What I was looking for
I live in the northwoods and spend a good amount of time in the National Forest. I was looking for a boot that I can spend the day wearing while hiking. I need a sole that will hold on wet rocks, give me a good feel of the trail but not so much that I can feel every sharp rock on the bottom of my feet. I want something that is fairly water resistant. Most important it has to be comfortable with good support.The last pair of boots I owned were Merrill. Total piece of junk. I shopped quite a bit this time and decided I didn't want anything made in China. Too many bad reviews and all that I tried had a cheap look and feel. I tried Vasque, Columbia, Keen, Lowa, Rocky and others that I can't remember. The Lowa fit and felt the best and looked well made. But I didn't want to spend $230 (MSRP) for them. When I saw them on Amazon for $162, I jumped.So far they have been what I expected. The boot length is right on, the width may be a little snug. I expect that to change as they break in. I took them out onto some wet, sloping rock and they held perfectly They give good support and feel comfortable.So far, they are just what I was looking for. If things change, I'll update this review.
✔ Verified Purchase
C
Carson Saunders
July 25, 2012
Best Boots in This Class
I needed a pair of medium-duty hikers for day trips in the Rockies. I bought the Lowa Renegade GTX based on reviews for its comfort and quick break-in. I wore them a bit while walking the dog and found them to feel ready after just a few miles. They roll with my stride and are very easy on the feet. I just got back from a 6-day hiking trip in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado and I can say without hesitation that these are the most comfortable boots I've owned. We climbed many mountain passes and crossed a few streams. My feet were never wet. On uneven, rocky ground I would have liked more support, but my backpacking boots tear my feet up when I use them for light-duty so I can live with tired feet. This was some intense hiking, often 6-8 miles per hike with elevation gains of 2-3000' so it was a great torture test. I was the only one in our party of 6 with no blisters at the end of the week. I will mention that the sizes run SMALL. I usually wear a men's 10 regular and I had to go to a 10.5 wide. I tried a few pairs on at a local store. I also tried Garmont and Salomon for comparison, but I chose the Lowa for overall comfort and a smooth stride when walking. For northern use (ie Canada or Alaska) where you want wiggle room for multiple pairs of socks, I would have gone to a 11 wide. We'll see how long they last. I'm happy to get 5 years out of a pair of hikers cuz I run them hard. The Lowa are not cheap, but you get what you pay for. There's nothing worse than a cheap pair of boots on a long hike.
✔ Verified Purchase
Exactly what I was looking for
I bought these for my trip to Peru for the 4d/3night Inca Trek to Machu Picchu, I will update my review once I return from my trip. I usually wear size 8 shoes and bought these in size 8.5 based on other reviewers. This past weekend I took a trip to CO and did a hike up the Manitou Springs Incline. I wore thick hiking socks and they fit perfectly. I did not feel any pressure points and my ankle felt secure especially how steep the Incline was. I did a lot of hiking last weekend and so far so good! I am very happy with the purchased so far and these boots seemed well made and super light.I bought these when they were on sale for $179 and Amazon Prime free shipping.Update: 7/12/2017I trekked the Inka Trail, I hiked up Colorado 14ers, I hiked all over the Rockies. These boots are so comfy and provide great support that I am picking up another pair just in case they stop making them. My feet love them! They are holding up pretty well too even after a few years of abuse.
✔ Verified Purchase
G
Graybits
November 30, 2010
Comfortable and sturdy hiking boot.
I'm out 2 to 4 times a week birding and trail mountain climbing. Depending on terrain, weather, and miles I'll wear Solomon Gortex trail shoes or Keen Targhee lightweight hiking boots. It was raining the last time I wore my Keens (two years old) and my feet got soaking wet and cold. I decided I had had it with sock type hiking boots and ordered the Lowa Renegade II GTX boots from Amazon, based primarily on waterproof, all-leather, and lightweight characteristics. I was worried about some of the comments about the boot being too narrow. When I put them on, wow, what a comfortable fit! With no breaking in, I wore them on a 6-mile hike up and back a mountain, and everything was perfect - no rubbing, no slipping going downhill, great traction, great support on rough terrain. These boots are so good, I now wear them on easy hikes, where previously, I used my Solomon trail shoes. Note: not appropriate for backpacking over rough trail or mountaineering.
✔ Verified Purchase
