GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots, Brown

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I bought these boots to replace my Garmont Syncro, which are too warm in the summer. I tried on a size 1/2 too small and was pleased with the fit in the store. I took them on a flat trail and they performed well, I even jogged in them. The were so comfortable I decided to take them on a 4000' hike. They performed well on the approach, but once I began the steep ascent, gravity caused my heel to slip painfully backwards. Nothing I did eased the pain, and I eventually had to untie the shoe and wear them like flip flops. Not fun on loose rocks. I returned them for a half size larger, installed super feet insoles, and wore thicker socks and a liner. The pain returned on the steeps during the next hike. It seemed these boots were not made for steep climbing. Returned them again for Asolo 520s, which are exceptionally comfortable on steep inclines.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I bought these in an EMS store early last year before heading out on a dayhike of several miles. When comparing, I narrowed my choices down to these and some Merrells. I picked these because the Merrells felt narrow. I asked the clerk what kind of break-in time these had and he said only a little.

I wore them around the house for about three days before my hike and liked them. When out on the trail, I wore medium-weight socks and had no issues with rubbing or anything else. I was pleased!

I wore them on several more hikes over the spring and early summer, and they handled it all. When going through water my feet did not feel a drop, and when navigating rocks (such as Mt. Cardigan in central NH) they were satisfyingly grippy.

Part-way through summer, I got a job where I needed protection from water. I called on my Garmonts because they had worn so great on the trail. I wore them approximately 40 hours/week for three months, but eventually saw signs of wear on the sides of each boot. One of the mesh sections is where the toe bend is, and over time that mesh does not hold up as other materials would. I did not do anything more strenuous than walk - a lot! - in these boots, and do not consider the wear a defect, but rather a fundamental flaw of the design.

That is the only problem I have had with them, and I do still wear them if I am going on a dry hike/walk. That said, I am looking for another brand and a pair with a tougher upper for this year.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I have been using these boots for work and they are great. They needed no break in and my feet have no hot spots from wearing them for 12 hours a day.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I'm a distance runner. I hike about 20 miles per day and I have narrow heels. These are the best fitting shoes so far.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

Overall, I think these are very well designed shoes, using proven material (ie. Vibram soles). However, it took several exchanges until I got a pair that had no manufacturing defects. If and when the quality control is improved these shoes would go to the head of the class.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

Haven't had these shoes long enough to render a conclusive review, but so far, so good.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I've worn Garmont Flash boots for years and never thought they could be improved upon until I tried the Zenith model. A subtle difference to be sure but an improvement over an already reliable boot.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

Very comfortable boots. Grip on these is the best of any boot I have owned in dry conditions. I bought these for an extended trip out west and they were great for bagging peaks in CO, UT and WY. No blisters or foot pain in a month of heavy use for 10 mile mile, 4-5K foot elevation gain hikes. The only con is that the upper is not the most durable (but still okay). I treat stuff pretty hard and spent a lot of time on rocks and the uppers are showing a little wear. Great boot for scrambling.

Comments about GARMONT Men's Zenith Mid GTX Hiking Boots:

I've never had a pair of hiking boots except for military issued. Definitely a lot more comfortable. I was a little surprised at how heavy they were and made me think if I should've gotten the low cut boots, but I think the ankle support is worth it. Definitely going to take some time to break in. I did cross a stream to check the water proofing. No issues. I have a feeling these will be even better after a few more miles.