Verdict from 1 expert and +100 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • Nearly everyone who has reviewed the Arc’teryx Konseal FL GTX is deeply impressed with its fantastic lightness.
  • This astonishing approach shoe has an insanely grippy outsole, according to numerous sources.
  • Many of those who have purchased the shoe find it exceptionally watertight.
  • Based on several reports, the Konseal FL GTX is remarkable in the area of comfort.
  • Design-wise, this Arc’teryc offering is one of a kind, say about a handful of those who have tested it.
  • Some users find this approach-focused hiker incredibly durable.

3 reasons not to buy

  • A few patrons say that the Konseal FL GTX takes time to soften up.
  • The shoe could use a little improvement in the breathability department, a couple of wearers say.
  • An owner is somewhat disappointed with the hiker’s cramped forefoot zone.

Bottom line

Light as a feather yet grippy as a lizard—this is perhaps what many would describe the Konseal FL GTX the moment they put it on. They might also refer to it as a super-comfy approach shoe with relentless waterproofing. 

That being said, customers should take heed of its misfires, the least amusing of which would have to be its time-consuming break-in period. Nevertheless, the Konseal FL GTX is an empowering Arc’teryx piece, all thanks to its set of trail-to-rock qualities.

Good to know

-The Konseal FL GTX, the sibling of the non-waterproof Konseal FL, is engineered for outdoor travelers who need a blend of comfort and stability in their step. The design philosophy behind it makes it a competent companion on technical approach routes.

-This minimalist shoe has a TPU chassis around the medial zone for additional support and abrasion protection. It also comes with a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing.

The Arc’teryx Konseal FL GTX is a below-the-ankle approach shoe for men and women. A secure and personalized fit is possible with its lace-up closure. This lockdown system has a kind of construction that enables users to adjust the gear’s forefoot fit to their preference. It also comes with an extra pair of eyelets that grant deeper customization options.

What aims to provide adequate surface traction in the Konseal FL GTX is the Megagrip outsole from Vibram. It is, by design, capable of producing and maintaining sufficient adhesion on different types of terrain, be they wet or dry. Blocky and circular studs (also known as lugs) are strategically scattered around it to help adventurers remain surefooted for when the terrain turns for the slippery and loose.

The front end of this sticky outsole is smoothed out and treaded to facilitate smearing on boulder-type surfaces. Its heel end, on the other hand, has a squared edge to give hikers enhanced braking power on descents.

The Konseal FL GTX’s foam-like midsole is a highly durable component made of EVA or ethylene-vinyl acetate. It has a stout yet cushy construction to deliver a balance between comfort and stability. Its rear zone has the right amount of thickness and density to mitigate shock with every step, making landings extra safe.

Nested on top of the shoe’s midsole is a 3D-molded Ortholite footbed. This comfy insert has a thickness of 4 millimeters. Its engineers made its rearfoot borders high and rigid enough to grant owners with additional underfoot support.

This Arc’teryx approach shoe shields the foot from the elements in its part mesh, part synthetic nubuck leather upper. It is lined with a Gore-Tex membrane on the inside, leaving the hiker adequately breathable and waterproof at the same time. Arc’teryx designers gave it reinforced sidewalls and a molded toe cap for bump and abrasion protection. They also gave it a gusseted tongue to keep virtually every sort of debris out of the shoe.

The Konseal FL GTX comes with a pair of pull tabs to hasten on and off. Its fit management system consists of a synthetic lace and combination eyelets.