Details
- Microporous rubber midsoles give lightweight, responsive cushioning
- FrameFlex Lite plate provides rock-solid stability
- Lacing crosses the foot at an angle similar to the toe joint, allowing the boot to flex like your foot
- Boot tongue is progressively thicker to the outside, providing more comfort and stability
- Cuff height is asymmetrical, with a lower lateral side of the collar to offer comfort during heel strike and taller medial side for added support and protection
Imported.
Specs
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | 1.8 mm suede rough-out |
| Lining | Synthetic mesh lining |
| Midsole | Lightweight Tri-density microporous rubber |
| Support | FrameFlex Lite with full length, full width nylon frame and enhanced forefoot flex |
| Outsole | Vibram Q811 |
| Average Footwear Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 7 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
Size chart
| 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | |
| U.S. Men's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
| U.S. Women's | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | ||||||||
| UK | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
| EU | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 |
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LongTime from
Best shoes ever
Disclaimer: I've not used these shoes as approach shoes, and I've not worn any other kind of approach shoes.
Now that we have that out of the way. I got tired of wearing out running shoes for daily use. I decided to get something that would last, and I've got to tell you, these are the best shoes i've ever worn for daily use, and I've been wearing shoes now for 62 years. These things walk well, have an excellent footbed/platform for stability and have enough cushion to make them oh-so-comfortable.
I usually wear 11.5 or 12 (us) size shoes. These are 12 and fit very well. When/if these things wear out, I'm getting another pair!
Date published: 2016-12-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Explorer12 from
Favorite Everyday Shoes!
This is my second pair of Dragontails already! I'm such an huge fan of the solid sole, comfort and stability! Not only do I wear these everyday, but they are also my light-hiking shoe for kicking up for some fantastic views of the Chief in Squamish, or for the hike to Cheakamus Lake here in Whistler. Likely the most comfortable shoe for having such a supportive feel. And they keep me super dry too! Fantastic grip for the slippery rocks that we have in this area too!
Date published: 2016-11-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
kmaxphoto from
Comfortable approach shoe with
I was a big fan of the Sticky Lizard back when it used to be sold by Garmont. I had put the shoe through the gauntlet in a variety of countries and was impressed by its comfort and durability. I was bummed when I found out that they stopped making them, so I asked Garmont what their recommended replacement was. I ended up with the Dragontails.
I've had these now for two season and they are still in great shape. I've traveled to Mexico with them, using them as the approach shoes on Pico de Orizaba. I've also put them through hikes and climbs here in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some remarks:
- Comfortable: The shoe is a a little beefier than something like the Scarpa Zen, which is a very minimalist approach shoe. It makes them slightly less capable on rock of, say, 5.7 and up. However, they are ideal for scrambles and mid to low 5th class climbing.
- Durable, stiff sole: The sole is not like stepping on a plank of wood, as with the Scarpa Zen, which is a huge benefit for long approaches. At the same time, it's stiff enough to provide confident foot and toe placements on slabby rock and small ledges.
- Sizing: These fit tight out of the box, and it's something I noticed with the Sticky Lizards as well. However, within 10-15 minutes, the shoe seems to "mold" to your foot. At that point, relacing makes the shoe conform to your foot extremely comfortably. In the two years I've been using these, I've had no issues with hot spots, though that will depend on the shape of your foot.
- Looks: Color and design are unique and look good in my opinion.
- Solid, durable wrap-around rand: I've stuck these shoes into short pitches of vertical cracks and the rand helps both with providing grip and protecting your toes.
I know Garmont approach shoes are super popular in Europe, and have been for over a decade, so it's great to see them establishing themselves in the market in North America.
Date published: 2016-11-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
JediahPorter from
Most supportive Approach shoe.
In 20 years of climbing and hiking, I've used many Approach shoes. After a full year with the Dragontail LT now, I am glad to report that they are the most durable and supportive I have ever used. For the most rugged of footing and for years of service, the Dragontail won't let you down.
Date published: 2016-11-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
SteveBCox from
I wanted to love them
I bought a couple pairs online to make sure I got the right size since they didn't have them in store. I tried them on, walked around, returned the one that didn't quite fit.
Everything about these shoes is incredible. They're snug enough for scrambling, rugged enough for climbing, and obviously quality shoes. Day one my feet hurt a bit, but I wasn't too worried. They were brand new and I did some hiking and scrambling in Acadia (handled perfectly - amazing performance even on slippery rocks). The problem was that the pain just kept getting worse. I went to a different REI and tried insoles. I got foot massages. After 30 miles that week trying to break them in, I couldn't do it. My feet ached and thronged and I took them off every chance I got. I had to return them.
If these work for you, you will not be happy with any other shoe. I can't even explain how much I loved them out of the box and in application, but my feet just couldn't hang. I'm still jealous of my friend every time I see her wearing the pair I got for her.
Date published: 2017-03-16
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Mircea17 from
My approach shoes
I'm 5,11 185 I love the design of the shoes I wear them in every day for the past two weeks however there is a unique feeling. Firstavall with the shoes on I'm 6.0 but isn't the problem is the bottom of the shoes isn't widely enough I believe for stability I never test them on my climbing approach on the mountains so is difficult to say. Also the grip on the bottom is not very agresive. Will see how they will perform on Shasta approach next month.
Date published: 2017-04-13
Rated 2 out of
5
by
jayeph from
runs tight
Got the shoes. Really like the look and the build, but they run tight if not small. Im exchanging for next size up. I;ll update about fit later....
