Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Hiking Boot Review
An in-depth review of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX waterproof hiking boots
May 7th, 2025
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Our verdict
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots are the most supportive–and heaviest, weighing 2 lbs and 9.6 oz–waterproof hiking boots I’ve tested in the last year. They’re extremely comfortable and have seriously stellar ankle support. I noticed way less foot and ankle fatigue than I’d expect after a winter of carrying heavy loads over steep and snowy trails in these boots.
Despite their higher weight per pair than hiking boots like the Merrell Moab 3s, it doesn’t feel like you’re lugging around cinder blocks on your feet due to the shock absorption and supportive cushioning throughout the boot. In all weather I’ve tested them in–from frigid winter hikes stomping through ice sheets in the single digits Fahrenheit to that classic, glorious end-of-winter New York City slushy ground we all love– the Lowa Renegades have remained a supportive, comfortable boot with excellent traction.
For carrying heavy loads and for hikers with foot or ankle pain desiring a supportive, durable, and eco-friendly waterproof hiking boot, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots would be an excellent choice.
After significant use in temperatures primarily in the 10º to 40º F zone with brief forays into the warmer and colder temperatures, I found these boots most comfortable towards the colder end of that range. Though they’re not insulated, I loved them even when temperatures dipped into the negatives. That said, I run super hot. They’re warm nonetheless. The waterproofing is reliable in snow, rain, and slush, and the boots retain considerable heat.
In warmer weather, these boots lack breathability, and I found them too hot–on a longer hike, this could lead to blisters. But in all my cold-weather excursions with these boots, they’ve held up against everything I’ve put them through while maintaining their rigidity and remaining exceedingly comfortable.
The Lowa Renegades have been featured in our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots and Best Hiking Boots guides. I’d recommend them to anyone who doesn’t mind a heavier hiking boot and especially to hikers with unstable ankles or foot and ankle pain.
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX
Men's
Women's
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Specs
MSRP: $265
Weight: 2 lbs 9.6 oz (men’s), 2 lbs 0.8 oz (women’s)
Upper: Heinen terracare nubuck leather
Midsole: Double-injection DuraPU/DynaPU
Outsole: Vibram Rene Trac rubber
Available sizes: 7.5 - 15
Vegan: No
Comparison tables
Men’s
| HIKING BOOT | HEIGHT | MSRP | WEIGHT PER PAIR | SOLE MATERIAL | MIDSOLE | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY | WIDTH | AVAILABLE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowa Rengade Evo GTX | Mid | $265 | 2 lbs 9.6 oz | Vibram Rene Trac rubber | Double-injection DuraPU/DynaPU | Heinen terracare nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 7.5 - 15 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid | Mid | $130 | 2 lbs 2 oz | Vibram TC5+ | Merrell Air Cushion | Suede & mesh | Not waterproof | Medium, wide | 7 to 15 |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Mid | $170 | 2 lbs, 8.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry | Medium, wide | 7 to 15 |
| HOKA Anacapa 2 | Mid | $195 | 2 lbs 4 oz | Vibram Megagrip rubbere | EVA (30% sugarcane) | Waterproof nubuck leather | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes | Medium | 7 - 15 |
| Danner Mountain 600 Leaf | Mid | $220 | 2 lbs 4 oz | Vibram Fuga with Megagrip | Vibram SPE | Leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 7 - 15 |
Women’s
| HIKING BOOT | HEIGHT | MSRP | WEIGHT PER PAIR | SOLE MATERIAL | MIDSOLE | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY | WIDTH | AVAILABLE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowa Renegade Evo GTX | Mid | $265 | 2 lbs 0.8 oz | Vibram Rene Trac rubber | Double-injection DuraPU/DynaPU | Heinen terracare nubuck leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 5.5 - 12 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid | Mid | $130 | 1 lb, 13 oz | Vibram TC5+ | EVA | Pigskin leather/mesh | Not waterproof | Medium, wide | 5 to 12 |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Mid | $170 | 2 lb, 2.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry | Medium | 5 to 12 |
| HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX | Mid | $195 | 1 lb. 13.4 oz | Vibram Megagrip rubber | EVA (30% sugarcane) | Waterproof nubuck leather | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes | Medium | 5 - 11 |
| Danner Mountain 600 Leaf | Mid | $220 | 2 lbs | Vibram Fuga with Megagrip | Vibram SPE | Leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 5 - 11 |
Who is it for
After many treks with these boots, I confidently recommend them to hikers seeking a long-lasting boot to take on hikes in cold to cool weather. They’ve consistently held up through rough terrain and frozen conditions, and have been just as comfortable on casual walks around town. Stellar foot and ankle support is a major highlight of these boots–as a hiker with unstable ankles, these boots make a huge difference on rocky trails.
