Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review

Bottom Line

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Women’s Hiking Boots are durable, comfortable, and exceptionally supportive for backpacking with heavy loads, even on the roughest terrain. They utilize the well-loved Renegade design and feature a nubuck leather upper and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. The Renegades come in another version, the Evo. The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Women’s boots feature a redesigned sole package with enhanced midsole and outsole for improved comfort, shock absorption, stability, and a reduced seam upper for durability.

These boots offer all-day comfort and a reasonably customizable fit, with both wide and narrow sizing. While some testers felt there was a break-in period for these boots, others noted they’re comfortable right out of the box. The difference in opinion may be due to sizing or foot shape. Regardless of the break-in period, they are bulkier and heavier boot options, but those characteristics lend to a higher level of stability and durability. 

If you can get past the sticker shock of these boots, you’ll find they’re an excellent value for anyone looking for a long-lasting, reliable boot for challenging hikes. They’re best for hikers who prioritize ankle support, want durable waterproofing, and prefer a durable boot over a lightweight trail shoe. 

Tested in rough Cascade terrain, the Rocky Mountains, and beyond, the Lowa Renegade GTX boots consistently deliver excellent traction and stability. If you’re looking for a boot that offers both performance and longevity, this is a solid option for outdoor adventurers. Check out our guide to the best women’s hiking boots for more options.

Comfort

During recent testing, we found the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid comfortable out of the box. Thanks to the tailored upper and cushioned insole, these boots have a form-fitting feel. The felt and foam insoles have a soft underfoot feel and an excellent balance of comfort and support, even when logging longer days on the trail. 

The lacing system seems reasonable initially, but the laces can pop out of the top hooks on steeper terrain, especially steep downhills. We fixed this issue by switching to stiffer laces, and we recommend doing this for optimal comfort during hikes, especially in the mountains. 

The forefoot design or front part of the boot gives an efficient and smooth stepping stride thanks to the front rocker, which provides a slight upward curve during push-off with each step. We also like the ankle collar – it is flexible enough to move with our foot during flexion but stiff enough to be protective and add support. 

Durability

During our testing, we wore these boots on backpacking trips, rocky trails, and while bushwhacking. They showed minimal signs of wear through it all. They’re designed with lasting durability in mind and are constructed with a tough leather upper and rugged Vibram outsole. The leather is high-quality and durable but requires maintenance to perform at its best. Maintenance for leather hiking boots like the Lowa Renegades includes regular cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap to remove dirt, applying a leather conditioner or waterproofing treatment to keep the leather supple and water-resistant, and storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent cracking or drying out. With proper care, these boots are well worth the price and hold up well to abrasions and rough terrain challenges. 

Even after extensive use, the Vibram Ren-Trac outsole is still in good condition. For added durability, these boots have reinforced stitching and additional seams on the upper and forefoot area, where boots tend to wear the fastest. Regular leather treatment with a waterproofing agent like Nikwax can prevent further wear and tear.

Ankle Support

Thanks to the high ankle cuff and full-length nylon shank, the Lowa Renegade GTX boots have stable ankle support. As mentioned in the comfort section above, although the ankle cuff is supportive, it doesn’t restrict movement and allows for front-to-back flex. 

This is one of the tallest boots we tested, but because of the height and ability to lace to the top of the boots, they have superior ankle stability. We like the extra support when carrying a heavy pack.or anyone with weaker ankles, these boots can help to prevent sprains or injuries. 

For additional torsional stability, the Monowrap Frame midsole design prevents excessive foot twisting and helps the boots hold their shape even in the most demanding environments. Regardless of whether we were navigating scree fields or on a steep downhill with loose gravel, these boots did a great job keeping our ankles in place. If you get ankle fatigue, especially on long hikes, these are a great choice.

Traction

From muddy trails to rock slabs and scree, the Renegade’s performance did not disappoint. We tested these boots in wet and dry conditions, including river crossings and steep, slippery inclines, and found they perform reliably on nearly all surfaces. 

