Years ago, I recall being at a runner’s boutique shop in Eastern Canada discussing the different brands of running shoes with one of their great salespeople. I was caught up in the brand names themselves; where my rationale for buying the “right” running shoe for me was ultimately being controlled by mass marketing. I was brainwashed. Seeing my “analysis paralysis”, the salesman simply said to me, “Let’s bring out a bunch of different shoes. Try them on. Walk around with them. I’ll watch your gait. Tell me which ones feel like you’ve owned them for years.” The last sentence sounded like voodoo to me. Wasn’t I supposed to “break them in”? But alas, I did as instructed and low and behold, I discovered the true meaning of fit. From then on, my feet would never suffer the woes of break-inage again.

One of the greatest gifts I can give myself is time in wilderness. It’s fuel for the soul. Of all the gadgets, technical clothing, and gear one could and should acquire for safe and enjoyable ventures through nature, ensuring your feet are well taken care of might be one of the most important and often overlooked aspects. I’m a firm believer in excellent support, comfort, and durability. When I was younger (read: inexperienced), there are many sub-par brands I might have worn, but no more. The past several pairs of hiking / trekking footwear have been exclusively made by one company: Lowa.

I’m convinced Lowa hires mystics who have the power of prediction when it comes to which human will be trying on which specific pair of Lowa shoes or boots. Friends of mine agree; Lowa consistently produces some of the most comfortable footwear we’ve ever owned.

After burning through more pairs of everyday footwear than I’d care to admit, it was time to find that ultimate pair of shoes I could go anywhere and do anything with. I could wear them in a business casual work environment where I’m at a standup desk all day, I could take a hike in the nearby wilderness park at lunch, and also use them for weekend day hikes with my daughter.

Lowa Renegade II LL Lo – Classic

If you’ve heard of Lowa, you’ve no doubt heard of their legendary Renegade line of hiking boots. It’s no wonder; they’re comfortable, light, rugged, dependable, and have all the right technology in the right places. They’ve won countless awards from National Geographic Adventure to Outside Magazine. But the Renegade Mids were a bit overkill for everyday use at the office. As I was browsing Lowa’s website, I stumbled upon a low-cut version of the iconic Renegade! Not only that, but they had a leather-lined option to boot (no pun intended). This is perfect for our warm and dry southern California climate. I had found the perfect all-around boot for everyday use!

Featuring a nubuk leather upper, buttery-soft glove leather lining, climate-controlled footbed, Vibram Evo outsole, and a full-length nylon stabilizer, not only do these boots give you all-day comfort and stability during day hikes, they look and perform equally well at the office. The support and breathability these feats of engineering provide while I’m at a standup desk for the majority of my days cannot be overstated enough. While I’m on the trails, the Renegade boots simply make me want to stay longer.

Whenever I’m leaving the house, my Lowa Renegade II Lo Classic boots are my go-to footwear for the occasion, with one exception – when I’m heading out barefoot.