If you’re looking for a cold-weather, do-it-all boot that gets the attention of the style-minded outdoorsy folks in your life, look no further. For someone who seeks boots they won’t need to worry about and that are comfortable, sturdy, and durable enough to take on whatever the day may hold, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots would fit the bill perfectly. I’ve been using them consistently for both winter hiking and work since I got them, and have been loving them for both ever since.
How we tested
Turk, for size reference.
I’ve tested these boots in conditions from frigid winter to borderline summer in New York and Virginia. Also, briefly, a rest stop in Maryland with the slickest tile floors in the entire world. I only briefly slid once and wasn’t even walking that gingerly.
And New York's end-of-winter provides such a fabulous spread of weather conditions–single digits and hiking trails covered in inches-thick sheets of ice to almost-warm 40º days with mud-covered slush for ultimate ground texture. Whether I was out on the trail or walking the dog, the traction of these boots has held up through all conditions and my habit of dragging my feet. In fact, their traction has almost rivaled my top-tier anti-slip shoe, the Crocs Bistro work clog (not sponsored, just a fan).
My personal standard for the durability of any given pair of shoes is if a horse stepped directly on my foot while I’m wearing the boots, how bad would it hurt A. the boot and B. my foot if I had to remove my foot from under the hoof myself? The lowest end of this scale of mine would be any open-toed shoe. The highest is my pair of Dr. Martens that were run over with a car twice and are still going strong.
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots fall much closer to the latter end of this spectrum–while I have not driven over them to verify how they’d handle that, I have stomped through quite a bit of ice and skidded down several wintry embankments. They’ve kept my ankles from rolling and absorbing the impact of me attempting to flatten down a forest road to make it more drivable after being washed out.
And after quite a few off-trail adventures on rougher terrain, there are surprisingly few scuff marks on the boots. There’s a loose thread in one of the seams, but it doesn’t look like it affects the integrity of the seam itself – point being, I’m not worried about it unraveling.
Some superficial scuff marks and loose threads from a couple months of moderate to heavy use.
I tested the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots and the KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof boots in similar conditions and trails. After putting dozens of miles on those boots, I can confidently say that the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots are my favorites of these three in terms of ankle support and cushioning.
What we liked
Extremely comfortable with great cushioning and shock absorption
Rigidly supportive throughout the foot and ankle while allowing near-full range of motion
What could be better
The laces slip occasionally – though so far only on descents and when the laces were looser
High price
Not breathable enough for use in warm weather
Features
Upper material
The full-grain leather with GORE-TEX performs exceptionally when it comes to waterproofing– and as expected when it comes to a lack of breathability. In a full-on downpour, and when hiking through layers of rain, slush, snow, and mud, my feet stayed toasty and dry. On those particular days, I was grateful for that–on hotter days, the natural non-breathability of leather and waterproofing that kept me warm was like subjecting my feet to a sauna. It was not pleasant–I did not enjoy summer or even warm spring hiking in these boots.
In a full-on downpour, and when hiking through layers of rain, slush, snow, and mud, our tester’s feet stayed toasty and dry in the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots.
While the boots are excellent for keeping your feet dry on all kinds of terrain, their ability to vent heat is less excellent, though one should not expect ultimate breathability from a leather, waterproof hiking boot. They’ve got a rugged construction–it would take a lot to wear these boots down from the outside.
Midsole
The midsole of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots provides comfortable, supportive rebound and cushion.
These boots have a solid, one-piece, double-in lightweight polyurethane midsole. It’s supremely comfortable–each step provides adequate ground feel to keep you connected with the trail, and sufficient cushion that each step manages to hit gently.
The single-piece, double-layer injection construction means that different layers of polyurethane material are used in the midsole. This gives the boot a more supportive feel underfoot with greater rebound, and in my experience, the interior of the boot is so supportive and comfortable. They’re holding up perfectly with use on the inside. I usually wear them down in the heels, and faster, but these are doing fine so far–no degradation of the interior yet.
Outsole
This version of the Renegades uses a Vibram Evo outsole. The lugs are thick and deep which helps with getting and keeping traction on slippery surfaces, from mud to ice. The deep and wide lugs of the outsole are great for getting and holding traction on just about any surface imaginable.
They’re also great for picking up mud and moss as easily as the tines of a fork. I’d like to apologize to the floors of any building I’ve worn these boots into as a result, but more than anything I’m glad these boots have had such reliable traction.
The outsole of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots and the thicker cushioning of the ankles.
Some customer reviewers indicate these boots are less grippy than their former iteration due to not using the same Vibram Megagrip outsole, but I’ve not yet slipped on unstable ground in these—and believe me, I tried.
