We show how the Hamiltonian lattice loop representation can be cast straightforwardly in the path integral formalism. The procedure is general for any gauge theory. Here we present in detail the simplest case: pure compact QED. We also analyze the non-Abelian Yang-Mills theory. The lattice loop path integral approach allows to knit together the power of statistical algorithms with the transparency of the gauge invariant loop description. The results produced by numerical simulations with the loop classical action for different lattice models are discused.

8 pages, REVTEX, 1 Encapsulated Postscript figure using psfig