Finding the perfect hiking boot can be a challenging task. With countless models on the market, you need a reliable, durable, and comfortable boot that can handle everything from weekend hikes to multi-day treks or just even a walk in the park. Enter the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Hiking Boot, a premium boot designed for both occasional walking and long-distance hikes.
I’ve tested these boots extensively during long hikes in different terrains around Europe, including rocky trails, muddy paths, and steep ascents in snow. The famous LOWA RENEGADE model is perhaps the most-sold shoe in Europe. Let’s find out what makes them so popular!
Editor
Elmar Teegelbeckers
Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.
Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.
The LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid has a classic design with a modern twist. It’s classically rugged, yet stylish, while immediately conveying durability. The high-quality nubuck leather upper and sturdy sole give an impression of toughness, while the well-padded collar and tongue mean comfort for long treks.
These hiking boots come in lots of color combinations, great for both traditional and modern tastes. It felt sturdy yet lightweight when I first tried them on—an excellent balance between support and mobility. Of course, lower shoes and trail running shoes are lighter, but for the hiking boot arena, they’re pretty lightweight.
The famous LOWA Renegade line
This isn’t the only Renegade boot though, mind you. The Renegade line of LOWA comes with various models, the EVO GTX is just the most popular one. But you may also like the warm edition, the slightly higher ice edition, or the LO which is the low variant of the shoe.
Testing the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX
I tested the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Hiking Boot on multi-day treks, including the West Highland Way, a snowfield in Italy, and up some serious mountains in Switzerland. Here’s how they performed:
Comfort and Fit
Right out of the box, the boots felt snug but not tight. LOWA’s signature MONOWRAP® frame and midsole design made me feel like they had exceptional stability while keeping my feet in place. The boots didn’t need much break-in time, which is a major plus, especially for long-distance hikers.
The cushioned and supportive footbed had arch support, which reduced foot fatigue even after long days on the trail. The toe box was roomy, which meant I could move how I needed without getting blisters.
Of course, comfort and fit are always personal. It might be the case that your feet are not optimal for different types of hiking boots. That’s why it’s always recommended to check out the nearest outdoor store and try them on. And if you already know that LOWA is a great fit for your shoes, then it’s a bit easier because most likely you’ll enjoy this boot.
Waterproofing and Breathability
GORE-TEX® or GTX, as you know, can be incredible for keeping dry during rain and water on the hiking paths. This was definitely the case for these boots. Even after hours of trekking through wet conditions, there was no water seepage and my feet stayed dry and warm.
Despite being fully waterproof, I believe the hiking boots are breathable, but I recommend a thin sock because your feet can become sweaty in the shoe. However, it’s still nice to have the climate-controlled footbed features and moisture-wicking lining to prevent overheating even on warmer days.
Traction and Stability
The Vibram® Evo outsole had impressive grip and stability on both wet and dry surfaces. Whether hiking on loose gravel, slippery rocks, or muddy and snowy trails, the boots had a secure footing. This is also one of the best things about the LOWA brand, you’ll always know that the grip will be excellent.
The ankle collar is supportive, and the heel cup is firm and kept my feet stable, which was comforting in knowing that the risk of twists or sprains was reduced. This is for sure one of the benefits of going for boots instead of lower shoes. It can also be pretty helpful when hiking hut-to-hut tours or hiking on uneven surfaces if you have ankle issues. You’ll be glad with the stability of the shoe, which I mainly credit to the stiffer sole.
Durability and Construction
LOWA is known for its long-lasting shoes, and the Renegade EVO GTX is no exception. The high-quality nubuck leather upper showed minimal wear after several challenging hikes. Reinforced seams and robust construction suggest these boots are built to last.
The sole and shock-absorbing midsole effectively cushioned impacts, and the leather upper is also highly resistant to abrasions. The features are expected at that price, of course, but when you think of the years you can use these shoes before they wear out, I believe it’s worth it.
Weight and Mobility
While the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid is not the lightest hiking boot, its weight-to-performance ratio is excellent. At approximately 590 grams per boot (size UK 8), it was substantially supportive without feeling clunky.
Key features
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid
Upper Material
Nubuck leather
Lining
GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable membrane
Midsole
Dual-density DuraPU® for shock absorption
Outsole
Vibram® Evo for grip and stability
Weight
Approx. 590g per boot (size UK 8)
Fit System
LOWA’s MONOWRAP® frame for stability
Price
230 euros | 265 dollars USD
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
LOWA emphasizes sustainability, producing its boots in Europe under strict environmental standards. The company uses responsible sourcing for leather and minimizes waste during production. While not explicitly marketed as eco-friendly, these boots still show thoughtful craftsmanship with a more minimal environmental impact.
pro's
Outstanding comfort and support
Waterproofing and breathability
Durable construction for long-lasting use
Superior grip and stability on various (wet) terrains
Minimal break-in time
con's
Premium price point
Heavier than some other hiking boots
Can feel a bit clumsy
Best hiking boots for long-distance trekking
The LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Hiking Boot is ideal for anyone who loves hiking, especially when you’re enjoying a multi-day tour in the Alps, a hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites, or if you expect to carry heavy loads over rough terrain.
Conclusion
The LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid Hiking Boot delivers on all fronts—comfort, durability, waterproofing, and stability. It’s a well-rounded boot suitable for tough hikes and can hold its own in different terrains. While the price may seem steep, its performance and longevity justify the investment. It’s for good reason that it’s Europe’s best-sold hiking boot on the market.
What I personally like is the long-lasting viewpoint on sustainability. With more and more shoes only lasting a year or even a couple of months, we need to get back to buying products that will last us a long time again. That’s why I think it’s the best hiking shoe for long-distance trekking when keeping sustainability factors in mind.
If you’re looking for a premium hiking boot for challenging trails while keeping your feet comfortable and dry, the LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Mid is worth every penny. Its exceptional build quality, reliable performance, and supportive design make it one of the best hiking boots.
First Impressions
Waterproofing and Breathability
Conclusion