Customer Reviews

Lowa Men's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot,Asphalt/Navy,7.5 M US

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the third pair I have purchased. (as a back-up in case they discontinue the model because I love em.) I originally tried on multiple boots at REI. This model fit like a glove and I haven't tried any other boots since. The first pair was purchased in 1999 & lasted until 2007 when the sole started to separate from the uppers. (I never did any care for the boots) Second pair purchased 9/07 and still going strong. (I am using appropriate leather conditioners now) I have used these mainly for hiking trips varying from 1-14 days; 1-2 long trips and 3-4 day trips per year, carrying a large daypack over varied terrain: Mont Blanc & Torres del Paine circuits, Wainright across England etc. Most recent, 8/09, summit of Kilimanjaro. Never a blister, feet always dry, great ankle support and no issues with durabilty. Granted, I have not used them for hiking that involved carrying a heavy backpack, not because I don't believe they are up to the task, but I simply haven't done that type of travel in years. Highly recommend if they fit your feet.

I have had 3 or 4 pairs of these boots over the last ten years or so. I find it to be the most comfortable footwear I have ever tried - they are more comfortable than sneakers and work right out of the box! They have solid steel eyelets for the laces, a flexy vibram sole and a gore tex lining. It is a lightweight boot so I find that it's great for pottering around the yard, taking day hikes or for everyday use. One problem I tend to have with boots is that the inner lining will wear out before the boot does - not so with the Lowa, the lining is sturdy (even though it's fabric).

However, these are not work boots or serious hiking boots. Why? The flexy, lightweight sole transmits surface imperfections more than a stiff sole. The nubuc style exterior does not take abrasion. Once the sole is damaged, it cannot be repaired. Used from time to time (such as on weekends) you might get a few years out of these boots but with day-in day-out use, I can get little more than a year out of them. And they're not cheap to replace.

That said, I'll probably keep buying them.

I cannot begin to count how many 'Waterproof' shoes I have purchased from $70- $120. You name the brand I bought them! All of them claimed to be waterproof and practically indestructible and the best shoe ever! None of them lived up to the hype. This shoe absolutely delivered! I walk all day long and they keep my feet dry! They took some time to break in but they are a great shoe and are well worth the two bills I laid out for them!

I have worn a pair of these almost daily for two years and they have been great. I do a lot of hiking in the southern Appalachians, often over difficult terrain and boulder fields. These boots have excellent grip in all conditions, and even after all the wear I have put on them, the soles are still in good condition with plenty of "tread" left on them. They fit like a proverbial glove, they lace up snug and stay that way all day. With other boots it seemed like I was constantly having to re-tie them in order to keep them snug, which is important for proper ankle support. I have worn them in every weather condition, and they keep your feet dry in rain and snow. Lowa boots are made in Germany and Slovakia.

There is only one downside, and the only reason I give them 4 rather than 5 stars, and that is an apparent problem with stitching around the toe section. The stitches next to the big toe have started to pop on mine, opening up about a 1 inch section. The Gore-Tex liner remains intact, so the waterproofing is not compromised fortunately. I would ordinarily consider this just my own individual experience and not even include it in my decision to knock off a star, but my father has worn two or three pairs of this same boot and had the exact same thing happen to all of them, so it seems to be a flaw common to this style. Even with this one flaw though, I still intend to purchase another pair of these because they are just so great otherwise.

Bottom line - yes they're a bit more expensive than the prison labor boots from China, but you will go through 2 or 3 pairs of those boots for every 1 of these. That's been my experience at least, so I view these as cheaper in the long run.

Superb boots! My hikes are primarily on glacial boulder rock and these boots have taken a severe beating. Grip, even on wet rock is excellent. As good as hiking boots of all-leather that I used in Switzerland 30 years ago. Only caveat; the manufacturer is German, but the boots are produced in Eastern European countries. Nonetheless, excellent!