This is the ideal boot for people who want to hike frequently in rugged and rocky terrain or carry a hefty backpack when trekking. These boots are unmatched if that describes you. Yes, they are expensive, but the excellent performance and longevity you will receive from them make their price worthwhile.
Simplified in design, the Scarpa Men’s Zodiac Plus GTX is the best boot for off-trail hiking, mountain climbing, and hauling large loads. With its outstanding stability, you may confidently edge or smear up any steep terrain you may come across on a strenuous cross-country trip. The full-grain leather top will withstand a great deal of wear and tear before exhibiting signs of wear, and the Vibram sole is sticky without sacrificing durability. Let’s delve into the details of these standout features:
SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus GTX Key Features
Comfort and Support:
The Zodiac Plus GTX is a boot designed with serious hikers and mountain climbers in mind. It performs better on trails than some opulently cushioned variants but still has a rockered sole and treks well.
When stability is concerned, the Zodiac excels. When laced up, the tight width of this boot felt snug and solid, leaving little space for rolling ankles. It suited medium-volume feet well. When the only thing you have for a grip is the toe edge, the tight fit increases control over the boot’s edges, improving its climbing ability.
Traction:
One of the finest performing boots in terms of traction metrics, this one prefers to be used for steep mountain climbing. However, more is needed to lessen its usefulness on easier or less strenuous excursions. The Zodiac Plus GTX’s Vibram Drumlin soles offer superior grip even on the edges, enabling mobility on dubious boulders and scrambling climbs.
Gore-Tex Water Resistance Performance:
Scarpa utilized a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort footwear inner and a 1.8mm thick suede Perwanger full leather shell for this boot. But without additional care, the suede leather will deteriorate and start to absorb moisture, making the Gore-Tex lining less functional.
Build Quality and Durability:
Scarpa is proud of its craftsmanship; most of its shoes are still produced in Italy. You can tell this boot is made of high-quality materials just by looking at it. Scarpa carefully considered all of the Zodiac Plus’s features, including an ergonomic flexibility that encircles the ankle and top of the foot, a one-piece tongue and collar technology, and a memory foam patch at the back of the heel. By removing pressure areas and forming the boot to the ankle and heel, these characteristics aid in comfort.
Rating Criteria
- Value for Price: 4/5
This boot are considered expensive. However, the high-quality materials and craftsmanship contribute to their value for serious hikers and mountain climbers.
- Fit and Comfort: 4/5
Designed for serious hikers and mountain climbers, the Zodiac Plus GTX offers a snug and solid fit, providing stability and control. The tight fit increases control over the boot’s edges, enhancing climbing ability.
- Traction: 4.5/5
The Vibram Drumlin soles offer superior grip, especially on steep mountain climbs, making these boots one of the finest performers in terms of traction.
- Weight: 4.5/5
Weigh 1.25 pounds, making this boot lightweight and comfortable for extended usage.
- Water Resistance: 4/5
The Gore-Tex Performance Comfort footwear inner and suede Perwanger full leather shell provide effective water resistance. However, additional care is required to prevent the suede from deteriorating and absorbing moisture.
This adjusted rating reflects a positive evaluation, considering the performance, traction, and comfort of the SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots, excluding durability from the assessment.
Highly recommended for serious hikers and mountain climbers due to their stability, traction, and intended purpose. However, the price may be limiting factors for some users.
Every product has advantages and disadvantages. Aside from that, you can read our recommendation for this boot on our list of the 10 Best Trekking Boots For Men.
