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.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on February 23, 2022, with additional advice on what models we'd recommend.Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Comfortable collar, great support and stability, lightweight for its class
Cons: Not our favorite lacing system, lots of upper seams, pricey
Manufacturer: Lowa
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $239.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $167.29 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $299.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $105.12 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Comfortable collar, great support and stability, lightweight for its class | Top-level hiking boot performance, excels in all metrics | Best choice for rock and snow travel, durable, breathes well | Incredibly lightweight, comfortable | Well-cushioned, waterproof, durable |
Cons | Not our favorite lacing system, lots of upper seams, pricey | Expensive, not as great for hot and dry climates | Wider fit, not the best lace locking system, price | Less durable than heavier models, thin sole | Heavy for their height, feet get especially sweaty |
Bottom Line | This boot is a midweight hiker that weighs just under 3 lbs, while its high collar provides excellent stability and water resistance | The gold standard of what a great hiking boot should be, and we heartily recommend it for those seeking the best possible performance on and off the trail | For rocky alpine approaches and moderate snow travel, this model is a lightweight mountain boot disguised as a hiking boot | This mid-top hiking boot is ridiculously lightweight, though it offers excellent stability and traction for fast and light objectives | This affordable boot is super comfortable right out of the box and has the durability to go the distance |
Rating Categories | Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | Salomon X Ultra Mid... | Merrell Moab 2 Mid... |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Stability (20%) | |||||
Traction (15%) | |||||
Weight (15%) | |||||
Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | Salomon X Ultra Mid... | Merrell Moab 2 Mid... |
Weight (per pair) | 2.90 lbs (size 11) | 2.90 lbs (size 11) | 2.65 lbs (size 11) | 1.85 lbs (size 11) | 2.48 lbs (size 10.5) |
Boot Type | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot |
Width Options | Narrow, regular, and wide | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular and wide |
Waterproof Lining | Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | M Select DRY |
Upper | Nubuck leather | Leather and nylon | 1.8mm suede perwanger | PU coated leather | Suede leather, mesh |
Last Board/Shank | Full length nylon shank | 4D Chassis | BZ last | Molded shank | Nylon arch shank |
Midsole | DuraPU monowrap frame | EnergyCell | PU + 3D EVA-MP | SensiFit | EVA |
Sole | Vibram Evo | Contagrip | Vibram Drumlin / Mont | Contagrip | Vibram TC5+ rubber |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
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.
This boot has a reputation for comfort, and with wide sizes available, your chances of finding the right fit are good.
Stability
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is one of the top-scoring models when it comes to 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 this boot 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.
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 provided 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.
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.
Water Resistance
At six 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.
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.
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 Renegade's longevity 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.
Should You Buy the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid?
The Lowa Renegade is a solid hiking boot for carrying large packs 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 Keen Targhee II Mid is a great option. We also wouldn't hesitate to recommend our top boot, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex, which shines in all types of terrain and conditions.
— Ross Robinson and Ryan Huetter
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