I do wish the Renegade had a locking eyelet like what you get with the Salomon Quest 4 GTX to allow me to tighten up the ankle while leaving the forefoot loose, but it didnt have a major impact on support. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. But for day hiking and light backpacking missions, its a viable alternative at a much lower weight and price ($170). Another boot often considered alongside the Lowa Renegade is Asolos Fugitive GTX.
If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. The waterproof build and modest insulation from the Gore-Tex liner also should make the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid good for snowshoeing in mild temperatures. But thus far, my women's pair is holding up admirably, and I expect it to fare well for many seasons to come. In the end, the Asolos stiff construction and thick build are a nice match for uses like light mountaineering and navigating tricky, off-trail terrain with a heavy pack, but the boot is overkill for most casual backpacking outings. And my experience was similar during our trek to Lago Elctrico, where the boots allowed me to confidently navigate the off-camber boulder field with a full backpacking pack (I estimate I was carrying around 40 lbs.). The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. The middle locking eyelet is small and hard to get to and doesn't lock tight on the factory laces. No mesh (non-GTX) model available for those who frequently hike in warm and dry climates. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of atreadmill).
Privacy | Cookies | Terms, This boot is a midweight hiker that weighs just under 3 lbs, while its high collar provides excellent stability and water resistance. One of my baby toenails did grow sore after long descents, but it recovered without damage.
In the end, the fit ended up being snug but not overly tight, which was great for maximizing security and stability on the trail. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots. The all-leather look of the Renegade is a timeless classic. But the lack of ventilation was noticeable, and Id recommend purchasing a lighter colorway (mine were black), which might help a little with temperature regulation. To cut right to the chase, after taking the Moab 2 Ventilator to Utahs Canyon Country and subsequent testing in Washingtons Cascade Mountains, the shoe A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. While this isnt an ideal way to break in any hiking footwear, the Renegade proved to be comfortable straight away. is a winning combination for demanding off-trail travel with a full pack. As I mentioned above, I would prefer a locking eyelet like you get with the Salomon Quest 4 to dial in the fit at the ankle while leaving the forefoot loose, but thats far from a deal-breaker. The forefoot has a whole lot of seams where the different panels of leather come together. The outsole is comprised of premium Vibram rubber (their EVO compound) with deep, aggressive lugs that are widely spaced with horizontal ridges running widthwise along the heel for added grip while descending. The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a perfect example of a classic hiking boot. By far, its closest competitor is the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, which is another great option for difficult day hikes and long backpacking trips. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. In parsing out the differences, the Lowa has a more traditional upright feel in contrast to the aggressive Salomons stance that resembles an over-the-ankle trail runner. Breathability rarely is a strong suit of a leather hiking bootand we certainly didnt mind the cool feeling of an alpine stream surrounding the shoe as we were testing the waterproofingbut the Renegade gets a passing grade here.
7 oz. Alternatively, if you anticipate doing most of your hiking in fair and warm summer conditions, it may be worth opting for a non-waterproof boot or shoe instead. All in all, theres a lot to like about the Breeze AT: Its stable, supportive, and protective, uses a premium Gore-Tex liner and Vibram outsole, and boasts a tough leather construction. Shifting to the lightweight and budget end of the spectrum, two longtime favorites are the Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP ($145; 2 lbs. For those that struggle to get a good fit, the Renegade is one of the best options weve seen. ), but youll sacrifice a good amount of stability and protection on truly rough and rugged terrain. Further, the midsoles offer sufficient isolation from the trail even with a loaded down pack and lots of hiking and scrambling over rock. We put the recently retooled boot through its paces Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Especially in off-trail travel where you need to kick steps, such as snow and scree, the Renegade provides great stability. This boot has a reputation for comfort, and with wide sizes available, your chances of finding the right fit are good. 2.8 oz.). I was particularly impressed by the level of stability when rushing down a rocky and uneven section on our hike from Laguna de los Tres to pass slower hikers.
