Garmont Dakota Lite GTX review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking boots.
This shoe has a 9% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 9% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 1 expert & 17 users
Pros
- Astonishing lightness
- Comfortable fit
- Waterproof
- Works well on different types of terrain
- Lasting durability
- Great ankle support
- Worth the price tag
- Heel-cradling Heel Lock mechanism
Cons
- Too stiff
- Lace locking eyelets slows down lacing up the boot

83% say it's true to size.
Out of stock in all 30 shops
Garmont hiking bootsRankings
- Top 30% in hiking boots
Comparison to similar hiking boots
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Who should buy the Garmont Dakota Lite GTX
The Garmont Dakota Lite GTX is intent on making backpacking as pleasant as possible with its combination of top-notch qualities. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking boot that provides effective waterproofing.
- Prefer a hiking boot that promotes natural forefoot flex and improved shin mobility.
- Prefer a hiking boot that comes ready for all sorts of terrain.
Updates to :name
- The Dakota Lite GTX is an over-the-ankle hiking gear with a one-piece nubuck leather upper. Its waterproofing is powered by Gore-Tex’s Performance Comfort liner.
- It features the Intelligent Flex System (with instep notch) and an engineered tongue. The former promotes natural forefoot flex and improves shin mobility, while the latter enhances in-shoe comfort and prevents pressure points.
- The boot has a polyurethane (PU) midsole for shock absorption, underfoot comfort, and stability. It tapers toward the forefoot, giving the boot an adequate drop.
- Crafted by Vibram, the Dakota Lite GTX’s outsole comes ready for virtually all sorts of terrain with its textured lugs. It has a semi-blocked heel to assist wearers during heel strikes.
Size and fit
Garmont’s Dakota Lite GTX is a men’s high-cut backpacking footgear with an adequately true-to-size fit. It comes in D – standard width. It is listed in several whole and half sizes. Its Classic Fit gives the forefoot and instep zones more room. The boot is also built with the G-beneFit—a Garmont design technology that highlights the natural contours of the foot. Getting a personalized fit is via the boot’s traditional lace-up closure.
Part of Garmont's Anatomically Directed Design (a.d.d.) is the precision lacing and natural flex. This set of features enables the boot to flex like the foot for walking comfort. Another component belonging to the a.d.d. are differential ankle pads. They create a secure lockdown to enhance support and stability.
Keeps the user's footing secure and planted
Equipped with the Vibram Winkler rubber outsole, the Dakota Lite GTX promises to keep the user’s footing secure and planted whether on level ground or rocky terrain.
Multi-directional grip
Its grip performance mainly comes from its outlying blocky lugs, as well as on the multi-directional, chevron protrusion at the center. This specific outsole also has a protective tip which serves as the boot’s toe bumper.
Provides underfoot protection and a good amount of comfort
With the boot’s hefty yet cushy, dual-density midsole, users are given underfoot protection with a good amount of comfort. As it is made of polyurethane, this layer has lasting durability and possesses ample resistance to abrasions, wear and tear.
Lightweight footbed
On top of the midsole for cushioning, the Dakota Lite GTX also comes with the lightweight Alveolen footbed. It is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate which makes it both soft and resilient.
Waterproof yet breathable
The Garmont Dakota Lite GTX has a 2-millimeter thick nubuck leather upper engineered with the waterproof yet breathable Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner. The upper’s base is reinforced with rubber rand for abrasion and scuff protection.
Garmont Dakota Lite GTX's closure system
The boot’s closure system consists of synthetic laces and metallic loops, a pair of webbing loops, and speed hooks.
This backpacking boot comes with an asymmetrical tongue and asymmetrical cuff for stability and comfort. The former also supplies the user with better control. The mentioned components belong to Garmont's a.d.d.