Lowa - Women's Renegade GTX MID - Walking boots

I had to try a few sizes to get the right fit in this boot, but it was worth the effort. In regular shoes, I wear a 7.5 to 8 UK (41/42). In this boot, the women's 8 was too small, and the 9 was too big, so I'm very glad they have half-sizes! I also didn't think there would be a big difference between men's or women's boots, but I tried a men's version and the women's is definitely more comfortable. I have narrow heels and wide toes, and I found much more heel slippage in the men's, while the women's cradles my heel perfectly.

I did not think that the boots needed breaking in, but I have just added some arch-support insoles, and while there is enough room in the boot for them to fit comfortably. I did develop some slight blisters on my heels after my first hike with the insoles. I think this is because they lift my heels, and so they were rubbing against a different part of the boot. I will experiment with socks etc. and see if this gets better with time and wear.

I really like the supportive yet flexible cuff of this boot. Previously I walked in hiking shoes. My ankles are unstable and i find that stiffer boots, while supportive, can actually make going "over" on my ankle more painful and dangerous as there's no "give". After a few weeks of walking/hiking in these boots I've actually found my ankle stability improving. I'll be purchasing the lowa care products soon to make sure I can help them last as long as possible.

This is actually my second pair. I bought the same modell in 2008 and it lasted 12 years and a lot of kilometers until the sole fell off. I was delighted when I found out that they are still making these and I could get another pair!

Comfy, supportive and waterproof. This is my 2nd pair, and l will definitely re-buy

I bought these Lowa Renegade GTX Mid walking boots for my big trip to Patagonia after reading several great reviews about them. They have absolutely lived up to and exceeded expectations. I tried them on for a small 10k walk around the peaks' district just in case I'd need to break them in... They didn't need breaking in at all!! They were comfortable out of the box, super light weight and never rubbed anywhere. They supported my ankles and feet for a full 100k walk around the southern Andes. On gravel, pebble beaches, mud, sand, ankle-deep water and ice, any sort of terrain, you name it! It also works very well with crampons if you are planning to do a bit of ice-trekking. I bought the all black version so I could wear it in the city as well (I didn't have any luggage space for an extra pair of shoes), the downside of these boots is that they do look very outdoorsy and thus not very suitable in the city, regardless of the colour. But they are the perfect boots for entry level trekking! I did add a pair of insoles though, so I can't comment too much on the padding/original insoles.