Lowa Renegade versus Trekker Boots

I'm heading to Alaska and can't decide which to get. No camping, and hiking will probably be half day maximum. We're traveling by car. I will carry about 30 pounds of photo equipment on my back, though.

The Renegade Mid Gore-tex are about one pound lighter which will help with the luggage weight and walking fatigue. They are less supportive, though, and the Gore-tex makes you feet sweat more (in spite of being "breathable").

The Trekkers are leather lined which is supposed to be very comfy, but are a stiffer, more supportive boot. No Gore-tex, so probably not as waterproof. The extra support might be beneficial with the pack however.

I just can't decide! The boots are not available locally and I've never tried on either one.

You don't say where you are headed or when. But assuming your trip is before winter, you need two sorts of gear: footgear for rain/wet and fottgear for dry/damp. For wet, the standard here is Xtratuffs. For try, I use trail shoes, with vibram soles and below the ankles. If you expect a lot of tundra hiking, you might throw in Goretex gaiters to keep the shrapnel out.

Thanks Jim. We'll be traveling a bit, Seward, Denali.

Barry: I've worn Lowas for many years and currently have the exact boot you're considering. I do like them but my brand loyalty was formed purely by fit characteristics. The main reason I did go with Lowa is that the last on the boots is a bit narrower than other brands I tried and I do have a slightly narrower than average foot. My first Lowas were leather lined and the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. Unfortunately the soles wore out and were not replaceable. My first set of Renegades served me well for a couple of years but I had some upper seams break and when I had them resewn they looked OK but they leaked. My current pair has not had any seam weakness issues and keep my feet very dry in all kinds of wet conditions. I do like and appreciate the lower weight of the Renegades and can't help but believe that's a plus over a full day of hiking. It's tough buying shoes online but sometimes that's the only way to get the selection you want. I would try to order them as soon as possible so that if you do need to return them you won't be butting up against a departure deadline. Let me know if I can offer any more specific information. >=))>

My thinking is lighter boots, with GoreTex. That extra pound you lift with every step will add up fast, and I hate having wet feet. Get some light to midweight hiking socks (never cotton!!!) to carry the moisture away from your feet. Boots must be comfortable. If you notice them while wearing, that's bad. I don't buy boots from mailorder because I can't try them on.


Kent in SD

I got a pair of LaSportiva Trango AlpGTX this spring and couldn't be happier. They are versatile, lightweight, durable, comfortable and waterproof. I had Lowa boots prior to this, the LaSportivas are in a different league entirely. I look forward to putting them on and wearing them all day! Check them out.

Thank you Bill, Kent, and Gary! I also need a narrow width, so that limits me to the Lowa's or Vasque's it seems. No narrow shoes are available in my area, so I'm resigned to ordering and fitting at home and returning what doesn't work.

Barry, the boots I mentioned actually fit quite narrow. One of the reasons I responded with my recommendation. The boots are also really nimble for all their stiffness and durability.