Lowa Renegade GTX Mid: The Hiking Boots that Go the Distance

In every adventure, quality technical gear is essential. Hiking is no exception, and a good, solid boot therefore, should be a mainstay in one’s gear repertoire. Hiking makes up a tremendous part of my adventures and travels. Over the years, I have tried and field tested many hiking boots like La Sportiva, Merrell, Asolo, Salomon, and North Face (I’m never making that mistake again). I had to retire these La Sportiva Synthesis boots I’ve used for hundreds of miles, and I was due for a new, more supportive, and sturdier boot. Enter the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, which, I have found in my research, had some sort of a cult following in the hiking world. And I can understand why.

After hiking in the Lowa Renegades in various terrain and weather conditions for almost a year, the verdict is in: the Lowa Renegades are a true winner and they’re the hiking boots I’m keeping for life.

I’ve done thirty miles in them on a multi-day trek in the Salkantay Trek in the Peruvian Andes in rain and mud. These became my best friend on long hikes in Argentine Patagonia, Iceland, and the Sierras.

The Shoe Profile

These La Sportiva Core High boots were my go-to for a while because it had a tennis shoe profile which made it very light and responsive. However, it had flaws. Its threshold was about six or seven miles. My soles started pinning-and-needling after a long hike, especially if there is rocky terrain involved. I also found that the sizing was imperfect as well. I have narrow feet - the size I typically wear had a wide toe so my feet swam in them. I settled for one that was the exact fit without wiggle room and while it was okay for day hikes, I could not possibly take them to a four-day semi-unsupported trek in Peru.

These Lowa Renegades, however, were meant for long haul hikes, including rocky terrain that is tough on your feet. It has a sturdier profile with a much thicker sole, but surprisingly, it was not heavy even after miles and miles of hiking. The insole was of sufficient quality - I survived four days on the factory insole (which is not the case for the other boots I've tried that required Superfeet).

I have also sworn off low-cut boots before since mid-cut boots just provide more ankle support preventing injuries. These boots make me feel secure and comfortable, full stop.

If the Shoe Fits

My feet are small and narrow and some shoes I’ve worn find my toes swimming in them. On top of the standard width boot, Lowa also makes boots specific to narrow feet (yay!) and to wide feet as well. Most everyone will recommend to go half a size up, which is what I did, and it is perfect. After a few miles, your feet start to expand and especially if you’re going downhill, you would want sufficient room in your boot, lest your toes jam right on the boot and it’s just not a comfortable situation.

Form + Function

I love that Lowa created boots in a plethora of colors and color combinations. With this boot, you don't have to choose between form and function because you can have both. They expanded the color selection beyond drab neutral colors. They recognize that some women want more personality and have made boots in teal, red, blue, purple, and so on and so forth. And while I settled with brown (I wanted to go with a neutral boot that I could wear on the street, if necessary), the availability of options is welcome.

Waterproof

Another feature I look for in a boot is it has to be waterproof (just like your mascara is!). I wore this to a uber challenging acclimatization hike in the rain in Peru and it kept my feet miraculously dry the entire time. I also wear this boot in the Sierras in the winter to snowshoe (and to shovel the driveway) and it also performs very well.

A Worthwhile Investment

These boots are priced on the high end of the spectrum, retailing at $230. With the amount of mileage I’ve done in them in comfort though, it is worth paying that price for. I’ve worn so many other boots that cost a fraction of these boots, and frankly, they just don’t compare. (These were also the only pair of shoes I bought in all of 2017 so that's how I justify the splurge!).

Lowa has been making the Lowa Renegade GTX for years and there’s a reason there’s a large community of hikers out there who swear by this boot. For all the comfort and confidence it gives you on the trail, regardless of weather or trail conditions, the ROI far outweighs the price tag.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is available on Lowa's website here. And also REI, Alpenglow Mountain Sports, or your favorite outdoor retail store.

For a long hike, I like wearing it with these REI Coolmax hiking socks.

SaveSaveSave

#hiking #adventure #gear