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.
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. Overkill for shorter day hikes on well-maintained trails. 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? 
Im always hesitant when wearing new hiking boots, but the Renegade quickly became easy to trust over a wide variety of surfaces. Potential long-term durability concerns where the rubber toe cap meets the leather upper. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. However, the Fugitive is considerably stiffer than the Renegade, requires a longer break-in period, and clocks in significantly heavier at 3 pounds 0.7 ounces, which is noticeable as the miles add up. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Shifting to the lightweight and budget end of the spectrum, two longtime favorites are the Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP ($145; 2 lbs. 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. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Additional stability and support is one of the main arguments for stepping up to a tough boot like the Lowa Renegade. 12.2 oz.). Four lower eyelets, one central lock, and two upper hook eyelets comprise the lacing system. Its worth noting that my pair of womens size 9s checked in considerably heavier on my scale (2 lbs. One area we havent tested the Renegades traction is mud, but we expect it to perform competitively there as well. The trail felt sloppy and precarious, but I had no close calls when jumping down the steps on loose rocks. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Read more about us. However, in testing, we found that the Vasque had a fairly heavy and clunky feel on the trail, and the wider lugs didnt grip particularly well on softer surfaces. The Lowa feels solid rather than flexible and lightand we still prefer a boot like the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (1 lb. This can be especially handy if you prefer to use a two-lace technique when lacing up. Additionally, the PU midsole is decently firm but still well-cushioned for isolating my feet from harsh impacts, and the padding continues around the ankle and heel to really lock things in place. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Right off the bat, well note that the Zodiac is noticeably stiffer and offers a closer connection to the ground with less cushioning underfoot (the Lowa gets the clear edge in comfort). Compared to the womens version, the mens Renegade GTX Mid is a little heavier at 2 pounds 7.2 ounces per pair and sold in different colorways, but the overall construction and feature set are identical (for more, see our in-depth review of the mens Renegade). 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. ), but that may have been an anomaly. 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. 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. 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. Unsurprisingly, the Renegade did soak through and grow heavy with moisture when submerged above the collar in deeper rivers during our multi-day backpacking trip, and I ended up hiking with sloshing water and soggy feet until I had a chance to take them off and dry them out. 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. 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 crack hasnt expanded during subsequent trail time, but its nevertheless worrisome that it developed so early on. Unless you plan to add light mountaineering to the mix, we think the Lowa is the more approachable and well-rounded option in the midweight category. 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. Further, the boot offers ample stability for high-mileage backpacking while still retaining enough flexibility for shorter and less intensive day hikes. I still consider the Salomon Quest 4 GTX to be the more comfortable all-around design, but the Renegade isnt very far behind. 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. No mesh (non-GTX) model available for those who frequently hike in warm and dry climates. Got feedback? 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. Loaded down with gear and traveling over sometimes questionable terrain, we came to appreciate its widespread appeal. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. 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. But this is a boot that is built to last, and it can pay off to not have to replace your hiking gear often. The ankle collar is both supportive and comfortable during foot flexion. Unless you need the added stiffness and support, we prefer the more versatile, flexible, and $40-cheaper Renegade. The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a perfect example of a classic hiking boot.
This is a very classic style of hiking boot, with a full leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane. But this is a known downside to waterproof footwear, and the Renegade performed about as expected in terms of drying time. Soft and supportive, the Renegade gives us comfort on the trails and off. We quite like this boot, but the lacing system disappointed us.
Further, the midsoles offer sufficient isolation from the trail even with a loaded down pack and lots of hiking and scrambling over rock. This product is relatively lightweight for having a completely leather upper. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. One of the most important aspects of a good hiking boot, we were impressed by the support that we received from this boot. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Salomons Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the latest Quest 4 carries the torch. On a recent backpacking trip, the boot excelled while descending steep granite and loose, dusty trails. The great summer weather hasnt afforded us our usual opportunities to hike in the wet Pacific Northwest, but weve given it a fair shake by crossing and standing in streams whenever possible. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. (mens size 9)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we like: Reasonably light and comfortable without sacrificing support for heavy loads.What we dont: At this price point, build quality could be better.See the Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid See the Women's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid.
