Garmont Dragontail MNT 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 approach shoes.
Verdict from 6 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Highly comfortable
- Top-notch durability
- Super-sticky outsole
- Spectacular support system
- Stable on rugged ground
- Waterproof
Cons
- Heavy
- Too rigid
- Expensive
86% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 9% in approach shoes
- Top 17% in Garmont approach shoes
Comparison to similar approach shoes
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Who should buy the Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX
The Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX is a splendid piece whose approach-centric merits alone can make converts out of many skeptics. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer an approach shoe that is designed for folks who wish to take on approach routes with enough stability and stiffness.
- Prefer an approach shoe that prevents the user’s heel from sliding and sustaining blisters.
- Prefer an approach shoe that helps the wearer perform forward maneuvers without requiring too much effort.
Provides adequate surface traction
With the Dragontail MNT GTX’s Vibram outsole, hikers can cover miles with adequate surface traction on a variety of terrain. It is based on the Mont compound which provides consistent grip performance at very low temperatures.
Provides skid resistance during downhill traversals
Aggressively shaped lugs are strategically built around it to give users enough sticking power on loose-soiled surfaces. It also comes with a moderate heel brake to grant wearers extra skid resistance during downhill traversals.
Provides underfoot stability
Shielding the foot from the ruggedness of the terrain in the Dragontail MNT GTX is a dual-density midsole made of microporous rubber. It consists of two layers: yellow and gray. The former enhances underfoot stability, while the latter improves overall hiking/climbing performance.
Garmont shoemakers armed it with an insert made of polyurethane (PU) at the heel for rearfoot stability and additional cushioning. They also layered it with the FrameFlex Light insole to help users have a stable footing on the edges.
Comfortable and supportive underfoot cushioning
Right atop this multi-layered midsole is the ECO-PU footbed. Its presence doubles down on comfort and support underfoot.
Waterproof and breathable
The low-cut upper of the Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX is made mostly of 1.8-mm thick, water-repellent suede leather. It comes engineered with a Gore-Tex liner called Extended Comfort, making the shoe breathable and waterproof at the same time. A rubber rand reinforces its forefoot for abrasion protection. The shoe’s heel is also covered with the same rubberized coating.
A.D.D Technology
It is in the Dragontail MNT GTX’s upper where virtually every a.d.d component lies. Yes, the a.d.d. technology is made up of the hiker’s asymmetric collar, anatomical tongue, roomy toe box, differential ankle pads, and precision lacing (which consists of combination eyelets and synthetic lace).
Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX vs. Dragontail LT GTX
The Dragontail MNT GTX is a shining example of Garmont’s skill in shoemaking. As such, hikers like to compare it with some of the best approaches to kick out on the market. In this comparison, the Dragontail MNT GTX finds a competitor in the Dragontail LT GTX—another one of Garmont’s finest. At first glance, it is easy to mistake one for the other, and choosing between the two can be a real challenge. To avoid such a dilemma, read through the points that differentiate the two shoes below.
Outsole technology. As previously discussed, the Dragontail MNT GTX’s supply of surface traction comes from its Vibram Maton outsole. In the Dragontail LT GTX, on the other hand, the same provision is sourced from the outsole called Q811. Their lugs and tread formation differ, with those in the featured shoe being more prominent and aggressive than the Dragontail LT GTX’s.
Weight. Adventurers in need of an approach shoe in which they can be as agile as possible might find the Garmont Dragontail LT GTX the more favorable product. Yes, it is significantly lighter than the Dragontail MNT GTX by roughly 70 g.
Price tag. On this front, the competition takes the cake. While it is still considered a premium-priced approach shoe, the Dragontail LT GTX is cheaper than the Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX by approximately 10 U.S. dollars.