Date published: 2017-04-09
My feet are a little wide. Are these naturally wide cut or are they more narrow?
​Garmont uses what they call an alpine last on these shoes which is designed to fit closer to the feet. Because this is more of an approach shoe, the very front of the toe is slightly more narrow to fit inside cracks.
Date published: 2017-05-28
Size chart
| 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | |
| U.S. Men's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
| U.S. Women's | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | ||||||||
| UK | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
| EU | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 |
Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LongTime from
Best shoes ever
Disclaimer: I've not used these shoes as approach shoes, and I've not worn any other kind of approach shoes.
Now that we have that out of the way. I got tired of wearing out running shoes for daily use. I decided to get something that would last, and I've got to tell you, these are the best shoes i've ever worn for daily use, and I've been wearing shoes now for 62 years. These things walk well, have an excellent footbed/platform for stability and have enough cushion to make them oh-so-comfortable.
I usually wear 11.5 or 12 (us) size shoes. These are 12 and fit very well. When/if these things wear out, I'm getting another pair!
Date published: 2016-12-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Explorer12 from
Favorite Everyday Shoes!
This is my second pair of Dragontails already! I'm such an huge fan of the solid sole, comfort and stability! Not only do I wear these everyday, but they are also my light-hiking shoe for kicking up for some fantastic views of the Chief in Squamish, or for the hike to Cheakamus Lake here in Whistler. Likely the most comfortable shoe for having such a supportive feel. And they keep me super dry too! Fantastic grip for the slippery rocks that we have in this area too!
Date published: 2016-11-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
kmaxphoto from
Comfortable approach shoe with
I was a big fan of the Sticky Lizard back when it used to be sold by Garmont. I had put the shoe through the gauntlet in a variety of countries and was impressed by its comfort and durability. I was bummed when I found out that they stopped making them, so I asked Garmont what their recommended replacement was. I ended up with the Dragontails.
I've had these now for two season and they are still in great shape. I've traveled to Mexico with them, using them as the approach shoes on Pico de Orizaba. I've also put them through hikes and climbs here in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some remarks:
- Comfortable: The shoe is a a little beefier than something like the Scarpa Zen, which is a very minimalist approach shoe. It makes them slightly less capable on rock of, say, 5.7 and up. However, they are ideal for scrambles and mid to low 5th class climbing.
- Durable, stiff sole: The sole is not like stepping on a plank of wood, as with the Scarpa Zen, which is a huge benefit for long approaches. At the same time, it's stiff enough to provide confident foot and toe placements on slabby rock and small ledges.
- Sizing: These fit tight out of the box, and it's something I noticed with the Sticky Lizards as well. However, within 10-15 minutes, the shoe seems to "mold" to your foot. At that point, relacing makes the shoe conform to your foot extremely comfortably. In the two years I've been using these, I've had no issues with hot spots, though that will depend on the shape of your foot.
- Looks: Color and design are unique and look good in my opinion.
- Solid, durable wrap-around rand: I've stuck these shoes into short pitches of vertical cracks and the rand helps both with providing grip and protecting your toes.
I know Garmont approach shoes are super popular in Europe, and have been for over a decade, so it's great to see them establishing themselves in the market in North America.
Date published: 2016-11-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
JediahPorter from
Most supportive Approach shoe.
In 20 years of climbing and hiking, I've used many Approach shoes. After a full year with the Dragontail LT now, I am glad to report that they are the most durable and supportive I have ever used. For the most rugged of footing and for years of service, the Dragontail won't let you down.
Date published: 2016-11-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
SteveBCox from
I wanted to love them
I bought a couple pairs online to make sure I got the right size since they didn't have them in store. I tried them on, walked around, returned the one that didn't quite fit.
Everything about these shoes is incredible. They're snug enough for scrambling, rugged enough for climbing, and obviously quality shoes. Day one my feet hurt a bit, but I wasn't too worried. They were brand new and I did some hiking and scrambling in Acadia (handled perfectly - amazing performance even on slippery rocks). The problem was that the pain just kept getting worse. I went to a different REI and tried insoles. I got foot massages. After 30 miles that week trying to break them in, I couldn't do it. My feet ached and thronged and I took them off every chance I got. I had to return them.
If these work for you, you will not be happy with any other shoe. I can't even explain how much I loved them out of the box and in application, but my feet just couldn't hang. I'm still jealous of my friend every time I see her wearing the pair I got for her.
Date published: 2017-03-16
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Mircea17 from
My approach shoes
I'm 5,11 185 I love the design of the shoes I wear them in every day for the past two weeks however there is a unique feeling. Firstavall with the shoes on I'm 6.0 but isn't the problem is the bottom of the shoes isn't widely enough I believe for stability I never test them on my climbing approach on the mountains so is difficult to say. Also the grip on the bottom is not very agresive. Will see how they will perform on Shasta approach next month.
Date published: 2017-04-13
Rated 2 out of
5
by
jayeph from
runs tight
Got the shoes. Really like the look and the build, but they run tight if not small. Im exchanging for next size up. I;ll update about fit later....
Date published: 2017-04-09
Questions & Answers
My feet are a little wide. Are these naturally wide cut or are they more narrow?
​Garmont uses what they call an alpine last on these shoes which is designed to fit closer to the feet. Because this is more of an approach shoe, the very front of the toe is slightly more narrow to fit inside cracks.
Date published: 2017-05-28
