How to Choose Hiking Boots

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.
Imported.
View the Lowa Renegade Product LineView all Lowa Women's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Hiking Backpacking |
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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 |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | ||||||
UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 35 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
All women's sizes listed here are based on injected-sole boot construction found on hiking boots, such as the Renegade GTX Mid. Please go down half a size for board-lasted styles, such as the Mauria GTX and the Lady Light GTX.
Width: Wide = D; Narrow = B; Medium = C
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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!).
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.
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.
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.
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??
This is my second pair. I liked my first pair so much I decided to get these as the first ones were getting quite worn from using them ALL the time. Unfortunately, the second pair is not the same quality. I loved the first, older pair because I live in Alaska and they were great for hiking, even on ice. With the newer pair, they are still waterproof, but the tread does not appear to be the same as I am sliding all over the place. I have slipped and fallen twice already! I'd recommend microspikes/cleats or anything with better traction, as these are a hazard. I've observed other people on the same icy trails walking without any difficulty just using regular sneakers, without any microspikes/cleats.
The Lowa Renegade boot has been my trusted go-to boot for the last 9 years. I’ve owned 2 pairs during that time. My first pair I accidentally split with a pickaxe and that’s the only reason I replaced them but that’s entirely on me. That pair has much more life to it still, it’s just no longer waterproof, so I keep it in my emergency go bag now. I worked in the Garden and Landscape field for 5 years, now work as a USPS mail carrier, walking on average 12 - 15 miles an day, as well as hike and travel for fun, these boots have seen it all and have been faithful to me through it all. Whether rain or shine, pavement or mud. It’s important to note that they’re a narrow boot as is, which happens to be perfect for my narrow feet, but may pose an issue for some. They offer stellar support and cushioning throughout the entire footbed and ankle, as well as being comfortable straight out of the box. The ONLY truly waterproof hiking boot I’ve ever found (and trust me I’ve been stuck in a torrential downpour more than a few times in these). I’ve put over 11,000 miles on my second pair, the heel is starting to wear down, so I’m about to order my 3rd pair. I won’t switch to another boot because there’s not a thing I’d change about this one! Thank you Lowa for taking care of me through all these years! I literally couldn’t do it without you.
I adding additional info to my review.....when they updated their design they switched to "PFAS free GORE-TEX" which is inferior (in waterproof capability) to original GORE-TEX. This has been the case with other product lines like Arcteryx that have switch to PFAS free GORE-TEX in their jackets. The use of PFAS free GORE-TEX is relatively new and I don't think they have ironed out the design bugs yet because there new design is not waterproof.
I am a wildlife biologist who does intensive hiking on and off trail and these boots never let me down! I am on my 3rd pair and will continue to purchase. They are durable and comfortable with no break in period!
Very comfortable right out of the box. Wide fit was a good choice for me. They did well in Yosemite in rough terrain and on granite.