Review Garmont Vetta Tech GTX

For a few years now ( apart from the winter season ) I have basically only used low hiking shoes. They were lighter, could be worn around town and were generally somewhat more to my liking. But after a few years, I started to miss the taller shoes.

Mostly because I'm a photographer and often travel in environments where I missed those tall shoes: creeks, wet grass in the morning, or the first snow. I missed the height of shoes everywhere. So I decided that, after a long time, taller hiking shoes were part of my gear.

After a long decision, I decided for the Garmont brand, with which I have had only good experiences for a long time, and more specifically for the Garmon Vetta Tech GTX. I was particularly interested in them because they are light ( 540g ), made of leather, with GTX membrane, and the sole is adapted for both hiking and climbing and thus could be good for via ferrata. Last but not least, I liked that they have a very strong hoof protection, almost all around the circumference of the shoe. I'm now in my second year of using the shoes and let's see if they met my expectations and what the pluses and minuses are.

Top of the shoe:

These are mid-height shoes, which suits me just fine. It's such a compromise between booties and tall shoes. Still wearable off the hills, but the height provides enough support on any terrain. The upper is made of 1.6 mm thick suede. In fact, that was one of the reasons I decided to get these shoes. I don't have a good experience with synthetic boots that are designed for rocks or ferrata. I prefer to rely on leather for this. At the top, the shoe is equipped with a kind of neoprene collar, which serves as protection against dirt falling into the shoe. Something will definitely get through it, but some of it will stay out and that's definitely a plus.

Protection against damage

What I really like is the rubber protection. Here in Garmont, they haven't messed with anything and have used a very durable material that I consider virtually indestructible. Even after two years, it shows no major signs of use. This is truly TOP. I also appreciate the reinforced tip.

I'm one of those people who stumbles from time to time, and my toes really appreciate that toe. And by only reinforcing the toe, the whole shoe isn't rock hard and is comfortable to walk in.

Tying laces

The lacing is like many Garmont models, from the top to near the end of the toe. I have to say that the foot sits very well in the shoe, and the toe is stable even when climbing on lighter trails or ferrata. Overall, the lacing is good, the laces don't come loose and stay in place as they should.

The lace goes all the way up the shoe and works perfectly.

In general, the laces stay where they should and the shoes tighten up nicely.

Footbed

This was also an important selection criterion. I didn't want shoes with a "hoof" on the heel, a sole that is narrower at the heel than the upper of the shoe. I've always had a stability problem with such soles. On the Vetta Tech, the back sole is nice and thick, wide and stable for me, which suits me perfectly. Otherwise, it's from the manufacturer Michelin. The tread is good, with wide enough gaps to not get mud or pebbles stuck in there.  Satisfaction.

Michelin tread is profiled for climbing at the front, making them suitable for rocky terrain or ferrata

Asymmetric modelling

Those who have owned Garmont shoes know that they are characterized by the asymmetrical shape of the tongue and laces. It really works on this shoe and I have yet to have my tongue move at all, much less end up in any stupid position. Indeed, Like here.

Water resistance:

The shoes are equipped with a GTX membrane, which will guarantee a certain degree of waterproofness. The weakest point in this regard is the synthetic tongue. If my shoes get wet, it always starts with the tongue. So for standing in water, it's definitely not😊 But for normal use in wet or snowy conditions it's absolutely OK. I always combine it with impregnation.

Thanks to the GTX membrane and leather upper, you don't have to worry about water.

Resistance

Here I give 20 points out of 10. Seriously. The way the shoes look after two years gives me hope that there are still manufacturers whose goal is not to make a shoe for one season, as is often the case these days. There are virtually no visible deformities, damage or scuffed soles on the boots. The shoes still retain their shape and even the critical textile points on the upper remain free of holes or punctures.

There is a collar on top of the basket, which serves to protect against dirt falling inside

Conclusion:

After two years, I can declare myself extremely satisfied. Durability, strength, comfort: all this has been preserved. For me, I definitely recommend them. Garmont did not disappoint.

I like that the heels are wide and stable, not hoof-shaped as is often the case.

The sole clings well both on the rock and in the forest.