Moisture-wicking lining
The moisture-wicking lining of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots performs well and consistently wicks sweat during even the most high-intensity hikes I’ve taken them on in cold and cool weather.
In high-intensity hikes during warmer weather, I found the moisture-wicking capabilities not sufficient to keep my feet from feeling like they were baking in an oven. I wasn’t drenched in sweat, either—but these boots are not breathable and there’s only so much the moisture-wicking lining can do to alleviate that.
While the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX hiking boots offer excellent waterproofing, they are not breathable.
Anatomical fit
The anatomical fit of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots—or the aspects of its design that keep your foot and ankle stable within the boot on rugged or uneven terrain—is called Monowrap. With this construction, a significant portion of the interior of the boot is constructed as one unit, which prevents separation of the sole from the midsole and upper for a longer-lasting boot. Another advantage of this construction is that it helps to resist twisting and rolling for greater stability throughout.
Performance in the field
The day these boots arrived was a February day in New York with abysmal weather. I enjoy most conditions, including cold and wet, but this was not just that. Slushy ice was falling in chunks from the sky, and the wind would carry those chunks of semi-solid rain, slapping me in the face at just the most insulting angle while I hiked. Nevertheless, while the rest of me was pelted incessantly with this wintry mix, my feet stayed dry and warm.
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX hiking boots have been excellent on excursions, including an unexpected off-trail ice climb to chill walks with the dog on spring-like days.
Right out of the box, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots were supportive and comfortable. Their rigidity through the heel and ankle was noticeable but not obtrusive, at least not until going up some steep inclines. Even then, the stiffness didn’t inhibit me too greatly—I just had to approach the section at a slightly different angle—but if you’re into the steep and rocky ascents then the overall stiffness of these boots could be a greater problem.
On the way back down, I found the rigidity of the boots that I so loved while walking wouldn’t allow for full motion of my ankle—it was mildly frustrating at times. When I re-laced the boots looser, I found the boots more comfortable on the descent and I had full range of motion through my ankle again—but then the laces popped out. I think for steeper hikes, it may just be a matter of troubleshooting your lacing technique and adjusting once or twice during the excursion. That’s what worked best for me, anyway.
They’ve been excellent on excursions, including an unexpected off-trail ice climb to chill walks with the dog on spring-like days.
Author Elliot Koeppel puts the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX hiking boots’ waterproofing to the test.
These boots have stomped down dirt to (attempt to) make a forest road passable. They’ve stayed comfortable on long drives and long hikes alike, and have broken more ground than any other pair of boots I’ve used this winter, and out-performed any expectations I might have had of them. Given everything I’ve put these boots through, the fact that the only signs of damage are superficial scuff marks and a few loose threads here and there.
It’s really incredible how strong these boots are–and stomping through dirt and rocks to flatten them didn’t hurt nearly as much as it should have with the excellent shock absorption they provided. I’d have done the stomping anyway, but I loved how easy these boots made it. For activities ranging from working at a hostel to high-intensity winter hikes on technical terrain, the Lowa Renegades with GORE-TEX were an excellent choice—only the arrival of warmer weather marked the end of my comfort zone wearing them.
Sustainability
Lowa’s commitment to sustainability as an outdoor brand is centered around the understanding that the way they run their company affects the outdoors. The Lowa corporate sustainability report is published on their website. They’ve ceased using PFCs in all products as of January 1st, 2025, and are aiming to halve their CO2 emissions by 2027 and be climate neutral by 2050.
The uppers of the Lowa Renegade GTX boots is Heinen terracare nubuck leather, a performance leather made with responsibly sourced materials in an environmentally conscious fashion–minimal consumption of water in the production process, reduced emissions, and transparent sourcing. In addition, there are no added PFAs in the Lowa Renegade GTX boots.
The Heinen terracare nubuck leather upper is made with responsibly sourced materials with minimal water consumption, reduced emissions, and transparent sourcing.
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX vs. similar boots
What I’ve appreciated most about these boots is something often sacrificed in lighter-weight hiking boots: their significant drop and moderately stiff ankle support. Though they’re a bit on the heavy side, they’re not so heavy that they get in the way of overall speed even on more rugged trails. For weekend hikes and day hikes with a heavier load, I greatly appreciated the support offered by these boots and the stability they offered as I moved, which more than made up for any extra weight they brought to my setup. After spending a good chunk of winter hiking in the lighter-weight, lower-drop Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX and KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof boots, I found the Lowa Renegades more comfortable and supportive for use while carrying my heavier winter pack.
Their waterproofing is consistently great, and they’re relatively warm to wear as well–most of my testing has been in true winter. While they’re not insulated, I never feared for my toes in these, and while true to size, they are roomy enough for thicker hiking socks which help retain warmth during cold-weather use. They’ve got adequate arch support as well–often something I add to my footwear later with inserts due to my high arches.
