Lowa Renegade GTX boots - split on seem and letting in water

[J@son]

Anyone else had a problem with Lowa Renegade boots?

Bought mine direct from Lowa at the end of August last year. Very comfy - great fit. Last couple of outings I have wondered whether they were leaking but put it down to sweaty feet. But out this morning and there's no question - left foot damp; right foot soaking wet.

On inspection both boots have developed a split where the leather upper meets the rubber sole. Both splits are in the same place but the one on the right boot is more noticable. These boots are only just a year old. They have been used regularly (once a week) but I've looked after them and they haven't been abused.

Anyone else had issues with Lowa?

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

Send them back quick and hopefully they might take pity on you if they’re just out of warranty.

I had a pair of the lighter weight GTX’s from Sports Pursuit which started leaking but as they were over a year old they wouldn’t/ couldn’t refund or replace but they did give me a 20% discount against a new pair (Non Lowa I hasten to add)

Cheers

Fizz

 

[rocketdogbert]

I buy a new pair of Renegades every year, mine always leak around that area, but I love everything else about them.
They get used everyday at the farm, mud, water, horse pee, every winter.

 

[lochty]

If they won't help out, have a look at Lancashire Shoe Repairs. Did a cracking job on a pair of my old hanwag gtx.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

where did you get them? Check with Rob at Monarch. He will advise the best route for you. J

 

[J@son]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Contacted the customer service team at Lows.... will see what they say.

 

[dlz90]

I gave up on all these over priced leather boots with the breathable totally waterproof this is the best boot BS long ago.

Aside from the hassle of trying to get your feet in our out of the laceups, especially when wet and mucky, they just IMHO for the extortionate money they cost don't deliver in any way shape or form.

It's Bekina stellite x for me totally dependable very well priced comfortable and get the job done in spades.

Just my tuppence worth.

Save your money have dry feet find yourself a decent pair of the good old fashioned wellington boot.

D

 

[Jagged77]

Hopefully you’ll get something out of customer service but if not then you can eek out another few months by using SealSkinz socks. I have some lighter weight summer boots that are lovely and comfortable and very quiet, but they’ll let in water eventually. For me that’s the trade off - if I want dry feet I’ll use my old school Scarpa SL’s - no fancy membrane just thick leather and quality build.

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

A good, realistically priced alternative is a pair of surplus Iturri’s from eBay…. Take your time for virtually new/new Grade A’s to come up for around £70-£80. New in box are around the £125 mark. They’re a better boot than the Haix ECW they replaced.

The only thing I don’t like is the locking eyelet on the ankle hinge being a bit awkward at times.

Cheers

Fizz

 

[weblyish]

Anyone else had a problem with Lowa Renegade boots?

Bought mine direct from Lowa at the end of August last year. Very comfy - great fit. Last couple of outings I have wondered whether they were leaking but put it down to sweaty feet. But out this morning and there's no question - left foot damp; right foot soaking wet.

On inspection both boots have developed a split where the leather upper meets the rubber sole. Both splits are in the same place but the one on the right boot is more noticable. These boots are only just a year old. They have been used regularly (once a week) but I've looked after them and they haven't been abused.

Anyone else had issues with Lowa?

I had mine until i wore the lugs out on the sole and then had them resoled so they should not have split in a year unless you were unduly harsh on them - would definitely approach them for a refund and see where you get to

 

[J@son]

Contacted customer services. No replacement as I bought them over 12 months ago (26/8/24.... I'm a month too late) but the offer of a 40% discount on a new pair. They were comfy boots that fitted well but I feel they should have stood up better to the use they've been put too. They've been used but not abused. Used the discount to buy a pair of the Tibet EVOs and hope that they prove to be more durable.

 

[zanin]

Contacted customer services. No replacement as I bought them over 12 months ago (26/8/24.... I'm a month too late) but the offer of a 40% discount on a new pair. They were comfy boots that fitted well but I feel they should have stood up better to the use they've been put too. They've been used but not abused. Used the discount to buy a pair of the Tibet EVOs and hope that they prove to be more durable.

How you finding the Tibet EVOs so far?
Looking to get a new set of boots and just started weighing up my options

 

[J@son]

How you finding the Tibet EVOs so far?
Looking to get a new set of boots and just started weighing up my options

Significantly better. That said, I am making a meaningful effort to waterproof them with a Nikwax spray on solution (which looks suspiciously like ordinary PVA but seems to do the job). I think I have done this three times since September. I really like the locking eyes which flatten when you pull the laces tight. These really work - locking the lace in place and preventing it loosening - but are also really easy to release. They work very well. Very impressive. Similarly the stud/button on the tongue (which you wrap the laces around) means that the laces don't slip or come undone as you walk around and the boot remains tight around your ankle. Again this really works. Mine arrived new with a small stain (almost like a water mark) on the left boot- you can still see it in the picture. Not a huge deal but it might bother some especially when splashing out this kind of money. I've noticed that, apart from this mark, the leather seems remarkable stain resistant. This might be down to the Nikwax treatments. I've covered my pair in plenty of blood and mud but it just seems to wash/wipe off without leaving a mark. They were warm enough in winter but haven't felt hot or sweaty during warmer days more recently. I'm out for four or five hours twice a week so they have seen a fair bit of use. Hope this helps.

