The Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots are a well known LOWA workhorse. I bought a pair about two years ago, and I have to say: I’ve been impressed. The condition of your feet is highly important in the backcountry. Often, your feet and footwear systems are the first to fail on a hike. I’ve worn the Renegade GTX Mid boots backpacking, hunting, in snow and ice, and even just for walking. They’ve kept my feet protected, comfortable, and surprisingly dry throughout every adventure.
As far as footwear goes, I personally prefer a more minimalistic approach. Even as long time runner, I don’t buy into the whole arch support and corrective insole paradigm. The human foot is an incredibly designed and capable part of the body. I suspect that a lot of our foot problems originate from weakness, rather than a lack of custom orthotics. (Granted, modern paved surface really muddy up these waters.) When going for hike or lightweight backpacking trip, I almost always grab an old pair of running shoes. With all this in mind, I’ve been surprised to enjoy the ol’ Renegades as much as I have.
Price
The Renegades fall in the mid-range price point for quality hiking boots. They’re listed at $245 on the REI website, which, in my opinion, is a considerable chunk of change. I didn’t want to spend that much on a pair of boots, and I took my sweet time shopping around and checking used gear bins before giving in. Now, two years after the purchase, I appreciate their value and would likely buy them again. That said, I wouldn’t consider the Renegades a budget option.
Comfort and Fit
These boots are the most comfortable hiking boots I have ever worn. They’re not squishy or over-padded, but rather slightly firm, conforming, and well shaped. The nubuck is rugged yet flexible, while the Gore-Tex lining provides a smooth texture on the inside of the boot. The leather-Gore-Tex combo is really where the magic happens. LOWA artfully marries the two to produce a boot that is durable and waterproof while simultaneously breathable. The breathability means that your feet will stay dry even when you sweat a little (no squelchy boots, unless water comes in from the outside). The Renegades are also relatively light, weighing in at 2lb 7oz per pair according to REI.com (not sure which size they are referencing).
Regarding fit, the footbed is pleasantly reminiscent of a running shoe with a much stiffer outsole. Additionally, the boots are offered in wide sizes. When choosing shoes in general, it’s important to me that my foot has room to splay when it comes under pressure, especially in the ball. The wide version of these boots fit snug over my ankle while allowing my foot room to flex more naturally throughout my stride. The first time I tried a pair, I wondered if the boots were too light and comfortable to actually be durable, which brings me to my next point.
Durability
When it comes to durability, the results speak for themselves. My boots have seen moderate frequency usage over the last two years on particulary rugged terrain. I often wear these boots hunting, busting though brush and climbing hills well off the beaten path. While elk hunting in Eastern Washington, my boots survived 12 mile days of sidehilling and volcanic rock with aplomb. My Renegades have no tears, seperation of the sole or rand, or uneven wear. They’re still completely waterproof. Functionally, they’re the same as when I bought them. However, I am beginning to see slight fraying in the laces and some of the stitching. Also, the leather has darkened, and the outsole have lost some rubber. In my mind, these developments are to be expected. I wouldn’t be surprised to wear these boots for another two years with similar usage.
Aesthetics
These boots are by no means a fashion statement, or even a Blundstone for that matter. However, the nubuck upper provides a natural, rugged appeal that I enjoy. I’m not into “techy” or unnecessarily complicated looking footwear, so the Renegade strikes a balance for me between modern performance and classic aesthetics. After a few years of use, multiple cleanings, and a waterproofing treatment, the leather has definately darkened and become smoother. Additionally, there are obvious crease marks in the shoe, giving them a worn appearance. All that’s okay with me. I find something romantic in the aging of real leather, and I think many people feel the same. To sweeten the deal, the boots are offered in a variety of colorways to match your personal preference, so you really can’t go wrong.
The leather has certainly aged. These are the Sepia color.
Application
The mid-height, waterproof hiking boot is one of the most versatile boots available, hands down. It’s applications range from walking the dog to approach hiking before a summit attempt. The six inches of height give you extra stability with a pack and just enough clearance to pick your way over streams, while at the same time feeling light enough to wear for miles. The Renegade GTX Mid is an exceptional option in this category. If you need a general purpose, multi-duty boot, look no further.
If you frequently engage in a more specialized activity, you may want to consider a different option. While these boots will serve you well on a week-long summer backpacking trip, I might scale down to a rugged running shoe or trail shoe to save a little energy. And while I wouldn’t hesitate to wear these boots on a snowshoe hike, I’d prefer something with insulation to keep my feet warm. So, while you can tackle just about any adventure in the Renegade GTX Mids, there are other boots out there that will serve you better under specific circumstances.
Just So You Know
One final thing to be aware of is that the nubuck leather will soak through when the boots are submerged or exposed to lots of water (walking through a stream or wet brush, for example). Don’t worry! The Gore-Tex lining will keep the water out. If you’re anticipating wetness or snow, consider adding a coat of Nikwax to prevent the water from permeating the leather. This will increase the longevity of the leather.
Persistence Outdoors 