For more involved objectives with a heavy pack, wed stick with the Lowa. 15 oz. To be clear, the Renegade is decidedly overkill for day hiking on groomed trails, but theyre a great match for covering longer distances with a full pack. Finally, if you have particularly high- or low-volume feet, Lowa also offers the boots in dedicated wide and narrow variations, which means most people should be able to find a good all-around fit. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. But perhaps the biggest news is cost: The St. Elias sells for $220, undercutting the Renegade by $25without sacrificing much in the way of performance. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. Another midweight option to consider is Vasques St. Elias GTX. 15 oz. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. I got my typical mens size 9 in a regular width and found it fits true. Compared to other forms of hiking footwear, boots are epitomized by their mid-height build Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. But when worn as intended for hiking and backpacking, the boots were perfectly serviceable and didnt feel overly heavy or cumbersome underfoot. We also give the nod to the Salomon in terms of comfort and durability: The Quest has a more performance-oriented fit and uses thicker materials throughout. The boot is comfortable and supportive, relatively light for what it is, and for those with hard-to-fit feet, available in an impressive range of sizes and widths. I would prefer a locking eyelet to be able to secure the ankle while leaving the forefoot loose. Let us know! Loaded down with gear and traveling over sometimes questionable terrain, we came to appreciate its widespread appeal. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our articleon the best womens hiking boots. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Comfortable collar, great support and stability, lightweight for its class, Not our favorite lacing system, lots of upper seams, pricey. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down.
Gore-Tex is a mainstay on hiking boots $200 and up, and along with a solid leather upper and water-repellent coating, the boot hasnt leaked a drop. If we had to complain, we would say these aren't ideal for scrambling but will do in a pinch.
Lowa employs Vibram for their outsoles, and the tread pattern mixes stickiness over rock and roots with plenty of bite in hardpack, soft dirt, and snow.
The Vibram rubber outsoles are also unscathed and still look surprisingly new despite the abuse Ive put them through on rough and rocky terrain. 10.1 oz. Both are excellent bootsthey finish towards the top in ourhiking boot round-upbut the deciding factor may come down to fit: The Salomons are somewhat low-volume and only offered in a single width, while the Renegades are available in narrow, regular, and wide sizes. Lowas Renegade GTX Mid has been a mainstay in the hiking boot market for years and remains well-loved for its excellent overall performance for demanding backpacking objectives. Noticeably solid and stable feel while hiking over off-camber terrain with a full pack. To be sure, they do look a little worn: The leather upper has absorbed some mud and grit, and the boots have a few noticeable scuff marks. On a recent backpacking trip, the boot excelled while descending steep granite and loose, dusty trails. 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. Before bringing the boots to Patagonia for testing, I wore them on the steep and often-sloppy trails at home in the Pacific Northwest rainforest and gained confidence in their ability to grip on everything from packed dirt to thick mud and slick rocks. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases.
All of this held true while backpacking in Patagonia, where I suffered no blisters or hotspots on the trail despite back-to-back days of 10+ miles with a full pack. Quality and confidence-inspiring build, including a premium Gore-Tex membrane, tacky Vibram outsole, and reasonably hardwearing construction. 14.2 oz. For reference, Salomons Quest 4 GTX is the standard bearer in this category and weighs 2 pounds 5.7 ounces, while Scarpas similarly intentioned Zodiac Plus GTX is 2 pounds 0.1 ounces. Very comfortable underfoot along with great cushioning around the ankle. While its not overly stiff by any meansit was comfortable enough to wear without any break-in periodthe boot is noticeably more rigid underfoot than a lightweight shoe like the Merrell Moab 2. Finally, the X Ultra has a pretty flexible feel, which means less support on uneven sections of trail under the weight of a full pack. I did slip once while hiking over marble-sized rocks, but any shoe likely would have suffered the same fate, and my brief slide was easily controlled and did not result in a rolled ankle. This is a very classic style of hiking boot, with a full leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane.
That said, the Vasque outweighs the Renegade by around 8 ounces per pair, which can be a downside over long distances. Several pieces of leather are used on each side of this boot to create a form-fitting upper, making for lots of seams. But this is a boot that is built to last, and it can pay off to not have to replace your hiking gear often. You cant go wrong with either model, but we prefer the more comfortable fit and lower weight of the Lowa. 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. 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. And I didnt come to appreciate this until later, but this is high praise for a boot: Once we arrived at our lakeside destination that evening, I didnt even think to swap out the Renegade for a pair of camp shoes (I just loosened the laces a little bit). Unless you need the added stiffness and support, we prefer the more versatile, flexible, and $40-cheaper Renegade. The Lowa Renegade is a year-round favorite for hikers, backpackers, and snowshoers alike. The lugs on this Vibram sole grip well in wet and dry conditions. Thanks and we appreciate your support! But there's a reason the X Ultra 4 is ranked so highly in our hiking boot articles: It provides a hard-to-beat combination of weight and on-trail performance for everything from day hiking to lightweight backpacking. The Renegade is accomplished for hauling a heavy loadIve worn the boot weighted down with a backpacking pack, as well as a few trips with 40 pounds worth of a hiking baby carrier, child, and assorted gear, and am yet to roll an ankle. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. At 1 pound 8 ounces, the Cross Hike is around 7 ounces lighter than the Renegade while offering excellent all-around comfort in a noticeably agile and sprightly design. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. ), Vasque St. Elias GTX (2 lbs. Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, its the Renegade GTX. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. (womens)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we like: Great support, stability, and comfort for covering long distances with a full pack.What we dont: Overkill for shorter outings on well-maintained trails.See the Women's Renegade GTX Mid See the Men's Renegade GTX Mid. 