Should I buy the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX?
For hikers wanting supportive and sturdy waterproof hiking boots that will stand the test of time, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots would be a great pick. These boots have seriously excellent ankle support–and it’s not overly stiff or rigid to the point that they’d need any breaking in to be hiked in.
I wore them in downright miserable conditions (think high winds and an incessant sideways sleet-rain-hail situation) straight out of the box with no regrets. On soaking wet ground and in deep muddy puddles, my feet stayed dry. For cool-to-cold weather conditions, I’ve been singing these boots’ praises since they arrived on my doorstep.
Amazingly, I haven’t rolled my ankle once while wearing these boots–anyone who’s ever hiked with me knows how huge this is. Naming no names, I saw an ad recently saying that one doesn’t need ankle support in hiking footwear, that it’s overall unnecessary–your ankle should be able to support itself.
But that’s just not the reality for many hikers, including myself. Old injuries, unstable joints, conditions like plantar fasciitis, and other issues can contribute to requiring more support while hiking. It’s better to wear an adequately supportive shoe that meets your individual needs than to cause or exacerbate an injury–a major reason why a supportive hiking boot like the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX is a great option for hikers.
Overall, dog walking-approved boots.
Also, for fellow hikers with overused-rubber-band-level unstable ankles, wearing these is like giving your Achilles’ tendon a perpetual hug. Why not experience that luxury on the trail? (Rhetorical question, but my real answer would be the cost–the price tag on these boots is high.) But if you want them and they fit in your budget, they’re great boots. They’re even more worth it when they’re on sale.
Similar products
Merrell Moab 3
MSRP: $130
Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz (men’s), 1 lbs 13 oz (women’s)
Upper: Pigskin leather/mesh
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Vibram TC5+
Available sizes: 5 to 12
My experience with the Merrell Moab 3 Mids was thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail in them. While I’ve only tested the non-waterproof version of the Moabs, the difference in weight between the Moabs and the Lowa Renegades is quite noticeable. The Renegades have much better ankle support and a thicker outsole, as well as better arch support out of the box.
For hiking in non-winter conditions, I prefer a lighter boot like the Merrell Moab 3 because warmer weather usually means I’m carrying less weight. For winter hiking with a heavy pack, the Lowa Renegades would be my first choice.
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof and Merrell Moab 3 GTX are also great options. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Boots.
Merrell Moab 3
Men's
Women's
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof
MSRP: $170
Weight: 2 lbs 8.6 oz (men’s), 2 lb, 2.6 oz (women’s)
Upper: Nubuck leather
Midsole: Luftcell polyurethane
Outsole: TPU
Available sizes: 7 to 15
The Lowa Renegades are hardier and more comfortable than the KEEN Targhee IVs, and only weigh an ounce more than them. I found the traction of the Lowa Renegades significantly better on all terrains tested. Their ankle support is much more sufficient for general cold and cool weather hiking use and tough trails–the bulk of my testing with both of these boots was on and around rugged winter hiking trails.
I preferred the Renegades by far because they’re just more comfortable. Though they’re a bit heavier than the Targhee boots, the footfall is gentler with greater rebound and more supportive cushioning.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots.
KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof
Men's
Women's
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
MSRP: $195
Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz (men’s), 1 lb. 13.4 oz (women’s)
Upper: Waterproof nubuck leather
Midsole: EVA (30% sugarcane)
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubbere
Available sizes: 7 - 15
While I haven’t personally tested the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX boots, their reputation precedes them–a super-cushioned lightweight hiking boot that can handle activities from backpacking to walking around town. They’re significantly lighter than the Renegades while still being supportive in the sole–I’d be curious to see how their ankle support compares. You can learn more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Anacapa Mid 2 GTX Boots.
HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Men's
Women's
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
MSRP: $220
Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz (men’s), 2 lbs. (women’s)
Upper: Leather
Midsole: Vibram SPE
Outsole: Vibram Fuga with Megagrip
Available sizes: 7 - 15
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are lighter than the Lowa Renegades by a few ounces. I really like the Danner boots, but I find them better suited for less technical terrain with a lighter pack as they lack the rigid ankle support and thicker outsole that the Lowa Renegades have. On rockier, more technical trails and in colder weather, as well as during times when I was carrying a heavier pack, I greatly preferred the Renegades.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX
Men's
Women's
About the author / Why you should trust us
Elliot Koeppel is a graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in History. He thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2023 and the Colorado Trail in 2024. Offline, you can find him hiking, birdwatching, making jewelry, listening to Van Halen, and living and working on the Appalachian Trail.
Koeppel has been testing a range of thru-hiking apparel and gear for Treeline Review. Read some of his stories on his author page.
Instagram: @elliotkppl
