Though we might think of hybrid mountaineering/hiking boots as a bit of a new niche when it comes to mountain footwear, there are a couple of brands who’ve actually been making these kinds of boots for years. One example is Scarpa, with its Zodiac Tech GTX boot.
Based on their original Zodiac approach shoe, this boot was originally developed for Alpine guides and search and rescue teams. They wanted a reasonably lightweight but comfortable boot that was suitable for extended use. It needed to be stiff and supportive enough for tackling technical terrain and for fitting a crampon when crossing névé and glaciers.
The design was so popular that the Zodiac Tech boot is still a mainstay of the Scarpa range nearly a decade later. But how does it measure up to its newer rivals?
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Not the lightest
- Broader fit won’t suit everyone
| Weight: | 680g per boot (UK 8) |
| Sizes: | Men’s EU 41-48, women’s EU 37-42 |
| Upper: | 1.6-1.8mm Perwanger Suede leather with rubber rand |
| Waterproof lining: | Gore-Tex Performance Comfort |
Design and features
This boot is based on a simple but effective design, though you could argue it is starting to show its age a little now. When they were first released nearly a decade ago, they were amongst the lightest mountaineering boots on the market. As materials and technology has advanced, they’ve moved nearer the back of the pack in weight terms. Indeed, Scarpa’s newer high-tech Ribelle series of boots are considerably lighter – but they’re also significantly more expensive.
That’s not to say the Zodiac Techs feel heavy or clumpy though. And they still have plenty going for them, particularly since Scarpa has updated the boot over the years. The latest model has an improved fit for both men and women with more refined ActivFit lasts, and they’ve also added their excellent Sockfit technology – where the tongue and flex point at the ankle are constructed from a single piece of elastic fabric, for added comfort and mobility.
Otherwise, this is a boot that retains fairly traditional looks, which many users will appreciate. True to their approach shoe roots, they feature extended lacing with a conventional arrangement of metal eyelets. This is backed with a gusseted tongue to guard against water ingress and locking lace hooks for a secure fit.
The boot is made from tried and tested materials, in the form of tough Perwanger Nepal suede leather, with a high, wraparound rubber rand that guards effectively against wear and tear – a plus for lifetime durability. The uppers are lined with a Gore-Tex membrane for reliable waterproof performance. In conjunction with the fairly thick 1.8mm suede upper, this makes them decently warm for general UK winter use too.
The ankle cuff of the boot also features a snug elastic half-gaiter that helps to keep grit, pebbles and melting snow or ice in winter out of the boot, if you aren’t using a proper gaiter. The rear of the boot has a secure heel cup that is designed to prevent the foot from twisting, for added stability.
Underfoot, a stiffened midsole is teamed with a Vibram outsole and a plastic heel insert to enable fitting of C2 crampons (though in terms of flex, the sole is rated B1). The sole also features Scarpa’s proprietary ‘BAS’ technology: Bascula Adaptive System. This features lugs of different densities, so some are more rigid while other are slightly softer, to absorb impact in the footstrike phase whilst still ensuring excellent grip on a range of surfaces and inclines.
Performance and comfort
Underfoot, these boots have the stiffness and solidity of an approach shoe. They aren’t particularly cushioned, but still felt comfortable straight out of the box. Initially our tester Ellie was worried that the padding around the ankle might rub and lead to hot spots, but actually they proved to be immediately wearable without any issues.
There’s ample padding there, but it’s very flexible, so you still have a full range of movement. The downside of this is that, compared to a more traditional mountaineering boot, the lower height of the mid-cut ankle isn’t particularly supportive.
This turns into a real plus on steeper ground though, especially when you’re scrambling. On a weekend of spring scrambling in Snowdonia they offered great flex and mobility, plus a stable platform for steep ground.
It’s no surprise that many climbers, mountain guides and even mountain rescue personnel are fans of the Zodiac Techs. They provide a good balance of technical performance and all-day comfort, which can’t be said for a lot of lighter hybrid mountaineering boots. The softer, more supple ankle cuff doesn’t restrict foot movement when stepping up, stemming across a gap or mantling onto a ledge.
Although it was a warm day, feet didn’t overheat, backing up Scarpa’s claims about breathability. But in winter the closer sock-fit would also help to retain some heat, which is always a bonus in cold temperatures. Happily, the Gore-Tex liner did its job. Ellie didn’t have to go through anything deep but crossing streams they certainly didn’t let any water in.
The grip particularly impressed too. On test in Snowdonia, the Vibram sole performed well across a range of terrain, though they’re happiest on rock and scree. The climbing zone at the front edge of the outsole also makes it possible to stand on some pretty small toe holds. Ellie felt really steady and confident with foot placements and found she could move a lot more quickly than in some boots.
We also fitted semi-automatic 12-point C2 crampons to these boots to check the fit for winter use. They felt secure, and we’d be happy to kick steps or front point in them, on easier angled slopes at least.
Sustainability
These boots are Italian-made for a lower carbon footprint and easier monitoring and auditing of factory conditions and standards. In fact, 90% of Scarpa’s manufacturing and materials supply chain is sourced from Europe. This particular model, in line with all of Scarpa’s mountaineering range, is actually made in their Asolo factory, which is adjacent to the company’s HQ and warehouse.
The boot is made from quality materials such as suede leather from the Perwanger tannery and a Vibram rubber sole. It also has a Gore-Tex Performance comfort liner, though this obviously means the boot is neither vegan-friendly nor PFC-free.
Price and competition
As we’ve said, these are no longer the lightest mountaineering boots around. In fact, they’re the heaviest boot in this year’s test selection. That shows how much things have progressed in this particular category, since the Zodiac Tech still isn’t a heavy boot in the grand scheme of things and was actually considered a very lightweight boot when it first came out several years ago.
However, if low weight is your priority, then the newer Scarpa Ribelle series offers similar characteristics at a lower overall weight – but a higher cost. If you’re not wedded to the Italian brand, you could also look at the Danner Crag Rat Evo, which has a similar look and feel. Again, however, it’s a lot more expensive.
If budget is an issue, we’d probably recommend the Salewa Ortles Light Powertex Mid instead, which is actually a little cheaper and a fair bit lighter than the Zodiac Tech. It’s not as comfortable for longer mountain days though and has a less accommodating fit, since the midfoot in particular is quite narrow. You won’t get the same durability either, as it’s a synthetic boot rather than a leather boot.
If you want a good all-rounder that is broadly similar to the Zodiac Tech, then our top pick would be the La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather. There’s virtually nothing to separate them in terms of performance or comfort, and they’re the same price, but the La Sportiva are fractionally lighter. Just be sure to try before you buy, because the fit is somewhat narrower.
Verdict
Perfect for mountain days when an approach shoe isn't enough but a full-on B2 boot is too much, this is a well-built and durable boot that works well for year-round scrambles and easy winter adventures.
About the author
Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, he’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis.