Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL Hiking Shoe, 11 Grey Review
The Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL Hiking Shoe is an excellent choice for mountaineers, backpackers, or hikers who seek the agility of a low-cut shoe without sacrificing the stiffness and stability typically found in traditional boots. Designed for various outdoor activities such as approaches, bouldering, alpine traverses, and longer hikes, these shoes provide a remarkable balance between comfort and performance.
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Features
- First Metatarsal Accommodation allows more space for relaxed big toes, enhancing comfort.
- Asymmetric closure system with angled lacing mimics foot flex for better movement.
- Lateral tongue post integrates progressively thicker tongue design for additional comfort and stability.
- Asymmetric cuff height features lower lateral collars for comfort during heel strike and taller medial sides for extra support.
Pros
- Excellent fit with ample toe room thanks to First Metatarsal Accommodation.
- Good stability and flexibility from the asymmetric closure system.
- Comfortable tongue design minimizes pressure points during long treks.
- Supportive cuff height that adapts well to different terrains.
Cons
- Not water-resistant, which may be a drawback for wet conditions.
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Material | Rubber | Contagrip Rubber | Vibram Compound |
| Outer Material | Acrylic | Mesh/Synthetic | Suede/Canvas |
| Closure Type | Lace-Up | Lace-Up | Lace-Up |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
Detailed Review
The Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL Hiking Shoe stands out due to its unique combination of features that cater specifically to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The First Metatarsal Accommodation feature offers a surprising level of comfort, allowing your toes to spread naturally without feeling cramped. This design element proves beneficial on long hikes or challenging terrains where foot swelling can occur.
Another noteworthy aspect is the asymmetric closure system, which resembles the natural flex of your foot. It ensures a secure fit while allowing for greater freedom of movement, particularly beneficial during technical climbs or bouldering sessions. The lateral tongue post adds to this comfort by distributing pressure evenly across the top of the foot.
While these shoes shine in many areas, it's important to note that they are not waterproof, making them less ideal for wet weather. Additionally, some users report that they might require a short break-in period before achieving peak comfort. However, once broken in, these shoes provide excellent support during heel strikes and adapt well to varying terrain.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Offers great toe space and supportive design. |
| Stability | 4.8/5 | Provides exceptional stability through the asymmetric closure. |
| Durability | 4.0/5 | Constructed with durable materials, but water resistance is lacking. |
| Flexibility | 4.7/5 | Allows for natural foot movement, ideal for varied activities. |
User Reviews
GARMONT SHOES ARE THE "BEST IN CLASS". BUY WHEN AVAILABLE IN YOUR SIZE
Bought these shoes on 11-09-2021 by 12-11-2021 leather ripped at lacing. It happened all the way up front by the toes where there is no pull on laces which I think is really wierd. I still gave them a four star rating because Garmont are awesome shoes. Fit good, comfortable, quality well I think the leather was weak and should have been caught, but yes I would buy again especially if they had the heel lock feature.
The shoes fit great and are stable. But I didn’t like the fast wear on the heal sole.
I've been wearing thes shoes for about 4 month as you can see from the photos they've completely worn out . I wear them in the office all day -haven't taken a single hike . Usually I buy Merrils but the sales person assured me that these are much better quality shoes.I forked out about$70 and have never been so dissapointed with a pair of shoes