LOWA have recently revamped their already very good RENEGADE EVO GTX LO multifunctional shoe, writes Mike Gormley.
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It was back in late 2023 when I first got to try a pair of LOWA RENEGADE EVO LO shoes to review for my Gormley’s Gear section on JOINT-FORCES. I took them on a trip to Canada and Alaska, and they have been on many outings since, as well as on my feet around home in day-to-day use; I keep them for ‘best’ use as they look smart and are very multifunctional.
So, it was with some interest and enthusiasm that I seized an opportunity to try the upgraded evolution of this very popular member of LOWA’s extensive range. The latest, now current, variant of this model has some subtle revisions. Outwardly they look very much the same, you have to look closely and compare to see the differences, but in use the upgrades can be felt. I am pleased to say they retain the Lowa ability to easily slip on and take off which is a feature not all footwear has.
For me the most significant upgrades are the change in the sole design, which is visually subtle, and in the material used; this has made a significant difference in the grip afforded when using the shoes in situations where traction is limited. I find this especially when worn on smooth and damp surfaces where any footwear is hard-put to find grip. As I said back in my review of the original version, the grip was good and I got to use them in all sorts of situations. Now with this latest evolution of the RENEGADE EVO things are even better.
I received these shoes in time to take them on another extended trip, this time on a multi-country adventure. On weight and space grounds I was very limited on what I was able to take, so my footwear choice was a crucial one. I needed something that would look smart on the city visits but be practical for the many varied locations and conditions we would experience, especially when travelling around Borneo and New Zealand. Overall they had to be comfortable for long days travelling and of course be able to cope with the varied conditions underfoot when we had the frequent chances to go walking to see the sights.
Importantly, the Renegades also proved good to drive in as they are low cut but supportive, though it was for those short stops to view the stunning landscapes where a brisk walk up a gravel track, along wooden walkways or on paved paths allowed these come into their own. This for us was often done in the rain, or at least in wet conditions, so good grip was of vital importance.
These are shoes, not boots, so you do not expect to go trudging through bogs in them, but it is good to have the waterproof capability of a Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet dry on inclement weather viewing excursions. We were often in hot and humid conditions, so again it was good to have a level of breathability to keep my feet comfortable.
The uppers are a fine Nubuck leather so resilient and good looking and, considering the amount and type of use my original shoes have had yet they still look very tidy, I expect a long life for these new RENEGADES.
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley]
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