Lowa  Fortux GTX QC Hiking Boots - Women's

I kept delaying this purchase because I was looking for reviews (maybe I’ll be the first). I’ve worn out 2 pairs of beloved Lowa Renegades over the years, and need new boots now for steamy rainforests and muddy cloud forests. For travel, they have to be lighter than the Renegades, with just as much comfort, ankle and arch support, must grip well on muddy, rocky, slippery, crumbly, dusty trails, wet docks and city surfaces. Bonus points if they are waterproof, don’t get too sweaty or build up a stink. Even without finding reviews, I decided to take a chance based on loving my Lowa Renegades, and REI’s return policy. I’ve only had the Women’s Fortux GTX QC Hiking Boots for 2 ½ weeks and I live in a dry place, so I can’t (yet) review their traction in the tropics, but I’ve hiked more than 10 miles on hilly roads and trails of rock, adobe, dust and loose gravel, and I can say the boots have great cushion (I add a SOLE insole), they are perfectly grippy and provide good ankle support and toe space. If you like the fit of Lowa Renegades, you will like the fit and feel of the Fortux GTX QC boots. I have narrow heels, high arches, and like a roomy, tall (not too wide) toe-box. I wear a US 8.5 or 9 (women’s) shoe, and just as with the Renegades, I find that the 8.5 boot (medium) works great for me, along with the aforementioned SOLE insole (W9). Not only that, but they look pretty good too, OK enough for casual wear in cities. I’m keeping my Lowa Fortux boots, hopeful they will hold up well in the tropics.