Backside Line
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots are sturdy, snug, and exceptionally supportive for backpacking with heavy hundreds, even on the roughest terrain. They make the most of the well-loved Renegade design and have a nubuck leather-based higher and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. The Renegades are available one other model, the Evo. The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Ladies’s boots function a redesigned sole bundle with enhanced midsole and outsole for improved consolation, shock absorption, stability, and a diminished seam higher for sturdiness.
These boots supply all-day consolation and a fairly customizable match, with each large and slender sizing. Whereas some testers felt there was a break-in interval for these boots, others famous they’re snug proper out of the field. The distinction in opinion could also be as a consequence of sizing or foot form. Whatever the break-in interval, they’re bulkier and heavier boot choices, however these traits lend to the next degree of stability and sturdiness.
If you will get previous the sticker shock of those boots, you’ll discover they’re a superb worth for anybody on the lookout for a long-lasting, dependable boot for difficult hikes. They’re finest for hikers who prioritize ankle help, need sturdy waterproofing, and like a sturdy boot over a light-weight path shoe.
Examined in tough Cascade terrain, the Rocky Mountains, and past, the Lowa Renegade GTX boots constantly ship glorious traction and stability. For those who’re on the lookout for a boot that gives each efficiency and longevity, it is a stable possibility for outside adventurers. Take a look at our information to the most effective ladies’s mountaineering boots for extra choices.
Fast Specs
Ladies’s Lowa Renegade GTX
Greatest Mountain climbing Boots General
Worth:
$255
Weight (Pair):
2 lb. 6.1 oz.
Higher Materials:
Nubuck leather-based/GTX membrane
Execs
- Exceptionally supportive
- Above-average sturdiness
- Excellent traction on quite a lot of surfaces
- Good for backpacking with heavier hundreds
- All-day consolation
- Trendy
- Large & slender sizes obtainable
Cons
- Costly
- Heavier than some
- Require longer break-in interval
Consolation
Throughout current testing, we discovered the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid snug out of the field. Due to the tailor-made higher and cushioned insole, these boots have a form-fitting really feel. The felt and foam insoles have a tender underfoot really feel and a very good steadiness of consolation and help, even when logging longer days on the path.
The lacing system appears affordable initially, however the laces can come out of the highest hooks on steeper terrain, particularly steep downhills. We fastened this concern by switching to stiffer laces, and we suggest doing this for optimum consolation throughout hikes, particularly within the mountains.
The forefoot design or entrance a part of the boot provides an environment friendly and clean stepping stride due to the entrance rocker, which supplies a slight upward curve throughout push-off with every step. We additionally just like the ankle collar – it’s versatile sufficient to maneuver with our foot throughout flexion however stiff sufficient to be protecting and add help.
Sturdiness
Throughout our testing, we wore these boots on backpacking journeys, rocky trails, and whereas bushwhacking. They confirmed minimal indicators of wear and tear by way of all of it. They’re designed with lasting sturdiness in thoughts and are constructed with a troublesome leather-based higher and rugged Vibram outsole. The leather-based is high-quality and sturdy however requires upkeep to carry out at its finest. Upkeep for leather-based mountaineering boots just like the Lowa Renegades contains common cleansing with a tender brush and gentle cleaning soap to take away filth, making use of a leather-based conditioner or waterproofing therapy to maintain the leather-based supple and water resistant, and storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct warmth to forestall cracking or drying out. With correct care, these boots are effectively well worth the worth and maintain up effectively to abrasions and tough terrain challenges.
Even after in depth use, the Vibram Ren-Trac outsole continues to be in good situation. For added sturdiness, these boots have strengthened stitching and extra seams on the higher and forefoot space, the place boots are inclined to put on the quickest. Common leather-based therapy with a waterproofing agent like Nikwax can stop additional put on and tear.
Ankle Help
Due to the excessive ankle cuff and full-length nylon shank, the Lowa Renegade GTX boots have secure ankle help. As talked about within the consolation part above, though the ankle cuff is supportive, it doesn’t prohibit motion and permits for front-to-back flex.
This is among the tallest boots we examined, however due to the peak and skill to lace to the highest of the boots, they’ve superior ankle stability. We like the additional help when carrying a heavy pack.or anybody with weaker ankles, these boots may help to forestall sprains or accidents.
For added torsional stability, the Monowrap Body midsole design prevents extreme foot twisting and helps the boots maintain their form even in probably the most demanding environments. No matter whether or not we had been navigating scree fields or on a steep downhill with free gravel, these boots did a terrific job maintaining our ankles in place. For those who get ankle fatigue, particularly on lengthy hikes, these are a terrific alternative.
Traction
From muddy trails to rock slabs and scree, the Renegade’s efficiency didn’t disappoint. We examined these boots in moist and dry circumstances, together with river crossings and steep, slippery inclines, and located they carry out reliably on practically all surfaces.
