A lightweight hybrid hiking and mountaineering shoe perfect for technical alpine-style terrain.
BENEFITS
- Light
- Precise tip for technical rock movements
- Excellent build
DISADVANTAGES
- A little too technical for general hiking
Shoes are an essential part of the system when climbing, especially when the terrain starts to get technical and starts to blend into alpine style climbing. This can happen quickly and when it does, you’ll be happy with the safety that some quality shoes provide. Some in the CGR team prefer an approach shoe but I prefer a boot. For what? Well, I like the security of a shoe, the way a shoe “locks in” me and gives me precision in foot movements. I also like the foot support a shoe provides when going up and down rocky terrain.
The Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX is a very versatile technical mountain shoe.
I’m also grateful for the comfort at the end of a long day when I’m tired from the extra level of concentration needed to negotiate complicated terrain. Enter the Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX, the updated version of a classic, hybrid hiking and mountain shoe. It’s got everything you need for a day of scrambling: a full Vibram sole with a generous climbing area and aggressive lugs (which can be fully resolved thanks to Scarpa’s excellent resoling service); The 1.8mm Perwanger leather uppers make them literally as tough as old boots and a full rand means you can attack those foot-sized cracks with ease. The friction was excellent on the technical terrain and it’s safe to say that Scarpa used all his climbing knowledge to produce a precise feel at the front of the boat.
The precise toe profile provided security when the terrain got technical.
There is also an excellent heel edge that is quite high, gives the heel excellent stiffness, and seems to lock my heel in perfectly with very little heel lift (assuming I’m wearing the right socks). I had no blisters and the boots were comfortable right out of the box. At first I felt the boots were a little stiff and stiff for longer walks, but they broke in after a few months of regular use. I usually size EU42 for my hiking boots and the fit of the Zodiac Tech GTX is pretty good when worn with a pair of hiking socks. I have a standard foot width and there is enough room at the toes for a bit of movement. That said, boot sizing is notoriously difficult to gauge, so I always suggest purchasing your boots from a specialty store, in person, so you can benefit from expert advice. And hey, you can support your local climbing and hiking store!
On top of it all, a traditional lacing system provides a precise fit and the soft gusseted tongue is perfect for superior comfort; There is also a lovely soft heel patch which provides blessed relief for tired Achilles and as I said the heel provides a nice ‘lock in’ feel to the boots. Hiking comfort is also ensured thanks to the patented BAS adaptive system and an EVA midsole.
Comfortable for general hiking on all terrains, from moorland to high mountains.
The Zodiac Tech GTX is rated B2 and will transfer easily to all your winter adventures as it will require either a C1 walking crampon or a C2 semi-automatic style crampon. The plastic lip on the back is very discreet and rests on the comfortable EVA heel. The Zodiac Tech GTX benefits from a Gore-Tex lining which provides superior breathability and adds to the premium feel of the boot.
At 1360g per boot they are lighter and more responsive than my previous Ribelle HD boots and if I want a lighter day I tend to stick with my Rush Trek boots which are lighter and more comfortable the hottest days. The construction is foolproof and you can be assured of their Made in Italy pedigree.
So, the things I like about the Zodiac Tech GTXs are: they are incredibly precise in technical scrambling/alpine terrain; I can wear them all day on rocky ground and carry a full pack; the soft heel is a blessed relief for the tired Achilles tendon (I’m recovering from a nasty Achilles tendon injury and these are my favorite boots). No real downsides aside from: you might find them excessive for general hiking and not warm enough for winter climbing.
The Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX is available in sizes 41-48 EUR in half sizes. There is also a specific women’s version in sizes 37-42 EUR.
The RRP is £290 and they can be purchased directly from Scarpa UK and specialist retailers.
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