We’re fans of the stable, comfortable ride delivered by the dependable Lowa Renegade EVO GTX hiking boots. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Likes
The initial comfort ranks barely above average. However, the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid is the kind of boot that gets better after you put some miles into it.
Basically, we liked the fit from the start, appreciated it more after six or seven hikes, and love it after a dozen. Many modern synthetic boots no longer need any kind of break-in, but synthetics don’t stretch and conform to your individual feet over time like the leather in the Renegade EVO.
We felt that the padded ankle collar and tongue provided a good blend of comfort and support. Credit: Chris Maxcer
All that awesome leather provided outstanding lateral support for our feet, letting us navigate steep pitches with ease. When it was time to step over logs and pick our way over rooted or rocky trails, the top-tier stability gave us confidence. Lowa’s Monowrap frame provided extra support for our arches and helped keep our heels stable.
The ankle provides great side-to-side support, which we appreciated most when backpacking. It flexes forward easily, letting us climb without binding. For everything but slick wet rock and mud, we’re fans of the traction. The Vibram Rene Trac outsoles have an open-lug pattern that bites well into loose dirt and forest duff. It’s not super soft and grippy on exposed granite slabs, but its durability is quite good, offering us plenty of miles.
The Lowa Renegade EVO GTX makes us feel surefooted on steep uneven ground, giving us confidence on difficult trails. Credit: Chris Maxcer
The water resistance is excellent. The Gore-Tex membrane does its job well, and it’s protected by a full leather upper. These boots do not leak.
We measured the flood height at a nice and tall 5.62 inches, which means we could step through shallow streams without worrying about getting our socks wet.
The Gore-Tex lining keeps the Renegade waterproof. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Dislikes
The biggest issue with the Renegade EVO GTX is its relatively heavy weight and clunky feel. Yes, these boots offer good stability, but the midsoles are not particularly cushy.
All that heavy leather with multiple seams and a rugged supportive footbed give them a stiffness that’s not particularly nimble. They’re not our favorite boot for scrambling around on boulders and exploring granite slabs in alpine environments. Nor are they fun to lift repeatedly over deadfalls while trying to navigate to a mountain lake.
When we don’t need the stability of these boots for simple day hikes, the weight can be a bit annoying. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Unlike some leather boots that use large pieces of leather with very few seams, the Renegade EVO GTX is made from multiple patches of leather. Lowa uses double-row stitching in most of the seams for durability, but sticks can catch on these seams, slowly loosening and fraying them over time. They’re more durable than most synthetic uppers, but not as good as seamless sections of leather.
The multiple pieces of stitched together leather create seams that can fray over time, making these boots less competitive compared to leather options with seamless leather uppers. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Finally, the relatively high price sometimes makes us pause. The price point is just high enough to make us consider whether we’d rather err toward an even heavier-duty boot or choose a lighter, cushier option that costs less but might wear out faster.
Should You Buy the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid?
If you’re looking for a dependable classic hiking boot that can go just about anywhere, it’s hard to go wrong with the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid. The waterproofing is great, the stability and support are outstanding, and it’s built to last multiple seasons and many miles. The classic styling seems to look better with hiking pants than shorts, but we appreciate the many color options and we can’t argue with the solid all-around performance.
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
If you’re looking for a classic do-it-all leather hiking boot, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX should be on your shortlist. It has a different classic construction with fewer seams, and it’s lighter and more nimble but the tread isn’t as aggressive. For ultimate cushion, check out the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX. It’s not the most stylish option, but the comfort is freakishly good. Last of all, if burly, rugged support is your primary concern, particularly if you’re packing heavy loads, the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX has a seamless full leather upper and a very aggressive lug pattern.