 

[J@son]

Have you seen these...

For Sale: Thread 'Next-Generation Lowa Hunter GTX Hi-200'

Dec 12, 2025

Hi all

Over the last 10yrs we have sold the Lowa Hunter GTX, however that model has now been superseded by the new Hunter GTX HI-200

The main upgrade changes are:

• New Vibram "Apptrail Divo" sole
• Improved PU mid-sole
• New rand design giving more protection to the toe & heel areas

The Hunter GTX Hi 200 builds on the formidable reputation of the previous Hunter boot generation but offers reduced weight, increased flexibility and improved cushioning. The durable leather upper is combined with a new Vibram sole offering excellent lateral stability allowing you to...

• Monarch Country Products
• Replies: 19
• Forum: Clothing & Footwear

• 

 

[rocketdogbert]

Significantly better. That said, I am making a meaningful effort to waterproof them with a Nikwax spray on solution (which looks suspiciously like ordinary PVA but seems to do the job). I think I have done this three times since September. I really like the locking eyes which flatten when you pull the laces tight. These really work - locking the lace in place and preventing it loosening - but are also really easy to release. They work very well. Very impressive. Similarly the stud/button on the tongue (which you wrap the laces around) means that the laces don't slip or come undone as you walk around and the boot remains tight around your ankle. Again this really works. Mine arrived new with a small stain (almost like a water mark) on the left boot- you can still see it in the picture. Not a huge deal but it might bother some especially when splashing out this kind of money. I've noticed that, apart from this mark, the leather seems remarkable stain resistant. This might be down to the Nikwax treatments. I've covered my pair in plenty of blood and mud but it just seems to wash/wipe off without leaving a mark. They were warm enough in winter but haven't felt hot or sweaty during warmer days more recently. I'm out for four or five hours twice a week so they have seen a fair bit of use. Hope this helps.



View attachment 475137

How do they come up size wise? I’m a 9-9.5 in most shoes and boots, but need to go 10-10.5 in Renegades

 

[zanin]

Significantly better. That said, I am making a meaningful effort to waterproof them with a Nikwax spray on solution (which looks suspiciously like ordinary PVA but seems to do the job). I think I have done this three times since September. I really like the locking eyes which flatten when you pull the laces tight. These really work - locking the lace in place and preventing it loosening - but are also really easy to release. They work very well. Very impressive. Similarly the stud/button on the tongue (which you wrap the laces around) means that the laces don't slip or come undone as you walk around and the boot remains tight around your ankle. Again this really works. Mine arrived new with a small stain (almost like a water mark) on the left boot- you can still see it in the picture. Not a huge deal but it might bother some especially when splashing out this kind of money. I've noticed that, apart from this mark, the leather seems remarkable stain resistant. This might be down to the Nikwax treatments. I've covered my pair in plenty of blood and mud but it just seems to wash/wipe off without leaving a mark. They were warm enough in winter but haven't felt hot or sweaty during warmer days more recently. I'm out for four or five hours twice a week so they have seen a fair bit of use. Hope this helps.



View attachment 475137

Thank you very much - really helpful feedback. I’ve just purchased it for £221inc delivery. I might look into the Nikvax treatment too

 

[J@son]

How do they come up size wise? I’m a 9-9.5 in most shoes and boots, but need to go 10-10.5 in Renegades

I would say that they are true to size. I'm a size 8 but always buy size 9 wellies. However, my Lows boots are size 8 - and still roomy enough for me to wear thick socks.

 

[J@son]

This is the waterproofer I've been using. It's easy to apply. Clean the boot, wipe it down with a wet sponge, spray liberally, wipe off any excess after 10 mins (or don't...I can't see that this really matters) and allow to dry. Simples.... And appears to work

 

[zanin]

I would say that they are true to size. I'm a size 8 but always buy size 9 wellies. However, my Lows boots are size 8 - and still roomy enough for me to wear thick socks.

That’s good to hear as I ordered the size I usually wear.

 

[zanin]

This is the waterproofer I've been using. It's easy to apply. Clean the boot, wipe it down with a wet sponge, spray liberally, wipe off any excess after 10 mins (or don't...I can't see that this really matters) and allow to dry. Simples.... And appears to work

Brilliant! I will grab one. Thanks