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. Overkill for shorter day hikes on well-maintained trails. 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? Im always hesitant when wearing new hiking boots, but the Renegade quickly became easy to trust over a wide variety of surfaces. Potential long-term durability concerns where the rubber toe cap meets the leather upper. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. However, the Fugitive is considerably stiffer than the Renegade, requires a longer break-in period, and clocks in significantly heavier at 3 pounds 0.7 ounces, which is noticeable as the miles add up. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Shifting to the lightweight and budget end of the spectrum, two longtime favorites are the Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP ($145; 2 lbs. 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. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Additional stability and support is one of the main arguments for stepping up to a tough boot like the Lowa Renegade. 12.2 oz.). Four lower eyelets, one central lock, and two upper hook eyelets comprise the lacing system. Its worth noting that my pair of womens size 9s checked in considerably heavier on my scale (2 lbs. One area we havent tested the Renegades traction is mud, but we expect it to perform competitively there as well. The trail felt sloppy and precarious, but I had no close calls when jumping down the steps on loose rocks. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Read more about us. However, in testing, we found that the Vasque had a fairly heavy and clunky feel on the trail, and the wider lugs didnt grip particularly well on softer surfaces. The Lowa feels solid rather than flexible and lightand we still prefer a boot like the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (1 lb. This can be especially handy if you prefer to use a two-lace technique when lacing up. Additionally, the PU midsole is decently firm but still well-cushioned for isolating my feet from harsh impacts, and the padding continues around the ankle and heel to really lock things in place. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Right off the bat, well note that the Zodiac is noticeably stiffer and offers a closer connection to the ground with less cushioning underfoot (the Lowa gets the clear edge in comfort). Compared to the womens version, the mens Renegade GTX Mid is a little heavier at 2 pounds 7.2 ounces per pair and sold in different colorways, but the overall construction and feature set are identical (for more, see our in-depth review of the mens Renegade). 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. ), but that may have been an anomaly. 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. 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. 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. Unsurprisingly, the Renegade did soak through and grow heavy with moisture when submerged above the collar in deeper rivers during our multi-day backpacking trip, and I ended up hiking with sloshing water and soggy feet until I had a chance to take them off and dry them out. 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. 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 crack hasnt expanded during subsequent trail time, but its nevertheless worrisome that it developed so early on. Unless you plan to add light mountaineering to the mix, we think the Lowa is the more approachable and well-rounded option in the midweight category. 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. Further, the boot offers ample stability for high-mileage backpacking while still retaining enough flexibility for shorter and less intensive day hikes. I still consider the Salomon Quest 4 GTX to be the more comfortable all-around design, but the Renegade isnt very far behind. 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. No mesh (non-GTX) model available for those who frequently hike in warm and dry climates. Got feedback? 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. Loaded down with gear and traveling over sometimes questionable terrain, we came to appreciate its widespread appeal. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. 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. But this is a boot that is built to last, and it can pay off to not have to replace your hiking gear often. The ankle collar is both supportive and comfortable during foot flexion. Unless you need the added stiffness and support, we prefer the more versatile, flexible, and $40-cheaper Renegade. The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a perfect example of a classic hiking boot. This is a very classic style of hiking boot, with a full leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane. But this is a known downside to waterproof footwear, and the Renegade performed about as expected in terms of drying time. Soft and supportive, the Renegade gives us comfort on the trails and off. We quite like this boot, but the lacing system disappointed us.
Further, the midsoles offer sufficient isolation from the trail even with a loaded down pack and lots of hiking and scrambling over rock. This product is relatively lightweight for having a completely leather upper. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. One of the most important aspects of a good hiking boot, we were impressed by the support that we received from this boot. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Salomons Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the latest Quest 4 carries the torch. On a recent backpacking trip, the boot excelled while descending steep granite and loose, dusty trails. The great summer weather hasnt afforded us our usual opportunities to hike in the wet Pacific Northwest, but weve given it a fair shake by crossing and standing in streams whenever possible. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. (mens size 9)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we like: Reasonably light and comfortable without sacrificing support for heavy loads.What we dont: At this price point, build quality could be better.See the Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid See the Women's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid.