REASONS TO BUY
Best for narrow feet
Highly supportive
Great traction
High quality and built to last
Easy to cinch tight
Lots of padding surrounds the high ankle cuff
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
Heavy
Design runs hot
Stiff
Overkill for day hikes
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid - Women's Review
These ultra-durable and more traditional leather hiking boots are perfect for women who prefer a high quality design that's built to last
Heavyweight options are typically overkill when it comes to day hikes and overnights.
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 21, 2025
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots for Women
Our Verdict
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is the perfect hiking boot for those seeking a traditional leather upper with a substantial ankle cuff to maximize durability and support. The Gore-tex membrane combines with an almost 6 inch flood height to keep your feet dry while water effectively beads off of the leather treated upper. The design is true to size and caters to those with narrow feet so we recommend sizing up if you need more space or find yourself between sizes. The stiff and rigid midsole softens after several miles, yet remains supportive and stable no matter the terrain. While it is the most expensive hiking boot in our lineup, this design prioritizes durability and performance that will last for many hiking seasons ahead.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is a more traditional hiking boot design that features Gore-tex waterproofing, Vibram outsoles, and a women's specific last to increase comfort on the trails. The stiff price tag is worth considering as these durable boots may be the last that you purchase thanks to the durable upper and substantial midsole construction that can perform on any trail during any condition.
This more traditional hiking boot features a high quality construction that is built to withstand any terrain type.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Comfort
The Renegade Evo GTX features a revamped nubuck leather upper design that seeks to reduce seams, thereby reducing pressure points and increasing the comfort of the women's specific last. They are some of the stiffest boots that we tested, requiring many miles before fully broken in. While our lead tester found the design true to size, we definitely recommend sizing up if you prefer more space for the toes or find yourself between available sizes. The boot includes a nicely padded ankle cuff along with a thick midsole to prevent discomfort from striking debris along the trail.
While most of the boots in our review are comfortable out of the box, we found this boot to be very stiff and rigid, only softening and conforming to the shape of our feet after 20-30 miles. Although Lowa advertises a climate control system that seeks to release sweat and moisture from the interior of the boot, we found these boots to run very hot as we tested them during the heat of summer in Yosemite Valley.
While these boots require a longer break in period when compared to other boots featured in this review, they do have substantial protection from trail debris along with a well-padded ankle cuff to keep your feet comfortable during longer treks.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Support
The Renegade Evo GTX is a hiking boot design focused on stability and support. This new and improved Evo construction features an updated double-injection DuraPU midsole that seeks to provide flexion and cushioning above a more rigid layer of support. The Monowrap frame locks the heel in place during steep climbs and descents while the lacing system allows you to customize the tension whether on the ankle cuff or the forefoot, making it great for narrow feet.
While the Renegade Evo GTX is designed with stability and durability in mind, this rigid and stiff support underfoot could be considered overkill for most hikers. The substantial ankle cuff measures 7 inches in height and features 3 metal ankle hooks to help stabilize the heel in place. If you're looking to maximize stability and support for extended trips into the backcountry, this might be the best choice for you.
The well-padded ankle cuff combines with three metal hooks to secure the heel in place while the double injection DuraPU midsole provides a stable base and protection from debris on the trail.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Traction
The Renegade Evo GTX design features Vibram Rene Trac outsoles that provide stable traction on most terrain types. Deep, multi-directional lugs kept us moving well whether negotiating slippery boulders, polished steps, or deeper sand. The traction combined with the durability of the design make this boot capable in every terrain type.
While these boots provide excellent traction their first time on the trail, we found that traction improved after more miles due to the flexibility of the upper which allowed more surface area to interact with the rock or sand below the outsole.
Vibram Rene Trac outsoles provide outstanding traction on all types of terrain.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Water Resistance
No matter what controlled waterproof test we exposed the Renegade Evo GTX design to, it provided excellent performance. The Gore-tex waterproof membrane effectively prevented water from entering the inner membrane of the boot whether we were moving through mud puddles, dunking the boots in a bucket of water, or submerging them in the Merced River. The Heinen terracare leather uppers also aided in repelling moisture, allowing it to bead off of the design, and only absorbing water into the upper after several minutes of submersion.
As is common with most Gore-tex, waterproof designs, we found the overall lack of breathability to be quite uncomfortable while testing in hotter temperatures with summer in full swing. The Renegade Evo GTX is excellent at sealing water out, however, your own sweat may cause moisture to build up within this rugged, high quality design.
The waterproof nubuck leather upper and Gore-tex membrane prevent water from entering the interior of the boot as it beads off the upper here in the Merced River.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Weight
Although Lowa made efforts to reduce the overall weight of the new Renegade Evo GTX through a new Monowrap frame construction, it still remains one of the heaviest boot designs that we've tested. Weighing in at 2.22 pounds for a US Women's size 8.5, only 3 boots outweigh this substantial leather construction.
For those who prioritize fast and light, think again, as the Renegade Evo GTX is one of the heaviest and stiffest boots that we tested. Key features such as the durable multi-layered nubuck leather upper, Vibram outsoles, and Gore-tex waterproof lining increase both the longevity as well as the weight of this burly design.
This durable construction isn't exactly lightweight, however, these boots are built to protect your feet on the trail and will last for many trips to come.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Durability
For those who are after a long-lasting, high quality design, the Renegade Evo GTX is the perfect boot for you. The nubuck leather upper features thick overlays to protect your feet from any trail debris, on nearly any trail system. The lacing system is just what you would hope for in exchange for the price. Each lace is reinforced with metal in addition to 3 metal ankle hooks and thick laces to prevent replacement for many many hikes to come.
While the durability and craftsmanship of this traditional boot design will increase the life of the boot, it does come with the price of a heavier weight, in addition to less breathability, and it requires an exponentially longer break in period when compared to more flexible, less rigid, running shoe like designs which simply don't last as long.
Nubuck leather overlays combine with a lacing system that is reinforced with metal eyelets to withstand encounters with sharp rocks and down branches while providing ample protection for the feet.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid?
For those after a high quality and durable full leather hiking boot design, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid should be at the top of your list. Although the price tag is literally the highest in our comprehensive review, these boots may very well be the last ones you will purchase due to the substantial leather overlays, metal reinforcements, durable midsole, and Vibram outsole. If you prefer a traditional hiking boot, this is one of the best available on the market today.
If you don't mind a little extra cash up front, these high quality and durable hiking boots will last for many seasons to come.
Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Women's Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is no doubt one of the most durable, long-lasting designs that we tested, however, it comes with a hefty price tag and an extended break in period. For those after a fully waterproof nubuck leather upper that is a little less expensive and features a more flexible upper, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX doesn't disappoint, especially when it comes to sustained wet conditions. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX has been a favorite of our testing team for many years thanks to the durable leather upper that combines with one of the best outsoles to provide performance no matter the trail or the conditions. And if you're a fair weather hiker and are after something more affordable, options like the Columbia Crestwood and the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP are great for well-maintained trails.
If you're looking for a high quality design that features durable leather overlays along with a substantial midsole and supportive ankle cuff, these might be the best choice for you.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid - Women's versus top competing products:
—Trish Matheny
You Might Also Like
