#7 on this list
Zodiac Plus GTX
Scarpa
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is designed for technical alpine trekking, off-trail boulder fields, and steep ridge scrambles where traditional hiking boots feel too imprecise. Borrowing design cues from Scarpa’s technical approach shoes, the Zodiac Plus fits close to the foot, offering unmatched precision and control on exposed rocky terrain. The upper is crafted from premium Perwanger suede, lined with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane. Scarpa’s Sock-Fit DV construction replaces a traditional tongue with a single piece of elastic S-Tech fabric, eliminating bulk and wrapping the instep like a climbing shoe. The Vibram Drumlin outsole uses a firm, sticky rubber compound with an edging zone at the toe, allowing hikers to stand securely on small granite edges, wet slabs, and narrow scree shelves where standard lugged boots would shear off. However, this technical capability makes the Zodiac Plus less comfortable on flat, monotonous miles. The semi-rigid chassis has very little forward flex, which can cause foot fatigue if you are forced onto long stretches of flat road or smooth dirt double-track. The European fit is relatively narrow, especially through the midfoot and toe box, making it ill-suited for hikers with wide feet or those prone to heavy foot swelling. **Highlights** - Exceptional edging precision and traction on wet rock slabs - Premium Perwanger suede upper resists sharp rock abrasion - Sock-Fit DV elastic tongue creates an exact, blister-free wrap - Semi-stiff chassis provides stability on technical talus - Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining prevents water intrusion **Watch-outs** - Rigid sole feels clunky on long, flat trail approaches - Narrow European fit does not accommodate wide feet - Premium price point aimed squarely at technical alpine users
- Price
- $255 MSRP
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#8 on this list
Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY
Oboz
The Oboz Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY bridges the gap between a rugged, high-support leather boot and a flexible day hiker. It is built for hikers who love Oboz's signature supportive arch geometry but find the brand’s heavier Bridger model too stiff and punishing for fast-paced weekend trail outings. The upper combines oiled nubuck leather with Cordura nylon mesh panels, providing solid abrasion resistance while dropping weight and improving forefoot flex. Inside, the proprietary B-DRY membrane seals out moisture from rain-slicked vegetation, muddy tracks, and creek crossings. Underfoot, the Trail Tread rubber outsole features an updated, aggressive lug pattern that grips Tenaciously in loose scree, clay, and damp forest floor duff. Like all Oboz boots, it includes the sculpted O Fit insole, offering arch and heel support that outclasses standard factory footbeds. The trade-offs center around climate suitability. The B-DRY membrane is quite dense, meaning that in warm, dry weather, internal heat and moisture struggle to escape, leading to damp socks by midday. Additionally, while the Sawtooth X is more flexible than the Bridger, the heel cup has significant volume, which can cause slight heel slip for hikers with narrow heels if not laced tightly. **Highlights** - Sculpted O Fit insole provides exceptional out-of-the-box arch support - Trail Tread rubber outsole delivers aggressive traction in loose dirt and mud - Oiled nubuck and Cordura mesh blend durability with forefoot flex - Molded rubber heel counter locks the rearfoot in place - B-DRY membrane effectively seals out standing water and slush **Watch-outs** - Proprietary membrane traps sweat in temperatures over 70 degrees - Wide heel pocket may cause slippage for narrow-footed hikers - Outsole rubber compound can be slick on polished, wet rock
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Zodiac Plus GTX | Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 3.2 oz / 545 g (half pair, size 42) | Approx. 19.3 oz (547g) per boot |
| Upper | 1.8mm water-resistant Perwanger suede | — |
| Membrane | Gore-Tex Performance Comfort | — |
| Midsole | Multi-density EVA with PU heel insert | — |
| Outsole | Vibram Drumlin with Mont rubber | Trail Tread rubber with multi-directional lugs |
| Last / Fit | European medium-narrow technical fit | — |
| Upper Material | — | Oiled nubuck leather and Cordura nylon mesh |
| Waterproof Tech | — | B-DRY waterproof breathable membrane |
| Footbed | — | O Fit Insole with sculpted arch support |
| Ankle Cut | — | Mid-height with padded collar |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Zodiac Plus GTX
- Precise toe edging capability on small alpine rock features
- Heavy-duty Perwanger suede resists severe rock abrasion
- Sock-Fit DV tongue wraps the instep without bunching
- Stiff chassis provides outstanding stability across rough talus
- Rigid underfoot feel causes fatigue on flat, graded paths
- Narrow technical last does not accommodate wide forefeet
- Thick leather and waterproof lining overheat in summer heat
Sawtooth X Mid B-DRY
- Class-leading arch support out of the box with the sculpted O Fit insole
- Exceptional mud, loose dirt, and scree traction from deep Trail Tread lugs
- Tough nubuck and Cordura construction resists severe trail abrasion
- Molded heel counter delivers solid stability under moderate pack loads
- B-DRY membrane runs hot and traps sweat in mild to warm weather
- Hard outsole rubber compound slips on smooth, wet rock slabs
- Generous heel volume can cause slippage for hikers with narrow feet
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.