Our Score
The Renegade is one of our top backpacking boots of our collection. Great stability & support with increased durability.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review | Worth It In 2026?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2026. The Renegade has been around for over 11 years now, these are time tested hiking boots that definitely live up to the hype.
For this review, I have put in over 85 miles into testing my own personal pair of Lowa Renegade. I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails. I’ll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 16 years of experience as a trail guide and experienced hiker.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/29/25 with new testing insights, as well as a 2026 durability update, and added new videos of us testing the boots as well.
Lowa Renegade Mid Pros and Cons
Pros
- Crafted with quality durable materials
- Central Locking Mechanism For Secure Tying
- Great Traction With Vibram Megagrip
- Outstanding support
Cons
- Tight Fit Around Top Of Foot
- Breathability
- Weight
See This Review On Our Youtube
Should you buy the Lowa Renegade Mid GTX?
Buy if
- You are a serious hiker looking for a time tested hiking boot
- You prioritize comfort and fit
- You are willing to invest into an extreme quality hiking boot
- You want a dedicated backpacking boot
DON’T Buy if
- You are an amateur hiker, hiking <3 miles each trip
- You aren’t willing to spend a decent amount of money on a hiking boot
Compare To Similar Products
Top Backpacking Boot
8.3
One of the best ankle support systems out there. The stability and support is top-notch.
Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
9.2
Out of box comfort is the best you can get. The performance is surprisingly great as well.
Top Backpacking Boot
8.4
One of the top backpacking boots of out collection. Very Grippy outsole with active support wings for technical terrain.
Lowa Renegade Price
At the time of this writing, the Lowa Renegade Mid is priced at $220 retail, but I have found some great deals on Amazon/Backcountry.com for as low as $195 brand new.
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Lowa Renegade Mid Comfort: 7/10
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots prioritize comfort and fit, providing a range of sizes from narrow to wide to ensure an optimal fit for most wearers. These boots are praised for their out-of-the-box usability, which enables immediate enjoyment on trails without delay.
The midsole is crafted with PU foam which I found to be moderately comfortable. The toe box has more than acceptable room, no areas of deep compression or complications with hot spots.
What separates the Lowa Renegade from most hiking boots is the shock absorption properties. The midsole also contains DynaPU Shock Absorbing Zones , which are areas of extra padding where you are putting the most stress on your footbed. I will say, I didn’t notice any joint pain, or foot fatigue while testing which makes them excellent backpacking boots.
Personally, other boots do not offer the super supportive nature of the Renegade and still boast the agile nature they offer. The closest is the Quest 4, yet they do not have the agile nature of the Renegade.
With increasing use, I feel these boots keep adapting to my foot better, increasing the comfort with each break-in.
Weight
Weighing at 1.2 pds the Renegade is definitely a “midweight” hiking boot. As a frame of reference, the Oboz Bridger weigh in at 19oz , which is a comparable midweight hiking boot.
Nevertheless, the added heft ensures a robust and solid foundation that is essential when shouldering heavy loads over extended treks.
The boot still manages to surpass many of its midweight counterparts through well-rounded performance despite carrying extra weight.
Traction: 8.5/10
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid excels in providing remarkable traction on trail, adeptly handling both even and rugged terrain. The traction I experienced while encountering technical terrain cannot be understated, that’s why this is such a serious backpacking boot.
With a Vibram Evo outsole known for excellent hold and lasting durability, this boot has a tread pattern that is optimized to enhance contact across different terrains. 5mm thicker lugs contribute to reliable footing on softer ground while various lug shapes improve adherence to any type of wet or dry terrain you may be on.
I took these boots through real tough testing, especially snow-covered granite. The traction held up extremely well, gripping where other boots would be slipping.
The aggressive rocker design at the front of the sole ensures dependable traction where other hiking boots may fall short. I tested the Renegade in the snow, and I must say they really held up well making them an ideal winter hiking boot.
Overall, The Lowa Renegade holds great grip and traction while blazing through the trails. The rockered design is a standout feature that all hikers should test out.
Overall Protection 4/5
The Lowa Renegade boasts great overall protection. Crafted from Nubuck leather, the leather is nice and stiff acting as a protective armor from the elements.
Unfortunately, there is not a protective rubber toe cap most hiking boots possess. This puts you at risk for sharp objects piercing through your boots in the front. While the leather itself is tough, it’s not enough to withstand sharp rocks.
The heel itself has a protective rubber mechanism, an industry standard. The ankle spans high, protecting you from ankle sprains, especially with the specialized lacing system. Other than the toe cap, the Renegade is a nice rugged hiking boot that will keep you protected from the elements.
Water Resistance 5/5
The Lowa Renegade Mid is renowned for its waterproof capabilities. This boot features a GORE-TEX lining that ensures your feet stay dry, even when submerged in water.
