Comprehensive Review of Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL TECH GTX Hiking Shoe
The Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL TECH GTX Hiking Shoe in Grey/Red is designed for the avid hiker who demands precision and comfort on rugged terrains. Its lightweight construction combined with high-quality suede leather makes these shoes suitable for navigating through scree, exposed rocks, and various mixed routes. The incorporation of Gore-Tex Extended Comfort ensures waterproof climate control, allowing you to tackle wet conditions without compromising breathability.
Related Products
Features
- First Metatarsal Accommodation: Allows more space for your big toes, enhancing comfort and stability during long hikes.
- Asymmetric Closure System: Features lacing that crosses at an angle similar to the toe joint for a natural flex with your foot.
- Lateral Tongue Post: Includes a progressively thicker boot tongue on the outside for improved comfort and stability.
- Asymmetric Cuff Height: Offers lower lateral collar sides for comfort, while taller medial sides provide added support.
Pros
- Excellent grip and traction thanks to the Michelin sole with double compound technology.
- The lightweight design decreases fatigue over extended hiking sessions.
- Waterproof yet breathable, making it suitable for varied weather conditions.
- Comfortable fit with ample space for forefoot movement.
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing slightly off; trying them on before purchase is recommended.
- The price point may be higher compared to entry-level hiking shoes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Waterproof | Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL TECH GTX | Lightweight | Yes | High |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Medium | Yes | Medium |
| Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof | Medium | Yes | Medium |
Detailed Review
When examining the Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL TECH GTX Hiking Shoe, it’s essential to break down its performance into several key categories:
- Comfort: The shoe shines in this area, providing a snug fit without suffocating the toes thanks to its first metatarsal accommodation feature. The asymmetric cuff height also means your ankles will be well-supported while remaining comfortable during heel strikes.
- Traction: With a Michelin sole designed with a double compound, the shoe offers exceptional grip on both dry and wet surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when navigating rocky trails or slippery descents.
- Durability: Constructed from premium suede leather, these shoes are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, promising longevity as you explore nature.
- Weather Resistance: The Gore-Tex lining effectively keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape, making it versatile for different climates.
In summary, if you’re serious about hiking and require footwear that can keep up with demanding conditions, the Garmont Men's DRAGONTAIL TECH GTX Hiking Shoe could very well be your next best friend on the trails.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort, great for long hikes. |
| Traction | 10/10 | Outstanding grip on various terrains. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting use. |
| Weather Resistance | 9/10 | Effective waterproofing with good breathability. |
User Reviews
While shoes above all other products are difficult to buy online, since the fit and feel is very personal and you really never know if it's a good fit for you until you actually try on a pair, I have to say that - for me -the Dragontail Tech GTX hiking shoe is the hands-down, absolute BEST hiking/approach shoe I have ever worn! I love these shoes. They are well worth the price. Not only are they comfortable, but they are very supportive, and perfect for casual or more intense above the tree-line hiking/climbing. Be aware that Garmont seems to size these on the smaller side. My normal shoe size is 9 1/2 (US), but I wear a 10 in this shoe. Two years ago, I needed to get a 10 1/2 in the (then) equivalent shoe. So, you may want to order & try 2 or 3 sizes, keeping the one that fits great and returning the others. My ONLY other complaint with Garmont is that their manufacturing process is so slow and unresponsive to demand that these shoes are perpetually on backorder most of the year (or it seems). That sucks, because these are really terrific shoes. You just have to be patient, persistent, and vigilant in order to nab your own pair. Good luck!
These are good quality hiking shoes. Comparatively light, but stiff enough for hiking rocky trails. Stable traction and water proof for walking in damp conditions. Definitely more stable then trail shoes for about the same weight,
About the best everyday shoe I have ever had
This shoe is not even close to the older style dragon tail. The soles are slick and to thin. Just a glorified walking shoe
Very solid construction. I love those shoes, they are the best of my collection right now.