The brand new and improved Vibran Ren-Trac outsole has an aggressive tread sample and supplies a stable grip on surfaces of various textures (clean to uneven). The rocker within the forefront of the boot provides to the boot’s capacity to grip rocky terrain and offers a extra secure really feel when pushing off.
Regardless of the superb grip, even on rocky surfaces, they aren’t the most effective performers for technical scrambling. They lack precision for stable foot placements, and we want to really feel extra secure in these conditions. Regardless, we discover these boots extremely versatile of their traction and an all-around prime performer for hikers who must cross a mixture of terrain sorts.
Climate Resistance
The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane provides the Renegade dependable climate resistance for moist and chilly circumstances. We subjected these boots to water crossings and wore them in snow and rain. In all circumstances, they saved our toes dry and comfy. The leather-based absorbed some water initially, however the remainder of the higher shed water, serving to the boots stay waterproof.
The one concern we had with the waterproofing of the boots was when carrying them in heat, dry climates. In these conditions, our toes acquired too sizzling because the membrane wasn’t very breathable, resulting in a build-up of sweat and a few sizzling spots forming close to the top of the hike.
What makes the boots so efficient of their waterproofing is the mix of leather-based building and a GORE-TEX lining. This strong barrier can simply stand up to hours of moist circumstances, however the leather-based requires some upkeep to stay efficient. We suggest utilizing leather-based cleansing and waterproofing therapies like Nikwax for continued weather-resistant outcomes.
Weight
These are usually not light-weight mountaineering boots. The complete leather-based higher and tall construct nonetheless has a good steadiness of weight and sturdiness however can really feel clunky to hikers used to carrying mountaineering footwear or path runners. They weigh round 2 lbs. 0.8 oz. per pair, relying on the sizing, which nonetheless matches into the midweight class.
Lowa has built-in some design options that cut back pointless bulk in comparison with different boots with an analogous construct. As an illustration, the polyurethane Monowrap Body and nylon shank add ankle and torsional help with out including extreme weight. The complete leather-based higher provides to the general weight however enhances the boot’s sturdiness, which means hikers can anticipate a protracted lifespan even after a number of seasons of heavy use.
Whereas it’s lighter than comparable heavy-duty boots, it’s not perfect for hikers prioritizing pace and agility over stability and sturdiness.
Ought to You Purchase the Lowa Renegade GTX?
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots are for hikers who want sturdiness, consolation, and stability on difficult terrain. These boots excel on hikes when carrying heavy packs or tackling longer, rougher trails. The excessive degree of ankle help, dependable traction, and climate resistance make these boots perfect for multi-day backpacking journeys, rugged off-trail hikes, or moist circumstances. Whereas they might be heavier than different choices, the added weight is a tradeoff for enhanced stability and long-term sturdiness.
For those who prioritize a lighter, extra versatile boot for brief day hikes or faster-paced treks, the Renegade may not be the most effective match. For these needing a boot that may stand up to years of powerful use, although, this mannequin presents glorious worth, making it a worthwhile funding for adventurers who demand consolation and efficiency.
What Different Mountain climbing Boots Ought to You Contemplate?
Ladies’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluate: If the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is outdoors your price range, however you want consolation and sturdiness, try the Merrell Moab 3 WP. These are a superb different to the Renegades, and whereas they don’t have fairly the identical degree of help, they’re a lighter, extra breathable possibility. They require no break-in interval and are most interesting to informal hikers who desire a boot that has some waterproofing and might carry out effectively on maintained trails. For those who’re not one to sort out technical terrain or carry a heavy pack, the Moab 3 is a cushty, long-lasting boot at a a lot lower cost.
Ladies’s La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Evaluate: If you would like a boot that has an analogous degree of sturdiness and help however is lighter than the Lowa Renegade, the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX is a robust contender. These are lighter and extra breathable, making them a sensible choice for light-weight backpackers or day hikers who need additional help. They’re nonetheless extraordinarily snug for lengthy miles and have optimum traction for reasonable terrain. For those who plan to hold a heavy pack or sort out tough, uneven trails, you might want the Lowa Renegade’s ankle help. Nonetheless, the Nucleo Excessive II GTX supply a superb steadiness between weight and efficiency and are perfect for hikers wanting a lighter, extra versatile mountaineering boot possibility.
Ladies’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Evaluate: If the Renegade isn’t a strong sufficient boot possibility for you, then check out the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots supply distinctive stability and sturdiness and are designed for tougher circumstances. They’re heavier than the Renegades however can deal with extra demanding, technical terrain. Each boots supply glorious sturdiness, however if you would like one thing that’s a step above the efficiency of the traditional Renegade design, look no additional than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX ladies’s mountaineering boots.