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (15%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
Water Resistance (15%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Weight (10%)
4.5
5.1
3.0
8.0
6.5
Durability (10%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Salomon Quest 4 Gor... La Sportiva Ultra R... Merrell Moab 3 Mid...
Measured Weight (per pair, size 11) 2.90 lbs 2.77 lbs 3.27 lbs 2.08 lbs 2.44 lbs
Upper Nubuck leather Waterproof nubuck leather Leather and nylon AirMesh, microfiber, TPU Pigskin leather, mesh
Width Options Narrow, regular, and wide Regular Regular Regular, wide Regular, wide
Waterproof Lining Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex extended comfort Waterproof membrane
Midsole DuraPU monowrap frame 2-density CMEVA (rubberized EVA) EnergyCell Injection-molded MEMlex Super Rebound Compound
Boot Type Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Lightweight hiker/day hiker Midweight hiker/backpacking boot
Last Board/Shank Full length nylon shank Not specified 4D Chassis Nylon molded flex TPU Molded nylon
Sole Vibram Evo Vibram Megagrip rubber Contagrip TD FriXion XF 2.0 Vibram TC5+

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Lowa Renegade GTX is a classic hiking boot design. With exceptional ankle support and stability as well as water resistance, we like these boots for their superior performance when traveling in really uneven terrain or when carrying a heavy backpack. Those who desire the added support of a real boot will appreciate what these have to offer.

Performance Comparison


lowa renegade gtx mid - the all-leather look of the renegade is a timeless classic.
The all-leather look of the Renegade is a timeless classic.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Comfort


This boot is comfortable and form-fitting out of the box. The felt and foam insole feels nice underfoot, and the tailored leather upper is more form-fitting on the foot than other midweight hikers we tested. The forefoot of the Renegade has a substantial rocker, or upward curve, which is noticeable during the push-off bit of each step.

The ankle collar is both supportive and comfortable during foot flexion. Four lower eyelets, one central lock, and two upper hook eyelets comprise the lacing system. We quite like this boot, but the lacing system disappointed us. The middle locking eyelet is small and hard to get to and doesn't lock tight on the factory laces. Additionally, the laces popped right out of the top hook eyelets more than once when hiking steeply uphill. After comparing the eyelets and laces of the Renegade to other boots, we found that replacing the supplied laces with a slightly larger and stiffer lace worked much better.

lowa renegade gtx mid - soft and supportive, the renegade gives us comfort on the trails and...
Soft and supportive, the Renegade gives us comfort on the trails and off.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

This boot has a reputation for comfort, and with wide sizes available, your chances of finding the right fit are good.

The Renegade was one of only a couple of pairs of boots we reviewed to come with an extra set of laces, and the ones supplied here are identical to the ones that come factory laced. This can be especially handy if you prefer to use a two-lace technique when lacing up.

Support


The Renegade GTX Mid is one of the top-scoring models regarding stability. One of the most important aspects of a good hiking boot, we were impressed by the support that we received from this boot. The full-length nylon shank makes it feel pretty burly and helps it maintain stability in rough and uneven terrain. This boot is also one of the tallest that we reviewed, and this additional height, combined with the ability to lace all the way up to the top of the cuff, secures the ankle in place with still allowing a range of motion from front to back while higher ankle support panels give extra stability where it's needed most.

lowa renegade gtx mid - especially in off-trail travel where you need to kick steps, such as...
Especially in off-trail travel where you need to kick steps, such as snow and scree, the Renegade provides great stability.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

The polyurethane Monowrap Frame midsole design reduces weight and, combined with the full-length nylon shank, creates excellent torsional stability. The Renegade is a few ounces lighter than heavier models but still provides robust prevention against ankle injuries on and off the trail.

Traction


Overall, this hiking boot handles rough and smooth, wet and dry trails well. The aggressively rockered front sole stuck to rock slabs well, and it was great in the mud, gravel, and scree. If we had to complain, we would say these aren't ideal for scrambling but will do in a pinch.

lowa renegade gtx mid - the lugs on this vibram sole grip well in wet and dry conditions.
The lugs on this Vibram sole grip well in wet and dry conditions.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Water Resistance


At 6 inches, this boot has an average flood height compared to other midweight hikers, but perhaps the best Gore-Tex liner. Lowa has patented the durable, comfortable design. Our feet always stayed dry in these boots. Although the leather rand absorbed water out of the box, water continued to bead off the rest of the upper throughout the entire testing period.

Waterproof as far as the gusset goes.
Waterproof as far as the gusset goes.
The cuff might extend high up, but the waterproof liner ends with...
The cuff might extend high up, but the waterproof liner ends with the gusset.

This is a very classic style of hiking boot, with a full leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane. Something to keep note of is the fact that even though the leather comes from the manufacturer with an applied treatment to keep it from becoming inundated, periodic maintenance of the leather in the form of cleaning and applying a waterproofing agent such as Nikwax will keep the material shedding water and help the Gore-Tex continue to work as it is supposed to.

Weight


This product is relatively lightweight for having a completely leather upper. It might fit a niche in between; more stable, water-resistant, and durable than lightweights, but not as durable as most midweight models.

lowa renegade gtx mid - testing the lowas weight on our own scale.
Testing the Lowas weight on our own scale.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Durability


Several pieces of leather are used on each side of this boot to create a form-fitting upper, making for lots of seams. Four pieces of leather make up the forefoot flex point, and these three seams will wear in rough terrain. More than others, the longevity of the Renegade will benefit from both Seam Grip and leather treatment. The Vibram Evo soles showed no signs of wear after multiple backpacking trips and day hikes.

lowa renegade gtx mid - the forefoot has a whole lot of seams where the different panels of...
The forefoot has a whole lot of seams where the different panels of leather come together.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Should You Buy the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid?


The Renegade is a solid hiking boot for carrying a large pack into rugged terrain. The additional support and water resistance that this boot provides lends itself to longer treks, though even day hikers can find that it offers comfort and stability. It's a heavy boot, but keep in mind that heavy and well-made can often equate to added durability. If you're hard on your boots, this could be a worthy investment.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?


For something a bit lighter on the foot and the wallet, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a great option. We also wouldn't hesitate to recommend our top boot, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, which shines in all types of terrain and conditions.

Ryan Huetter