LOWA is one of the best brands for traditional hiking and backpacking boots. You'll find LOWA hiking boots on the feet of many hikers, backpackers, hunters, and soldiers around the world. That's because this German brand has a strong reputation for making brawny boots that can handle heavier weights and harder trails. I've personally hiked hundreds of miles in LOWA hiking boots and shoes—and sold many more as a Backcountry Gearhead and footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors. My LOWA brand review lets you know why it's a good brand and which of its boots and shoes might be your best options.
Testing the LOWA Renegade while backpacking the Allegheny Front Trail
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LOWA brand review
LOWA is a German brand that's been making premium outdoor footwear since 1923. The Italian-based Tecnica Group acquired LOWA in 1993; however, the brand has remained based in Germany. LOWA hiking boots are made in the European Union with factories in Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.
Why buy LOWA hiking boots?
LOWA is a good brand for hiking and backpacking boots with excellent ankle support, weather protection, and durability. It's best known for the LOWA Renegade— a hall-of-fame hiking and backpacking boot. However, the brand recently has branched out with some lighter hiking boots and a new line of trail running shoes for mountainous terrain.
I've owned four pairs of LOWAs over the years, so I have first-hand knowledge of the the brand's pros and cons. Here are the brand's key selling points:
Support
LOWA hiking boots usually have excellent foot and ankle support. They feel firm underfoot with limited flex, durable TPU midsoles, and sturdy outsoles for hiking harder terrain and carrying heavier packs. Based near the Alps, LOWA mostly builds boots and shoes for mountain pursuits—not casual walks.
Quality
LOWA hiking boots mostly feature high-quality leather uppers and third-party upgrades, such as Vibram outsoles and GORE-TEX waterproofing. They also feature TPU midsoles. TPU is more durable and more expensive than the softer EVA foam that most brands use— and not as hard on the environment. Quality materials = quality boots.
Made in Europe
LOWA has a good reputation for German quality and corporate responsibility. Most outdoor companies have outsourced their production to Asian countries for lower labor costs and fewer regulations. LOWA hiking boots are produced under the European Union's strict manufacturing, environmental, and labor regulations.
Does LOWA run true to size?
LOWA boots generally run true to size. They're not as narrow as some European brands, but hikers and backpackers still may need to size up more than normal in LOWA. The best-selling LOWA Renegade is available in narrow, regular, and wide sizes.
Is LOWA a good hiking brand?
LOWA is a good brand for hikers who care more about support and durability than about price or weight savings. Hiking and backpacking boots are the brand's bread and butter. However, LOWA just released its first line of trail running shoes—and one of them is a surprisingly good hiking shoe.
LOWA Recommendations for Hikers
Best LOWA Hiking Boot
LOWA Renegade GTX
Main Benefits:
The LOWA Renegade is an iconic hiking and backpacking boot that's been a best-seller for 25 years. This Hall of Famer's mid-cut, leather ankle collars supply good ankle support, and the boot's sturdy midsoles, outsoles, and polyurethane stability frame add more stability and support. As far as feel goes, LOWA's TPU midsoles are firmer and more durable than the EVA midsoles of most hiking boots; however, that also means they're not as soft or cushy as some hiking boots. (I've added Superfeet insoles to mine.) The Renegade's price reflects its premium Vibram outsoles, GORE-TEX membranes, and US import policies for EU products. As a perennial best seller, the LOWA Renegade is available in narrow, standard, and wide sizes. I've mostly worn my Renegades for backpacking, but their build is also appropriate for harder day hikes and for hikers with ankle issues.
Best Fit
available in narrow, regular, and wide sizes
Best Match
backpackers, hikers with ankle issues, leather boot fans
Best LOWA Hiking Shoe
Lowa Fortux
Main Benefits:
LOWA and lightweight usually don't go together. But the brand new LOWA Fortux is a trail running shoe that's both lightweight and supportive, which makes it a sneaky-good hiking shoe. Engineered for long distance running, the Fortux features a relatively tall stack of firm cushioning, which absorbs plenty of shock without losing trail feel. It also features aggressive tread that's designed to dig into soft and loose sediments on steep ascents and descents. I personally tested the Fortux, and it crushed (my first-hand full review). For me, the LOWA Fortux is a do-almost-anything trail runner—one that could appeal to a wide range of hikers since it's both lightweight and supportive, cushy yet sturdy.
Best Fit
regular to slightly wide feet (size up 1/2 size)
Best Match
hikers who prefer stiffer, more supportive trail runners
Pros & Cons: Lowa Hiking Boots
LOWA is a good brand, but it's not for everybody. Here's a quick look at the brands pros vs cons:
LOWA hiking boots: yes or no?
I hope this LOWA brand review has helped you decide if LOWA hiking boots might work for your feet, your budget, and your hiking style. The LOWA Renegade is a classic hiking and backpacking boot, and the brand new LOWA Fortux trail running shoe should impress many fast-and-light hikers who normally wouldn't consider a brand best-known for its brawny boots.
If LOWA isn't a good fit or match for you, no problem. Please check out Hiking Feet's brand reviews or my recommendations for the best hiking boots, best hiking shoes, and best trail runners for hikers. There’s a good chance that your next favorite hiking boot or hiking shoe is lurking somewhere on this website.
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Happy hiking!
