Lowa · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Lowa Women's Renegade Evo GTX Mid Hiking Boots
GTX and water-repellent coating treatments likely contain PFAS; no brand disclosure available.
Lowa does not publicly disclose PFAS use in these boots. Gore-Tex lining and water-repellent coating waterproofing typically rely on fluorochemicals. High uncertainty without independent testing or brand transparency.
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Material
Leather, synthetic, Gore-Tex GTX lining with water-repellent coating treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX boots combine leather uppers with synthetic reinforcements and Gore-Tex membrane lining. The water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating on the exterior and Gore-Tex itself typically rely on fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) to achieve water resistance without bulk. Leather itself is generally low-hazard, but the synthetic components and treatment chemistry are where chemical exposure concentrates.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowa has not publicly committed to PFAS phase-out or disclosed waterproofing chemistry on this model. The brand maintains no published restricted substance list or third-party certifications (such as Bluesign or OEKO-TEX) that would limit fluorinated compounds. This silence contrasts with some competitors who have begun phasing to fluorine-free water-repellent coating or offering transparency.
How it compares in its category
Premium hiking boots in this price range (USD 150-250) typically use Gore-Tex or equivalent membrane linings paired with fluorinated water-repellent coating treatments. Lowa's approach is industry-standard, not exceptional; many brands at this tier offer identical material stacks without disclosure. Some alternatives (e.g., Salomon, Scarpa) have begun exploring fluorine-free water-repellent coating on select models, making this boot neither leading nor lagging in hazard profile.
If you buy it
Wash boots by hand with cool water and mild soap; avoid hot water and machine drying, which can degrade Gore-Tex membrane integrity and potentially increase off-gassing. Replace water-repellent coating treatment every 1-2 seasons using fluorine-free or fluorinated re-proofing products (your choice). Store in cool, dry conditions away from direct heat to slow synthetic aging. Expect 3-5 years of typical use before lining or seams degrade.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fluorinated water repellents (PFAS)
Gore-Tex lining and water-repellent coating almost certainly contain PFAS; Lowa provides no alternative or disclosure. Skin contact during wear is minimal but cumulative environmental persistence is documented.
Formaldehyde resins in synthetic coatings
No public recalls or warnings for formaldehyde in Lowa hiking boots. Synthetic reinforcements may contain trace formaldehyde from resin curing, but levels in finished goods are typically below occupational exposure thresholds.
Azo dyes in leather and synthetics
Leather and synthetic uppers are dyed; Lowa does not certify against restricted azo dyes (which break down to carcinogenic amines). Risk is low in finished product but unknown without material disclosure.
Microplastics shedding from synthetic components
Polyester and polyurethane components in lining and reinforcements shed microfibers during washing and wear. Significance is environmental rather than personal health, but aggravated by waterproofing treatments that accelerate polymer breakdown.
Off-gassing from membrane and adhesives
Gore-Tex lining and seam-sealing adhesives may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially in warm conditions. Odor typically fades within weeks; documented health risk is minimal in normal use.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More hiking shoes & trail runners grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.