Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

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Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX: Review

β€œA hiking boot designed for stability and traction in challenging terrains.”

Overview


Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a hiking boot designed to tackle challenging terrains with ease. This boot is known for its stability and traction, making it ideal for mountain adventures.

Key Features:

  • Gore-Tex Lining: Provides waterproof protection while maintaining breathability.
  • Vibram Sole: Ensures excellent grip on various surfaces.
  • Perwanger Suede Upper: Offers durability and water resistance.

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is an ideal choice for hikers who prioritize stability and traction for mountain terrains. Its waterproof Gore-Tex lining offers protection, making it suitable for wet and snowy conditions.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of hiking boots.

Verdict

The consensus on the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX


The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is highly regarded for its performance in mountain terrains, offering excellent traction and stability. It is particularly suited for rock and snow travel, making it a top choice for serious hikers and mountain climbers. The boot's durable construction, featuring a Perwanger suede upper and Gore-Tex lining, ensures it can withstand tough conditions while keeping feet dry. Despite its robust build, the boot remains breathable, preventing sweaty feet during long hikes. However, the fit may be wider than some prefer, and the lace locking system could be improved. The price is on the higher side, but the durability and performance justify the cost. Overall, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is a reliable choice for those seeking a stable and protective boot for challenging hikes. Its combination of comfort, support, and protection makes it a valuable investment for serious hikers.

Comparable Boots


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The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a good alternative for those seeking a rugged boot with great stability but a bit more comfort. While the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX excels in technical terrains, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX offers a more cushioned experience, making it suitable for those who prioritize comfort on long hikes.

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The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is another option for hikers looking for a balance between stability and comfort. It offers a similar level of waterproof protection and breathability, but with a slightly lighter design, making it a good choice for those who prefer a less bulky boot.

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The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a popular choice for hikers who value comfort and support. While it may not offer the same level of traction as the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, it provides a more cushioned ride, making it suitable for those who prioritize comfort over technical performance.

10 Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Excellent stability and traction.
Highly waterproof with Gore-Tex lining.
Durable construction with Perwanger suede.
Comfortable with minimal break-in time.
Breathable despite waterproof features.

5 Cons

Wider fit may not suit everyone.
Lace locking system could be improved.
Price is on the higher side.
Suede can show wear through dust and grime.
EVA midsole tends to wear over time.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is crafted from Perwanger suede, known for its durability and water resistance. This material, combined with a Gore-Tex lining, ensures the boot is waterproof while maintaining breathability. The suede upper provides protection against sharp objects and abrasion, making it suitable for rugged terrains. The high-top design offers additional support and protection for the ankles, enhancing stability during hikes.

Midsole

The midsole of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX features a combination of PU (polyurethane) and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) materials. This blend provides a balance of cushioning and durability, essential for long-distance hikes. The PU midsole enhances shock absorption, while the EVA layers offer comfort and flexibility. This design choice replaces the traditional shank, providing a unique approach to support and cushioning in hiking boots.

Outsole

The outsole of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is equipped with Vibram technology, known for its excellent grip and traction. The widely spaced lugs prevent mud from clinging, ensuring stability on various surfaces, including slopes, rocks, and wet terrains. This feature makes the boot suitable for technical hikes and challenging environments.

Size/fit

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX offers a performance fit, with a slightly wider design that accommodates different foot shapes. The asymmetrical lace system allows for a customized fit, enhancing comfort and support. The boot's collar and tongue are designed for ergonomic flexibility, reducing pressure on the ankle and heel. This ensures a snug fit without heel slippage, even on steep descents.

Comfort

Comfort is a key feature of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, with minimal break-in time required. The boot's design includes memory foam in the heel area, providing a snug and supportive fit. The combination of cushioning materials in the midsole ensures comfort during long hikes, reducing the risk of blisters and foot fatigue.

Cushioning

The cushioning in the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is achieved through a combination of PU and EVA materials. This setup provides excellent shock absorption and comfort, essential for long-distance hiking. The cushioning system supports the foot during impact, reducing strain and enhancing overall comfort.

Breathability

Despite its waterproof design, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX offers impressive breathability. The Perwanger suede upper and Gore-Tex lining work together to prevent moisture buildup, keeping feet dry and comfortable. This feature is particularly beneficial during long hikes, where breathability is crucial to avoid hot spots and blisters.

Stability

Stability is a standout feature of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, making it ideal for challenging terrains. The boot's design includes a high-top collar and supportive midsole, providing excellent ankle support and balance. This stability is crucial for navigating steep slopes and uneven surfaces, ensuring a secure footing during hikes.

Durability

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is built to last, with high-quality materials like Perwanger suede and a Vibram outsole. These components ensure the boot can withstand harsh conditions and frequent use. The durable construction makes it a reliable choice for serious hikers seeking long-lasting footwear.

Grip

The grip of the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is enhanced by its Vibram outsole, which provides excellent traction on various surfaces. The widely spaced lugs prevent mud from sticking, ensuring stability on wet and slippery terrains. This feature makes the boot suitable for technical hikes and challenging environments.

Flex

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX offers a balance of flexibility and support, thanks to its PU and EVA midsole combination. This design allows for natural foot movement while maintaining stability, essential for navigating uneven terrains. The boot's flexibility enhances comfort during long hikes, reducing foot fatigue.

Who should buy the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX?


The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is ideal for hikers who frequently tackle challenging terrains and require a boot with excellent stability and traction. Those who enjoy long-distance hikes with heavy backpacks will appreciate the boot's supportive design and durable construction. Its waterproof features make it suitable for wet and snowy conditions, while the breathable materials ensure comfort during extended use. Hikers seeking a reliable and protective boot for technical terrains will find value in this model.

Who should not buy the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX?


The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX may not be the best choice for hikers who prefer a lightweight boot for short, casual hikes. Its robust construction and focus on stability might be excessive for those who primarily hike on well-maintained trails. Additionally, individuals with narrow feet might find the fit too wide, and the lace locking system may not meet everyone's preferences. For those seeking a more cushioned and comfortable boot, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX could be a better option.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX: What's it good for?


The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is well-suited for hiking in challenging terrains, including rocky and snowy environments. Its stability and traction make it ideal for technical hikes and long-distance backpacking trips. The boot's waterproof features ensure protection in wet conditions, while its breathability keeps feet comfortable during extended use. Hikers who require a durable and supportive boot for demanding adventures will find this model a reliable choice.

5 Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX FAQs


Is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX suitable for snow hiking?

Yes, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is suitable for snow hiking. Its Gore-Tex lining and Perwanger suede upper provide excellent waterproof protection, making it ideal for snowy conditions.

How does the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX perform on rocky terrains?

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX performs exceptionally well on rocky terrains, thanks to its Vibram outsole and excellent traction. The boot provides stability and grip, making it ideal for technical hikes.

Is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX comfortable for long hikes?

Yes, the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is comfortable for long hikes. Its cushioning system and supportive design ensure comfort during extended use, reducing the risk of blisters and foot fatigue.

Does the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX require a break-in period?

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX requires minimal break-in time. It is comfortable straight from the box, allowing hikers to enjoy their adventures without the discomfort of new footwear.

What makes the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX durable?

The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is durable due to its high-quality materials, including Perwanger suede and a Vibram outsole. These components ensure the boot can withstand harsh conditions and frequent use.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX alternatives

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Weight
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M: 544 g
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Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Released
Aug 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 544 g
W: 454 g
AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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October 17, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%