Kayland Grand Tour Gtx Review

The Kayland Grand Tour GTX is a boot designed for hiking on challenging terrain, whether mixed or uneven. The Vibram sole, developed exclusively for Kayland, features deep lugs that ensure good traction even on snow and ice. Compatibility with semi-automatic crampons further expands its range of use, allowing you to tackle steep slopes or icy conditions with greater confidence.

Technical features of Kayland Grand Tour Gtx

• Height: High-top shoe
• Upper material: Suede leather, microfiber inserts
• Lining: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear
• Insole: PU Open Foam Moulded + Fabric
• Midsole: Microporous + TPU
• Outsole: Vibram Tork
• Semi-cramponable
• Ankle lock system for ankle stability
• Manufacturer’s weight: 540 g (1080 g per pair)
• Measured weight: 570 g (1140 g per pair)
• Country of manufacture: China
• List price: €199,95

Test mode

I tested the Kayland Grand Tour W’s GTX during several day hikes in the snow, covering distances of about 5 km with 500 m of elevation gain and carrying a lightweight backpack, always under 4 kg.

The conditions I encountered were varied: icy snow requiring crampons, non-bearing crust, and wetter spring snow, with temperatures ranging from -3 °C to 15 °C. I also used them on snow-free E and EE trails, seeking out technical sections, and finally on a difficult via ferrata, where I tested the sole’s grip on rock.

Kayland Grand Tour Gtx on-site test

Materials and upper

The upper combines suede in the areas most prone to wear with microfiber inserts, with the aim of offering a good balance between durability and lightness.

Compared to other summer hiking boots I usually wear, the Kaylands weigh only about 80 g more per pair, but their intended use is quite different, making them very appealing in terms of the balance between durability and weight.

The toe cap and side panel are made of protective rubber integrated directly into the upper, a design that provides good front and side protection. On EE trails over loose rock, I bumped my foot several times and found the shoe to offer effective protection.

Sole and crampon-compatible system

The Vibram Tork sole was developed exclusively for Kayland and immediately stands out for its very pronounced lug pattern. During testing, the grip proved to be truly effective.

On easy but icy sections, where I would normally have used crampons, I tried proceeding without any aids: the sole performed very well, allowing me to move forward with confidence.

On the steepest and most icy slopes, I used semi-automatic crampons instead. The attachment system is stable and secure, offering added value that expands the range of uses for the boot.

The sole is semi-rigid, but compared to other crampon-compatible boots, I found it surprisingly comfortable. Even after a strenuous day on the snow, I didn’t feel any pain in the arch of my foot—something that often happens to me with stiffer footwear.

The sole doesn’t have a dedicated climbing zone, but during the via ferrata test, the toe still provided good grip and stability on rocky footholds. The semi-rigid construction limits the boot’s flex and allows you to place your weight confidently even on small or shallow footholds.

Lacing and Comfort

Kayland uses a proprietary lacing system called the Ankle Lock System (ALS), designed to ensure a stable and precise fit around the ankle without restricting natural movement.

The overall feel is that of a stable and comfortable shoe. Even on via ferrata routes, during lateral movements on narrow ledges, the foot remained firmly in place at all times, preventing unwanted twisting.

The padded Lycra collar further enhances comfort by preventing pressure points on the ankle and malleolus.

Breathability and Waterproofing

Waterproofing and breathability are provided by the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear membrane, designed to keep the foot dry by protecting it from external moisture and promoting sweat management.

During testing, I walked through patches of wet, almost watery snow, with the shoe sinking up to the ankle. Although the upper was visibly wet, the inside of the shoe and my foot remained dry.

This membrane is generally designed for moderate or warm temperatures, but during testing I also used it at -3 °C without feeling any cold in my feet, not even during breaks. Considering that I often suffer from cold feet in winter, the result was particularly positive.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t use it on the hottest summer days, when my feet might tend to overheat.

Fit

I tested the Grand Tour in the women’s version (labeled “W’s”) in my usual size, 40. From the very first time I put them on, the boots felt comfortable and snug, thanks in part to the ALS system, which allows for a precise ankle closure.

The foot remains stable inside the boot, increasing precision during the most technical sections.

Recommended for

The Kayland Grand Tour is ideal for day hikes on challenging and mixed terrain. Its compatibility with semi-automatic crampons expands its range of use to mountaineering activities, such as summer ascents and stable-weather glacier traverses or easy couloirs on spring snow.

Excellent on EE trails or equipped routes such as via ferratas, where a semi-rigid sole and good grip make all the difference.

Less suitable, however, on hot days at low to mid-altitudes or on very long hikes, where the semi-rigid sole inevitably tends to reduce walking comfort.