On the other hand, the Lowa's heavier and beefier build is a better match for truly technical terrain, and the Salomon's thinner sole means you'll feel rocks and roots below a lot more than you would with the Lowa. It's competitively light at 1 pound 10.1 ounces with a very athletic feel to match, and the boot still holds its own in terms of stability andprotection. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Salomons Quest 4 has been one of the most capable backpacking boots on the market for years running, and the latest version carries the torch. Typically, stepping up to a quality boot gets you great all-around traction, and the Lowa Renegade GTX Middoesnt disappoint. The Renegades were 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. One area we havent tested the Renegades traction is mud, but we expect it to perform competitively there as well. Sold in a wide variety of colorways and sizes, including dedicated wide and narrow models. Price: $245Weight: 2 lbs. Traction is another highlight, with deep, multi-direction lugs that bite well into everything from thick mud to packed dirt. Interestingly, the only model that does away with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is Lowas LL (leather-lined) Mid, but we wish there were a more mesh-heavy option for warm and dry climates. The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boasts a proven Gore-Tex membrane, so it came as no surprise that the boots were very adept at sealing out water. 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. The GTX in the name gives away the Renegades waterproof design. And many will appreciate the modern and sleek appearance of the Cross Hike, which is a far cry from the Renegades fairly dated-looking leather construction. These boots are comfortable for day hikes and shorter backpacking trips, but we consider the Renegade the far superior option when carrying a loaded-down backpacking pack or hiking over dicey or steep terrain. If you want something lighter and more modern for less intensive day hikes and minimalist backpacking trips, Salomon's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is one of the most popular designs on the market and for good reason. For the best combination of protection and support on the trail, look no further than a hiking boot. Read more about us. And its easy to customize the fit with the well-executed lacing system, which includes a top eyelet thats positioned high enough to effectively lock the ankle in place. Unless the higher price tag is a deterrent, we think most committed hikers and backpackers will be happier with the nimbler-feeling Renegade. Womens models are available in the same variations, including the womens Renegade GTX Mid, but in different colorways and with slightly lower weights (see our in-depth review of the womens boot here).
If you prioritize a stable ride or like the safety net that comes with a sturdy boot, the Renegade is a great choice. As expected from the tough and burly design, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a decidedly stable and supportive boot. Boots designed for backpacking are often fairly stiff and rigid out of the box, but the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid broke in nicely and ended up being very comfortable on high-milage days. Highly comfortable and supportive for high-mileage hiking and backpacking over rough ground, and the leather upper broke in nicely after just a couple outings. For this review, we tested the mens Renegade GTX Mid, but Lowa offers the boot in a number of variations. In the end, the Renegade offers very similar performance for around 4 ounces less per pair, which is why we give it the slight edge in our hiking boot round-up.
Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. The Lowa Renegades Gore-Tex membrane and tough leather upper do detract from overall breathability. Im always hesitant when wearing new hiking boots, but the Renegade quickly became easy to trust over a wide variety of surfaces. The Scarpas robust leather build is also more confidence-inspiring from a long-term durability standpoint, although the Renegade has more widespread appeal for most traditional hikers and backpackers. Potential long-term durability concerns where the rubber toe cap meets the leather upper. Overall, this hiking boot handles rough and smooth, wet and dry trails well. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Weighing 2 pounds 10 ounces on our scale in a mens size 9 (the listed weight is 2 lbs. As my hiking partner was carefully assessing his steps in a pair of budget-friendly KEEN Targhees, I moved with full confidence in the grippy Vibram rubber. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Theyre not the lightest or most agile option for well-maintained trails, but the tough leather build, stable feel, and well-cushioned midsole were a great match for our more demanding objectives. This midweight hiker is designed to shine in environments when a mountaineering boot is overkillbut a low-top We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? ), and even the less supportive KEEN Durand II Mid WP (2 lbs. This product is relatively lightweight for having a completely leather upper. It was hot on the trail and we had plenty of sun exposure, but I didnt sweat excessively or develop any hot spots or discomfort. and KEEN Targhee III Mid WP ($175; 2 lbs. Again, the boots are too stiff and rigid for shorter day hikes on easy trails, but theyre well-equipped for this kind of rough and demanding travel with a heavy load. I tested the womens Renegade GTX Mid for this review, and the boot is also sold in a mens model for the same price. For reference, I wore the boots on a few local hikes before bringing them to Argentina for testing, and it did take a few outings for them to loosen up and soften. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. While the lacing system doesnt secure your foot as well as Salomons Quest 4 GTX, the three sets of locking hooks tighten evenly, and the boots solid platform is easy to trust on technical and off-camber sections of trail. They kept my feet dry on many wet trails rife with mud, puddles, and drenched foliage in the Pacific Northwest, and the same held true in Patagonia during shallow water crossings. the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Top-level hiking boot performance, excels in all metrics, Best choice for rock and snow travel, durable, breathes well, 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, 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. No sponsored content. The Renegade is a few ounces lighter than heavier models, but still provided robust prevention against ankle injuries on and off the trail. We also prefer the Salomons lacing system over the Renegades, including locking eyelets that secure the heel in place and allow you to tailor the fit at the forefoot and ankle. The Lowa Renegade is a solid hiking boot for carrying large packs into rugged terrain. Staying within Vasques lineup, the Breeze AT Mid GTX is a cheaper ($190) and lighter (2 lbs. More than others, the Renegade's longevity will benefit from both Seam Grip and leather treatment. If you want to shave weight and dont mind sacrificing ankle support, the Renegade GTX is made in a low-top version ($230) that comes in at 2 pounds 4.7 ounces. The boots run a little small, and I ended up having to go up by a half size to get a good all-around fit. The Vibram Evo soles showed no signs of wear after multiple backpacking trips and day hikes. 7.4 oz. What sets the Lowa Renegade GTX Midapart is its available sizes, which range from 7.5 to 16 in mens and 5.5 to 11 in womens, along with narrow, regular, and wide widths. alternative to the St. Elias mentioned above. Soft and supportive, the Renegade gives us comfort on the trails and off. In Patagonia, they continued to hold firm on the dusty and rocky trails to Laguna de los Tres and didnt falter under the weight of a heavy pack while navigating a tricky boulder field on an overnight backpacking trip in the Ro Elctrico valley. In the end, the Renegade did feel a little clunky whenever I quickened my pace to light jog to pass slower hikers on the trails in Patagonia. Both boots are built with a tough upper material, Gore-Tex lining, and proven Vibram outsole. It's worth noting that the Renegade's leather upper is a little thinner than some competitors, including the Salomon Quest 4 and Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. However, the Zodiacs approach shoe-like traction and stability in a relatively light build (2 lbs. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is one of the top-scoring models when it comes to stability. We took the popular mid-height boot out backpacking and day hiking in Washingtons rugged Central and North Cascades. Like the Renegade, the Bridger is nicely cushioned and protective underfoot with good all-around stability and support for longer backpacking missions. Additionally, the laces popped right out of the top hook eyelets more than once when hiking steeply uphill. What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
On the flip side, the Renegade has a sturdier and more planted feel and comes in a wider variety of sizes and widths, which may be the deciding factor for those with hard-to-fit feet. I wore the womens version of the mid-height Gore-Tex boot on the muddy and slimy trails of Vancouver Island and subsequently brought them to Patagonia for additional testing, where they deftly withstood multiple long day hikes and a three-night backpacking adventure. Four pieces of leather make up the forefoot flex point, and these three seams will wear in rough terrain. Stable and easy to trust on difficult trails and with a heavy pack. Thanks and we appreciate your support! The Salomon is a noticeable step down in both support and stability with no eyelet at the top of the collar, and the lightweight build is much more prone to breaking down over time. After putting well over 120 miles on the Lowa Renegade GTX, including over 40 miles of backpacking with a full pack, the boots are almost no worse for wear. The ankle collar is both supportive and comfortable during foot flexion.