Numerous users have testified to the boots’ ability to remain watertight during intense exposure to moisture, underlining their exceptional waterproof performance. These boots easily passed our 10 minute submersion test, as well as staying dry while trekking in the snow.
Nevertheless, the breathability of the Renegade GTX could be improved. Its solid leather upper hinders air circulation within the boot, which may render it uncomfortable for use in the summer. The tough leather does not feature any mesh pockets like the Hoka Ancapa, to help ventilate the boots.
While the Gore-Tex component guarantees no water penetration, consider the breathability when looking at these boots, if that’s an important feature to you.
Does The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Fit Well?
The Renegade GTX Mid fit well without the need to size up or down. I tested a men’s 10.5 and only had one gripe. The area where the bottom of the tongue meets the boot is a little too tight. I felt this went away after about 10 miles of breaking the boots in.
The back of the heel didn’t feature any hot spots or blistering. I felt the lacing system of the Renegade was second to none. The first rung is placed strategically further back than the top two rungs.
This allows for a nice tight fit on the front of the ankle, also locking the heel. Therefore, I didn’t have to use any special lacing techniques with this boot.
Lowa Renegade Fit 4.5 / 5
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Stability & Support 4.5/5
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid excels in delivering stability and support. Utilizing the Monowrap frame technology, the boot reinforces your footing and stability on rugged trails or when carrying a heavy pack during hiking adventures.
Lowa always prides themselves on creating hiking boots with excellent torsional stability. The same goes for the Renegade model, the stiff outsole combined with the robust leather creates one of the most stable hiking boots on the market by far.
Testing these with a 40 pound pack honestly felt effortless. On the same steep inclines where other boots start to lose their bite and I can feel myself slipping, these stayed firm and planted the whole way up.
The reinforced nylon shank adds a noticeable bump in stability on trail, giving you a wide, confidence-inspiring base underfoot. Honestly, the Lowa Renegade is one of the most stable, supportive hiking boots I’ve tested to date.
Durability 8/10
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boasts an above average durability rating. This hiking boot, with no doubt, is made from quality materials.
One issue is the fact that the Renegade has so many stitching seams. This seems a little unnecessary which will eventually lead to easier wear, as there are too many joints of the boot creating stress risers.
The resilience of these boots is highlighted by an expected outsole lifespan ranging from 250 to 500 miles – quite remarkable among hiking footwear in this range. Although, the multiple seams in the leather will not outlast the outsole.
2026 Durability Update
After putting over 85 miles on the Lowa Renegade, I’ve been impressed with how well it’s holding up overall. The leather does show a bit of weakness in structural integrity, especially along the medial side, but it still keeps my foot locked in and stable on trail.
Outsole wear has been solid too. The lugs are wearing evenly, and the outsole hasn’t noticeably compressed or flattened out over time.
Is the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid worth it?
There is no doubt the Lowa Renegade is a pricey hiking boot, asking $165 for a hiking boot is an investment in your hiking experience, not just another boot.
Nevertheless, avid hikers tackling tough terrain may find that its exemplary comfort, supportiveness and long-lasting build justify the expense. It stands out for its exceptional ankle support and resistance to water, making it adaptable for a range of hiking pursuits.
I recommend this hiking boot to anyone looking for a long-lasting, comfortable, rugged hiking boot.
The strengths of the Lowa Renegade are the excellent performance, second to none stability, and traction.
The drawbacks to consider is the fact that there are more comfortable, and year-round options out there such as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX or Hoka Anacapa 2 but some do come with a higher price tag.
Value: 4.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 7 / 10
Traction: 8.5 / 10
Overall Protection: 4 / 5
Waterproofness: 5 / 5
Stability & Support: 4.5 / 5
Fit: 4.5 / 5
Durability: 8 / 10
Value: 4.5 / 5
Total: 46 / 55
Our Rating: 8.3
Our Score
The Renegade is one of our top backpacking boots of our collection. Great stability & support with increased durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots suitable for hot weather hiking?
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, with its robust leather upper and Gore-Tex lining, are not the best for hot weather hiking. They are designed for durability rather than ventilation.
What is the expected lifespan of the Lowa Renegade?
There have been reports of users still hiking with the Lowa Renegade after 500 miles.
How do the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots perform in wet conditions?
The Lowa Renegade GTX, featuring a Gore-Tex lining, excels in keeping feet dry by offering outstanding waterproof capabilities even during wet conditions. As you can see, a lot of our testing was performed in the snow.
What are some lighter alternatives to the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots?
If you’re looking for a hiking boot that offers waterproof capabilities in a design that’s more lightweight, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof presents itself as an excellent alternative to the Lowa Renegade boots. Another great lightweight option is the Hoka Anacapa 2 or Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid for over 85 hiking miles now, with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Lowa Renegade performance accurately in real-world conditions.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
