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Head-to-head · Best Hiking Boots

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid vs Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.2). Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex is best for: Backpackers tackling rugged terrain with substantial packs. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
Ranked #3 in Best Hiking Boots
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
4 sources$279as of Oct 11

The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid delivers exceptional torsional stability and ankle support through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame, which Better Trail found keeps feet secure on steep descents. Its nubuck leather upper offers high durability against abrasion, while the Vibram Rene Trac outsole provides reliable grip across varied terrains like wet rock and loose gravel. However, the firm polyurethane midsole is unapologetically burly and lacks plush cushioning, which can feel unforgiving for hikers accustomed to softer footwear. This rigid build suits those prioritizing protection on rugged trails over lightweight comfort, while users seeking a flexible, trail-runner-like experience should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Provides exceptional torsional stability and ankle support through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame.
  • — Features a nubuck leather upper that reviewers cite as highly durable and protective against trail abrasion.
  • — Equipped with a Vibram Rene Trac outsole that delivers reliable, premium grip on wet rock, dirt, and loose gravel.
Watch-outs
  • — The polyurethane midsole is firm and stiff, which can feel unforgiving for hikers accustomed to plush cushioning.
  • — The boot can feel stiff and lacks cushioning for some users.
$279 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Hiking Boots
Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex
3 sources$240as of Oct 14

Better Trail and Outdoors Gear Lab both highlight the Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex as a premier choice for backpackers who prioritize stability over plush cushioning. Runrepeat notes that while it lacks high-end shock absorption, its firm EnergyCell midsole delivers predictable support under heavy loads. Hiking Feet praises the updated fit, noting the wider toe box resolves previous complaints about Salomon's narrow forefoot designs. This boot is best suited for hikers tackling rugged terrain with substantial packs; those seeking lightweight agility or hot-weather breathability should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — 4D Advanced Chassis provides exceptional lateral stability and ankle support, making it ideal for heavy loads on technical terrain.
  • — Gore-Tex membrane ensures reliable waterproofing across wet environments like river crossings and snow.
  • — Reinforced rubber toe bumper and nubuck/ripstop upper offer robust protection against rocks and debris.
Watch-outs
  • — Stiff, structured build feels overkill for casual day hiking or lighter packs.
  • — Limited breathability causes feet to run hot in warm weather conditions due to waterproof lining.
  • — Heel narrows slightly towards the bottom of the boot, which some reviewers noted reduced traction on loose surfaces.
$240 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid

The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid provides exceptional torsional stability through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame, offering more structured support than the soft, unstructured upper of the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid. Its firm polyurethane midsole is notably less forgiving than the plush dual-density EVA found in the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, making it better suited for rugged protection than soft comfort.

Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex

The Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex delivers exceptional lateral stability via its 4D Advanced Chassis, making it ideal for heavy loads where the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid's soft upper provides limited support. While it features a wider toe box than previous Salomon iterations, it remains stiffer and heavier than the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, prioritizing predictable support under pack weight over plush cushioning.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLowa Renegade Evo GTX MidSalomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex
Weight3.07 lbs (size 14)2 lbs 10 oz (Men's)
Upper MaterialNubuck LeatherNubuck leather, ripstop fabric
MidsoleDouble Injection DuraPU, DynaPUEnergyCell EVA
OutsoleVibram Rene TracAll Terrain Contagrip
WaterproofingGore-TexGore-Tex
LiningGore-Tex WaterproofTextile Lining
Drop15.3 mm12 mm
Dimensions14.25 x 12.28 x 5.55 inches; 4.41 pounds—
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