How to Choose Hiking Boots and Shoes

For over 25 years, hikers have loved the comfort of these leather LOWA boots. They're great for day hikes and shorter backpacking trips. GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry while Vibram® outsoles lend grip.
Earn 2x card rewards Instead of 5%, earn 10% in card rewards† on REI purchases—even sale items—with your REI Co-op® Mastercard® Sep 18–28. Terms apply. Learn more
Imported.
View the Lowa Renegade Product LineView all Lowa Women's Backpacking Boots| Best Use | Hiking Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane |
| Upper | Heinen terracare nubuck leather |
| Midsole | Double-injection DuraPU/DynaPU |
| Support | MONOWRAP frame |
| Outsole | Vibram Rene Trac rubber |
| Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 2.2 oz. |
| Gender | Women's |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Bought these in Green Panna. I have worn them on 2 day hikes so far + at an outdoor work event, and they were superb. They're extremely light and got great traction on rocks. I do have a medical issue with two toes which makes it impossible to get in a narrow shoe, these ran large (I actually sized down about a half size and I never do that) but I still found the toe box to be slightly tight. I used the window lacing technique in the toe box to keep it wide and the surgeon knots up top to keep the laces secure. It's worked perfectly. They're one of the more expensive boots at my local REI but they are worth the investment because Lowas are easy to care for and get long term use out of.
I am a biologist and I work in extremely wet and challenging conditions. If you want a hiking boot that keeps your feet dry, does not give you blisters, and are comfortable right out of the box, this is the pair. I purchased these boots in a wide version and these are easily my favorite hiking boots. Because they are leather, make sure to take good care of them when drying them out. My first pair ended up shrinking a bit, but LOWA's warranty repair is hard to beat. I highly recommend these boots to anyone struggling to find a pair of GORETEX hiking boots. These are worth every penny (and bonus points that they don't create blisters!).
The womens renegade in graphite actuallly looks like a deep sage green and is more attractive color than I expected when it was delivered. The fit of size ll wide was the same as the one I already have in size 10.5, tho??!! It was not very well cushioned and the cuff is very stiff. The soles are very rugged and has lugs far apart so the conifer needles do not get caught in them, so that is a plus. This was on sale and a very good looking boot, but not sure if it is comfortable enough to keep it. The return cost for shipping is a drawback to ordering online, but without a store nearby I have no choice.
I can’t recommend these enough! I will never buy a different hiking boot again. I bought these after my husband had a pair of the men’s version that lasted 10 years and he recommended them. I wore them for the first time on a 50 mile backpacking trip over 5 days with almost no time to break them in and my feet felt amazing. I only had 1 blister the whole time! The grip is amazing and was great on the wet slippery rocks on the trail. The waterproofing was so good I was in ankle deep mud and didn’t get my socks wet. They are true to size. I wear a 10.5 womens which can be hard to find in some brands and the 10.5 fits perfect on these.
Lowa Renegade GTX boots are the only ones my feet like. I wear a 9 1/2 and these fit perfectly, snug without pinching. I have narrow feet generally and especially narrow heels, but the way these boots lace keeps them from slipping. They are completely waterproof, always dry and very comfortable. My only issue is that I wish the soles lasted longer, especially considering how much they cost. I buy them when I can get a discount and use my dividends, but I would pay full price if I had to. They are that good.
When my old Lowas finally needed to be replaced, I bought these boots for a month long trip out west. The boots fit great, were the size I typically wear, didn’t need to be broken in, and handled all of the differing terrains each national park had to throw at us. The boots handled smooth granite, loose scree on steep trails, loose sand, and stream crossings among other conditions. The boots were comfortable, even after longer, more strenuous hikes. My son also has this same brand/model boot and has put them to the test, including hours spent in wet conditions. They are his favorite hiking boots. Both our boots have held up well to tough conditions. I highly recommend them.
I've had 3 pairs of these boots. First pair was PERFECT even thru several creek crossings. When it came time to buy another pair I bought 2 pairs on sale thinking they would perform as well as the first pair. Last fall (2024) the first pair leaked like a sieve on the first trip (with creek crossings and gaiters). This spring (2025) the second pair leaked like a sieve after the first hard rain and walking thru wet brush (no creek crossings) and I had gaiters on as well. Plus they were VERY hot (unlike the first pair). Either these last two pairs were lemons or Lowa has changed its design/manufacturing so I don't think you can depend on these boots being waterproof or even water resistant. Lowa wouldn't replace the boots (which would have been the right solution if in fact these last two pairs were lemons and they stand behind their claim that they are waterproof). Instead they offered me 30% off my next pair but why would I buy another pair if I need them to be waterproof and they are just going to leak??
When I purchased my Lowa Renegade boots the fit and feel was perfect. I tried 6 other different boots and yours were the best. On my first hike I was navigating a very narrow stretch of the trail and my boots knocked each other and the ankle lace hooks grabbed the lace of the opposite boot causing me to fall. This happened twice and afterwards I had to make sure I kept my ankles from getting close enough for that to happen again. I am planning n returning the boots back to REI where I purchased them as they are not safe. Not sure if my boots are defective or all your boots have the hooks opened enough to “grab” the lace of the opposite boot if they get close enough. I LOVED my boots otherwise.
I ordered my normal shoe size in the normal width. My feet are medium to narrow. They rubbed my right small toe. They were too short, which caused all my toes to be right up against the front which was uncomfortable. I tightened them but then they pressed against my left ankle bone. By the end of a 3 mile easy hike they were so uncomfortable I took them off and finished the hike in my socks. I returned them to REI. I tried on a Merrell and a Salomon in my normal shoe size and they fit fine. I was going to try the Lowa Renegade 1/2 size larger, but unfortunately, REI was out of that size at my store. I ended up buying the Salomon Echo (formerly the Quest). They are just as supportive as the Lowa and a lot more comfortable.
These are the best boots on the market - I used my first pair on many mountain hikes for 15+ years and now just bought my second pair. They never give me blisters, they feel very stable on my feet, high performance (never slip), and they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned.


Buy a lifetime $30 membership and make a $50 purchase by Nov 12, 2026.*
$28
10% Reward*
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card*
valid for 30 days after joining*
=
$58
Value