The new and improved Vibran Ren-Trac outsole has an aggressive tread pattern and provides a solid grip on surfaces of varying textures (smooth to uneven). The rocker in the forefront of the boot adds to the boot’s ability to grip rocky terrain and gives a more stable feel when pushing off. 

Despite the excellent grip, even on rocky surfaces, they are not the best performers for technical scrambling. They lack precision for solid foot placements, and we prefer to feel more stable in those situations. Regardless, we find these boots highly versatile in their traction and an all-around top performer for hikers who need to cross a mix of terrain types.

Weather Resistance

The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane gives the Renegade reliable weather resistance for wet and cold conditions. We subjected these boots to water crossings and wore them in snow and rain. In all conditions, they kept our feet dry and comfortable. The leather absorbed some water initially, but the rest of the upper shed water, helping the boots remain waterproof. 

The only issue we had with the waterproofing of the boots was when wearing them in warm, dry climates. In these situations, our feet got too hot as the membrane wasn’t very breathable, leading to a build-up of sweat and some hot spots forming near the end of the hike. 

What makes the boots so effective in their waterproofing is the combination of leather construction and a GORE-TEX lining. This robust barrier can easily withstand hours of wet conditions, but the leather requires some maintenance to remain effective. We recommend using leather cleaning and waterproofing treatments like Nikwax for continued weather-resistant results.

Weight

These are not lightweight hiking boots. The full leather upper and tall build still has a decent balance of weight and durability but can feel clunky to hikers used to wearing hiking shoes or trail runners. They weigh around 2 lbs. 0.8 oz. per pair, depending on the sizing, which still fits into the midweight category. 

Lowa has integrated some design features that reduce unnecessary bulk compared to other boots with a similar build. For instance, the polyurethane Monowrap Frame and nylon shank add ankle and torsional support without adding excessive weight. The full leather upper adds to the overall weight but enhances the boot’s durability, meaning hikers can expect a long lifespan even after multiple seasons of heavy use. 

While it is lighter than similar heavy-duty boots, it is not ideal for hikers prioritizing speed and agility over stability and durability.

Should You Buy the Lowa Renegade GTX?

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots are for hikers who need durability, comfort, and stability on challenging terrain. These boots excel on hikes when carrying heavy packs or tackling longer, rougher trails. The high level of ankle support, reliable traction, and weather resistance make these boots ideal for multi-day backpacking trips, rugged off-trail hikes, or wet conditions. While they may be heavier than other options, the added weight is a tradeoff for enhanced stability and long-term durability. 

If you prioritize a lighter, more flexible boot for short day hikes or faster-paced treks, the Renegade might not be the best fit. For those needing a boot that can withstand years of tough use, though, this model offers excellent value, making it a worthwhile investment for adventurers who demand comfort and performance.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: If the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is outside your budget, but you like comfort and durability, check out the Merrell Moab 3 WP. These are an excellent alternative to the Renegades, and while they don’t have quite the same level of support, they are a lighter, more breathable option. They require no break-in period and are most appealing to casual hikers who want a boot that has some waterproofing and can perform well on maintained trails. If you’re not one to tackle technical terrain or carry a heavy pack, the Moab 3 is a comfortable, long-lasting boot at a much lower price.

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review: If you want a boot that has a similar level of durability and support but is lighter than the Lowa Renegade, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a strong contender. These are lighter and more breathable, making them a good choice for lightweight backpackers or day hikers who want extra support. They are still extremely comfortable for long miles and have optimal traction for moderate terrain. If you plan to carry a heavy pack or tackle rough, uneven trails, you may prefer the Lowa Renegade’s ankle support. Still, the Nucleo High II GTX offer a good balance between weight and performance and are ideal for hikers wanting a lighter, more flexible hiking boot option.

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review: If the Renegade is not a robust enough boot option for you, then take a look at the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots offer exceptional stability and durability and are designed for more challenging conditions. They are heavier than the Renegades but can handle more demanding, technical terrain. Both boots offer excellent durability, but if you want something that’s a step above the performance of the classic Renegade design, look no further than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX women’s hiking boots.