Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Review: A Boot That Goes the Extra Mile

Winter in Michigan is gray and cold. It may be true that four out of five Great Lakes prefer Michigan, but they all bring their cloud cover and lake effect storms to bear in what can become a swirling morass of sleet, snow, and lack of vitamin D. Spring doesn’t bring much change except the idea that something should change.

All that to say, sometimes you need a little extra something to get outside. I tested the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX through the long Michigan winter and into its simulacrum of spring, pitting it against outdoor preschool parent days, snow and frozen sand approaches to freshwater surf sessions, and good old-fashioned driveway shoveling.

On top of that, I took it to Mammoth Lakes with our finalists for the 2024 update of Best Winter Boots Buyer’s Guide, testing it head-to-head against our other contenders in a high-altitude alpine playground of trails. The results? A boot that’s not afraid to go the extra mile. Or two, or three.

In short: The Renegade is a durable, high-performing boot capable of any task from short jaunts to lengthy, alpine hikes. They’re comfortable right out of the box but benefit from some break-in time before attempting any long miles. The lacing system accommodates different foot sizes with ease. While they’re not the lightest boots on the market, they’re robust and supportive without feeling like bricks on your feet. All in all, it is a dependable and long-lasting boot for those who prefer a classic boot feel over a more trail-running-inspired silhouette. 

To see how the Renegade compares to the best winter hiking boots, check out GearJunkie’s Best Winter Hiking Boots Buyer’s Guide.

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX

$265 at REI – Men's$265 at REI – Women's

Specifications

• Best for: Treks from day strolls to extended hikes in moderate winter conditions
• Weight:  2 lbs., 9.6 oz. | 2 lbs., 0.8 oz.
• Waterproofing: GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane
• Upper: Nubuck leather

Pros

• Efficiency
• Agility
• Durable construction — holds up to miles and abrasions
• Accommodating fit
• Reliable grip on variable surfaces

Cons

• Heavier than some competitors
• Questionable breathability
• Pricey
• Not the warmest

Matthew Medendorp

A Bootmaker’s Pedigree

With roots in a Bavarian cobbler shop in the early 1920s, Lowa produced hearty alpine boots for snowy conditions since the brand’s early days. The Renegade has a 25-plus years of history to this style.

Add to that, all Lowa boots are handmade in Europe. This might account for the derby cut of the boot, something you see more in heritage shoemaking than typical outdoor gear. The derby cut involves an open lacing system — essentially, the part of the shoe (the facings) that the laces go through is sewn on top of the vamp instead of flush with it.

If we lost you there, just know that this translates to a roomier, more customizable fit. And maybe this is a nod to the wisdom of the ages because the last thing the Renegade feels is restrictive. Rather, it’s roomy in a good way — accommodate a thick sock without cutting off your foot circulation kind of way; not have to size down kinda roomy. 

Going the Extra Mile

The Renegade is definitely a boot in the old-school sense. Durable construction, plenty of support, big on the feet. But Lowa hasn’t ignored modern tech. The underfoot design uses a variety of polyurethane to create support without adding a lion’s share of weight.

A double-injection midlayer nestles a durable foot support on top of a softer, flexible cushion and Lowa’s DURAPU gives a slight amount of rebound to up the performance cred. To round that out, a PU support wraps around the heel to fully cup the heel.

The uppers are a stiff, but not unyielding nubuck leather striking the balance of comfortable out of the box yet still supportive. The upper also features a GORE-TEX membrane.

This all translated to a boot offering the traditional support and durability emblematic of hiking boots, but with more out-of-the-box comfort and a lighter build than others in its category. On a varied and multi-surface hike, like the Eastern Sierra’s Panorama Dome pictured above, the Renegade was able to handle snow, rock, gravel, roots, and dirt with ease. The ankle support was key, especially when scrambling  

Pain Points

I’m all for incorporating recycled and sustainable materials, and I’m happy to see that the outsole has a recycled component. But at this price point, there’s an expectation of a higher standard of grip, something in the Megagrip range, which is Vibram’s top performer.

That may be a bit hypocritical of me, considering I didn’t have any practical problems with the Renegade’s grip in the upper and midsole and max out the grip potential. It performed well on varied terrain and reliably on snow and ice. But, I’d rather see the recycled components — which again, good! More recycled construction, please.

Also, breathability is an issue. Leather, by its nature, is not a breathable material. So even if the GORE-TEX performs at its best, you’re going to have seat socks in warmer weather. This is less of a Lowa issue and more of a general category issue. 

Finally, $255 is no small price tag. But when you take into account the transparency of the supply chain, third-party waterproofing, ethical labor practices, and the handsewn nature of the shoes, you begin to wonder — why don’t other boots cost this much?

In our fast-fashion-conditioned brains, this price tag can be a tough sell. And it’s true that the Renegade is not an entry-level boot. Companies like Decathlon and its Forclaz series have stepped into that gap, shrinking the cost of entry and reducing barriers for folks starting out their outdoor recreation journey.

The Renegades aren’t quite on the opposite end of that spectrum, but they represent a significant investment — one that will pay off with care and seasons of use.

Final Thoughts

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a traditional hiking boot at its core. Steeped in bootmaking history, it incorporates modern technical materials while remaining focused on the fundamentals: ankle protection, rugged construction, and durability on the trail.

It’s not lightweight nor inexpensive, so hikers with minimalist tendencies (and budgets) should look elsewhere. But for trekkers who prefer a robust feeling, yet still a maneuverable boot that they can count on season after season, the Renegade is the right choice.

And, in a marketplace where brands continually rely on flashy logos, BOA systems, and questionable performance upgrades, it’s refreshing to see a modern boot master the fundamentals. One thing’s for sure: This is a boot that will last.

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