Choosing the right hiking boots can make all the difference on your next outdoor adventure on the hills or in the forest.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which boots are best suited for your needs.
Two popular hiking boots on the outdoor market at the moment are the Lowa Renegade and the Meindl Vakuum, both made by two famous German footwear brands.
These boots are highly rated for their quality, comfort, and durability, but which one is better?
In this comparison, we’ll explore their features and benefits, and compare them side by side to help you decide which one will be your next pair of boots.
Let’s get started!
1. Lowa Renegade Boots
Lowa Renegade Men’s GTX Mid boot: official website
Check it out at lowa.com
The Renegade boot by Lowa is a hiking boot that was first produced in 1997. It is directly injected and not cemented, making it lighter than previous hiking boots produced by Lowa.
The boot is designed for use in all-terrain, including mountainous or flat terrain, and is suitable for day hikes with light backpacks. The boot has good cushioning to create a pleasant feeling during each step, ensuring optimal comfort over a long period of time.
It is also comfortable and has a stable sole and upper to ensure sufficient grip during hikes. The Renegade boot is made of robust materials that provide the best comfort even in wind and bad weather. It is available in various colors and in versions for men, women, and kids.
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Main Features and Materials
- Direct injection technology, making it lighter than previous hiking boots produced by Lowa.
- VIBRAM EVO outsole: Suitable for all-terrain use.
- Midsole with PU (Polyurethane) foam padding for good cushioning and optimal comfort over a long period of time.
- Two-zone lacing system: comfortable fit for long distances covered on foot.
- Insole: approximately 45% Memolatex, 10% Mesh, and 45% Felt.
- Stable sole and upper for sufficient grip during hikes.
- 100% Nubuck leather upper, a durable and robust material.
- GORE-TEX technology for waterproof protection and high breathability.
- LOWA MONOWRAP® frame: a three-dimensional midsole design for increased comfort.
- The shoe has moderate stiffness.
- Price: from $150 to $250, depending on where you buy it from.
2. Meindl Vakuum Boots
Meindl Vakuum Mens GTX Boot: official website
Check it out at: meindl.de | meindl.co.uk
The Meindl Vakuum boot is a top-quality hiking boot that offers a personalized fit and exceptional comfort. It is handcrafted in Meindl’s German factory using premium Nubuck leather that provides both durability and suppleness. The boot also features an extra rubber band around its perimeter, which enhances protection on all terrains.
The Vakuum boot integrates a Memory Foam System throughout the uppers and footbed, which adapts to your foot’s shape using body heat, providing customized support and comfort while reducing pressure on the Achilles tendon when walking downhill.
The Digafix lacing system enables the laces to be adjusted for hiking on hills, further enhancing comfort and providing a secure hold.
This boot is equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane that ensures waterproofing, an Air-Active footbed for breathability, and a Meindl Multigriff® 2 rubber sole (in collaboration with Vibram) for excellent grip, making it ideal for trekking all seasons of the year.
Reviews of the Vakuum boot are generally positive, with users praising its superior quality, comfort, and grip on all types of terrain. However, some hikers have noted that the boots may be heavier than what they are used to and may require a break-in period.
Must read: Hanwag vs Meindl Boots: A Comparison
Main Features and Materials
- Nubuck leather uppers for durability and suppleness.
- GORE-TEX lining for waterproofing and breathability.
- Memory Foam System (uppers and footbed) for personalized fit and comfort.
- Digafix lacing system for walking on hills and for a secure fit.
- Air-Active Vakuum footbed for breathability.
- Meindl Multigriff 2 rubber outsole in collaboration with Vibram for an excellent grip on all terrains.
- Rubber band around the boot for increased protection.
- Ideal for all-year trekking.
- Price: from $250 to $350, depending on where you get it from.
3. Comparison
The Lowa Renegade and the Meindl Vakuum are both high-quality hiking boots designed for all-terrain use. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Construction: The Lowa Renegade Boot is directly injected, making it lighter than previous hiking boots by Lowa, and it uses 100% Nubuck leather for the upper. The Meindl Vakuum Boot is handcrafted in Meindl’s German factory using premium Nubuck leather for durability and suppleness.
- Cushioning: The Lowa Renegade Boot has a midsole with PU foam padding for good cushioning and optimal comfort. The Meindl Vakuum Boot integrates a Memory Foam System throughout the uppers and footbed, which adapts to your foot’s shape using body heat, for customized support while reducing pressure when hiking downhill.
- Lacing System: The Lowa Renegade has a two-zone lacing system for comfortability on long distances, while the Meindl Vakuum features a Digafix lacing system for securely walking on hills.
- Outsole: The Renegade Boot has a VIBRAM EVO outsole, while the Vakuum Boot has a Meindl Multigriff 2 rubber outsole in collaboration with Vibram. Both offer an excellent grip on all terrains.
- Additional Features: The Lowa Renegade has a LOWA MONOWRAP® frame, a three-dimensional midsole design for increased comfort. The Meindl Vakuum has an extra rubber band around the boot for increased protection.
4. Which Boot is Better?
Both are high-quality hiking boots with their own unique features and benefits.
For customers who prioritize lightweight construction and good cushioning, the Lowa Renegade Boot may be a better option, as it is directly injected and has a midsole with PU foam padding for optimal comfort over longer use.
On the other hand, for customers who prioritize a personalized fit and exceptional comfort, the Meindl Vakuum Boot may be a better option, as it integrates a Memory Foam System throughout the uppers and footbed, which adapts to your foot’s shape using body heat and offers personalized comfort.
Both boots are equipped with GORE-TEX lining for waterproofing and breathability and have high-quality rubber soles in collaboration with Vibram for all types of terrain.
As for price, Meindl is usually more expensive, so you may want to keep that in mind if you’re on a budget.
We hope this helps with your final decision!
Read also: 7 German Hiking and Winter Boot Brands: Our Favorites