Verdict from 6 experts and +100 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Numerous wearers consider the Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX (whether men’s or women’s) highly comfortable.
- This astonishing approach shoe has top-notch durability, according to many of those who have purchased it.
- Based on several reports, the Dragontail MNT GTX has a super-sticky Vibram outsole.
- The shoe’s support system is nothing short of spectacular, say some of those who have tried it.
- About a handful of those who have hiked in this Garmont approach shoe multiple times find it mightily stable on rugged ground.
- It has remarkable waterproofing, a satisfied buyer claims.
3 reasons not to buy
- The Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX is a heavy product, some users who have hiked in it claim.
- Based on a small number of reviews, this hiker is too rigid.
- It comes at a pretty hefty price, says an owner who has bought it.
Bottom line
In the comfort category, the Dragontail MNT GTX is a stellar offering. It is also a mesmerizing Garmont hiker in the areas of surface traction and overall support.
This highly durable product, however, might be shunned by those who are deeply into lightweight approach shoes. Overall, despite its shortcomings, the Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX is a splendid piece whose approach-centric merits alone can make converts out of many skeptics.
Good to know
-The Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX is a shoe designed for folks who wish to take on approach routes with enough stability and stiffness. Its designers engineered it with Heel Lock to prevent the user’s heel from sliding and sustaining blisters.
-It comes built with a.d.d. or Anatomically Directed Design—a Garmont-exclusive tech that bolsters the shoe’s stability and shock absorbency. It also helps the wearer perform forward maneuvers without requiring too much effort.
-The Dragontail MNT GTX promises underfoot protection, comfort, and security with its heavy-duty sole unit. It is comprised of a dual-density midsole, a cushy heel insert, a stabilizing insole, and the Vibram Maton outsole.
Garmont’s Dragontail MNT GTX is a below-the-ankle approach shoe for men and women. The last on which it was crafted (also known as Alpine Tech) promises a locked-in kind of fit with a strong emphasis on precision. It has a spacious enough toe box and an interior that follows the natural asymmetry of the foot, thanks to the a.d.d. technology. Lockdown personalization and in-shoe security come by means of the shoe’s lace-up closure.
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. 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.
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 edges.
Right atop this multi-layered midsole is the ECO-PU footbed. Its presence doubles down on comfort and support underfoot
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.
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 a synthetic lace).
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 approach kicks 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.