Headquartered near the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy, Garmont has been crafting some of the finest performance footwear for hikers, mountaineers, and backpackers alike for the past 54 plus years.
When it comes to Garmont gear, advanced technical innovation, the best modern materials and a comfortable, foot-hugging fit are what you can expect.
Every year I come across their men’s footwear line at places like Outdoor Retailer, and well, I’m always in admiration of just how far they push the limits of Italian design.
After trying on my first pair, I was even more impressed with just how well each boot compliments the foot’s natural anatomy. Needless to say, while Garmont boots look rugged from the exterior, they are charming in terms of comfort on the interior.
Below, you’ll find more details about their footwear alongside my men’s Garmont Dakota Lite and Toubkal GTX boot reviews and field tests.
Quick Highlights:
Men’s Garmont Dakota Lite GTX Boots
– Lightweight construction for fast paced treks
– One-piece 2.4mm nubuck leather upper wraps and supports the foot
– Soft leather collar keeps unwanted debris out
– Anatomical, engineered full leather tongue avoids pressure spots and tongue drift
– 360-degree rubber rand for scuff resistance and added durability
– Speed lace hardware for precise fit and tape webbing at instep
– Garmont G-beneFIT construction
– Progressive lasting board enhances stiffness and flexibility to boot length
– Gore-Tex performance breathable waterproof membrane
– Alveolen footbed (EVA, resin and felt) for lightweight comfort
– Classic performance fit with roomy instep and forefoot volume
– Intelligent Flex System with instep notch
– 2.5mm microporous layer sole for exceptional cushioning
– FrameFlex Lite nylon insole for enhanced stability without the added weight
– Dual density PU injected midsole
– Vibram New Winkler outsole with multidirectional chevron lugs.
– Semi blocked heel strike area
– a.d.d. Garmont Anatomically Directed Design enables the foot’s natural ability to stabilize, absorb shock and propel forward.
– Asymmetrical ankle cuff lower on the exterior and higher on the interior
– Differential ankle pads securely lock in heel prevents slip and blisters
– 768 gram weight (1/2 pair size 8.5 US)
Men’s Garmont Toubkal GTX Boots
– 1.8mm nubuck leather upper
– One-piece stretch fabric flex insert, tongue and collar
– Lightweight Lenzi PUTEK ankle reinforcement with super abrasion-resistant threads
– Differential ankle pads lock in heels
– Gore-Tex Performance breathable waterproof membrane
– Double Damper PU midsole dampens ground impact
Internal shock absorbers reduce heel impact, reduce fatigue and enhance cushioning
– Vibram Apex outsole with reinforced lugs or superior traction
– Full-length, full-width tapered FrameFlex Mid full-foot nylon insole support
– a.d.d. Garmont Anatomically Directed Design enables the foot’s natural ability to stabilize, absorb shock and propel forward.
– Asymmetrical ankle cuff lower on the exterior and higher on the interior
– Precision extended lacing for enhanced adjustability.
– Anatomical tongue
– Ultra-light antimicrobial Alevolen footbed with EVA and needled polyester for comfort and shock dissipation
– Rubber toe cap with extended wrap bolsters for added durability and toe protection
– 2 pounds 14 oz. weight per pair
Men’s Garmont Dakota Lite GTX Boots Review
After hiking with the men’s Garmont Dakota Lite GTX boots, one thing is sure:
These are easily among some of my all-time favorite hiking boots. I’ve had the pleasure of field testing plenty of men’s footwear over the years, but there’s just something about the Dakota Lite GTX that makes them so enjoyable to wear outdoors.
To start, each features a handsome, heavy-duty 2.4mm Nubuck leather upper with a surprisingly lightweight feel. For days when I just want to zip through the trails without feeling like I’ve got too much weight on my toes, these are golden!
For keeping the elements out, you’ll find a soft-leather collar alongside a GORE-TEX Performance breathable and waterproof membrane. To ensure grip regardless of the path ahead, a Vibram New Winkler outsole with multidirectional chevron lugs does the trick. After having a chance to walk over ice, snow, loose dirt, mud, dry grass and beyond, the overall level of grip was fantastic! Even when conditions got a bit rough, the Dakota Lite GTX boots still inspired plenty of confidence thanks to their stable character and glue-like traction.
When it comes to comfort, wow, did these men’s boots deliver tremendously. Each boot hugs the foot with a remarkable level of precision. It’s all due in part thanks to the Garmont G-beneFIT construction and Garmont ADD system, which gives way to the foot’s natural stabilization, shock absorption, and propulsion ability. Of course, the anatomical tongue, which eliminates pressure spots, speed lace hardware, progressive lasting board, dual-density PU injected midsole, 2.5mm microporous layer sole, Alveolen footbed, and Intelligent Flex System all combine for the ultimate in comfort and support.
To add to an already terrific backpacking boot, differential ankle pads help to really lock in the heel; preventing unwanted blisters and slips.
Concerning construction and build quality, these men’s boots are just stunningly well-made. I can easily see the pair lasting for countless adventures ahead. If you’re looking for a bombproof pair of boots, these are among the best.
With so many magnificent things to like about the men’s Garmont Dakota Lite GTX boots, I can’t wait to get these back on my feet and hit the trails once again.
Men’s Garmont Toubkal GTX Boots Review
If you call yourself a backpacker, the men’s Garmont Toubkal GTX boot is likely to be your new best outdoor buddy. Combine the outstanding level of traction and all-day comfort across rough trail terrain, and you’ve got a boot that’s a dream to wear.
Each features Garmont’s unique ADD fit, or Anatomically Directed Design, which features fewer points of contract on the foot for a far more natural feel with less rubbing and pressure. The system reflects the physical, asymmetrical build of the human foot beautifully.
You’ll also find a rugged 1.8mm Nubuck leather upper paired to a lightweight Lenzi PUTEK ankle reinforcement with incredibly abrasion-resistant threads. When it comes to durability, that’s just the start. At the bottom of each boot, a long-lasting and aggressive-gripping Vibram Apex outsole can be found with reinforced lugs. Add in the rubber toe cap with extended wrap bolsters, and you’ve got plenty of protection for both on and off the trail.
To up the level of comfort, each comes pair comes included with a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane. You’ll also find asymmetrical lacing, differential ankle pads, a one-piece stretch fabric flex insert, tongue, and collar, plus a full-length, and full-width tapered FrameFlex Mid full-foot nylon insole support. While the above does wonders for the coziness of your foot, each also plays a role in making every single step forward feel absolutely rock-solid.
And while these leather boots, like all, require a slight break-in process, I must say, the initial feel of these right off the bat was remarkable. I’ve had a chance to keep hitting the trails with them on my feet, and the experience has only gotten better and better.
One additional feature I wanted to mention was the antimicrobial Alevolen footbed. Aside from being super lightweight, it comes with EVA and needled polyester for an exemplary level of shock-absorption and added foot joy.
