Outdoors & Fitness · Head-to-head
Salomon Quest 4 GTX vs Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Hiking Boots of 2026 comparison.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is the most capable boot here, with the support and traction to stay stable under a loaded pack over rough ground. The Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid is the better everyday pick, matching its waterproofing with more out-of-box comfort and a real choice of widths.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Buy itA stiff, supportive backpacking boot that stays planted under a heavy load.
- ADV-C 4D chassis braces the midfoot and heel, so it stays stable on uneven ground with a loaded pack
- Contagrip TA outsole and a GORE-TEX membrane deliver aggressive traction and reliable waterproofing across seasons
- Among the heaviest boots here, and the tall, rigid build is overkill for easy day hikes
- The stiff collar needs a short break-in before longer days feel comfortable
Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid
Buy itThe most comfortable all-rounder out of the box, with a choice of two widths.
- Nubuck upper over a PU Monowrap frame and nylon shank gives steady, surefooted support without a long break-in
- Offered in medium and wide, and paired with a grippy Vibram Rene Trac outsole and GORE-TEX lining
- Runs warmer and less breathable than lighter boots, so it is a lot of boot for hot-weather day hiking
- The PU midsole frame softens over years of heavy use and is not easily resoled
Side by side
The 6 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Salomon Quest 4 GTX Our pick | Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Backpackers and rough-terrain hikers carrying real weight who want maximum support | Day hikers and light backpackers who want an out-of-box-comfortable boot in their exact width |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$$ · premium |
| Best use | Heavy-pack backpacking, rough terrain | All-around hiking, light backpacking |
| Support & stiffness | Very high (4D chassis) | High (Monowrap frame + shank) |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX, excellent | GORE-TEX, excellent |
| Outsole & traction | Contagrip TA, aggressive | Vibram Rene Trac, aggressive |
| Out-of-box comfort | Good, short break-in | Excellent |
| Weight | Heavy | Moderate |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Salomon Quest 4 GTX if
backpackers and rough-terrain hikers carrying real weight who want maximum support.
Know before buying: among the heaviest boots here, and the tall, rigid build is overkill for easy day hikes.
Pick the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid if
day hikers and light backpackers who want an out-of-box-comfortable boot in their exact width.
Know before buying: runs warmer and less breathable than lighter boots, so it is a lot of boot for hot-weather day hiking.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Salomon Quest 4 GTX - A stiff, supportive backpacking boot that stays planted under a heavy load. Choose the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid instead if day hikers and light backpackers who want an out-of-box-comfortable boot in their exact width.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Hiking Boots of 2026.