Summary

We spent 7.1 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:

4 reasons to buy

  • A delighted mountaineer said that the Pinnacle GTX excelled in providing traction.
  • The comfort delivered by this mountaineering boot was appreciated by a couple of users.
  • A few owners liked how the boot kept their foot warm on cold conditions.
  • Despite its sturdy build, the Pinnacle GTX from Garmont did not require a lengthy breaking in period.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The default insole lacked arch support, as mentioned by a gear reviewer.
  • An expert declared that the Garmont Pinnacle GTX runs narrow.
  • It was a tad heavy, according to a blogger.

Bottom line

Garmont impressed outdoor lovers through the Pinnacle GTX. It delivered a combination of comfort, warmth, and traction. It, however, was criticized for issues about sizing, arch support and weight. To sum up, the Garmont Pinnacle GTX remains to be a good mountaineering boot choice. Those who prefer a lighter gear should look for other options though.

Facts

Rankings

A popular pick

Expert Reviews

98 / 100 based on 2 expert reviews

  • 95 / 100 | Terra Incognita | Level 1 expert

    All-in-all I reckon I will get quite a few years out of these boots.

  • 90 / 100 | Chasing Sand Dollars | Level 1 expert

    If you’re in the market for some medium-heavy duty mountaineering boots, I’d recommend trying these on.

Become an expert
  • The Garmont Pinnacle GTX has been receiving updates from its designers. It became lighter—from 930 g to 858 g—thanks to the improved materials. The new construction of its midsole (PU injected) eliminates the unnecessary weight. It also sports the brand’s lightest support frame.
  • The boot’s upper still comes with a 2.8 mm thick leather with a Gore-Tex laminate, but with some enhancements. A heel lock and its precision lacing enhance flexion for a more comfortable stride. 
  • The sole unit has a rockered form. This design promotes the natural rolling motion of the foot.

A men’s-only mountaineering boot, the Garmont Pinnacle GTX reasonably runs true to size. It is offered in regular sizes and standard width. The brand engineers used their Alpine fit last to create a snug fit while keeping a spacious toe box. Allowing users to customize the fit is the boot’s lace-up closure.

The Garmont Pinnacle GTX employs the Vibram Titus outsole. It has aggressive and multidirectional lugs which provide traction on most types of terrain. These boots are widely spaced to prevent muck accumulation. Also, the toe and heel areas are designed with more ground contact to assist in steep slopes while the heel brake helps secure foothold on descents.

This mid-cut mountaineering boot features the Pinnacle component set. It consists of a dual-density PU injected midsole for lightweight and durable cushioning. A PU crampon insert is placed at the heel. The boot also comes with an X-lite Frameflex Fiberglass, a full-length lightweight frame supports the rear and midfoot when carrying heavy loads. This set incorporated an extra microporous layer (2.5 mm) to optimize comfort.

Additionally, hiker’s foot rests on a moisture-wicking Alveolen footbed. It is made of EVA and has antimicrobial properties.

Using a one-piece durable Perwanger suede leather (2.8 mm), the Pinnacle GTX protects the foot from outdoor obstacles. It is waterproof and breathable, thanks to the moderately insulated Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining. It is also designed with an abrasion-resistant 360-degree rubber rand for reinforcement.

With the brand’s Anatomically Directed Design (a.d.d.), this boot for mountaineering renders stability and comfort. It includes an anatomical tongue, asymmetrical cuff, and differential ankle pads. The mentioned pads work with the heel lock to prevent slippage.

To further enhance comfort, Garmont designers added an instep notch to accommodate foot flexion. Its combination eyelets help secure foot lockdown and a pull tab at the heel aids in easy on and off.

  • The Garmont Pinnacle GTX is compatible with semi-automatic (hybrid) crampons.
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com