Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx Review

The Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx were born as hybrid mountaineering and hiking boots and make versatility their strong point. Developed for professional mountaineers and organised rescue, they combine a precise but structured fit with a Vibram sole that provides plenty of security even on the most technical terrain. The construction is soft and light enough to use them even for long approaches without tiring the foot too much.

Technical features of the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx

• Weight: 680gr each (size 42 declared), 815gr each (size 44.5 tested)
• Upper in water-repellent Perwanger Nepal leather
• Sock-Fit XT construction system to fit around the foot
• Lining with Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane
• Wide rubber rand that protects the boot along its entire length and in the toe box
• Vibram Mont ABS Precision Cramp sole made with the patented Bascula Adaptive System technology that uses a combination of hard and soft lugs
• Climbing Zone under the toe
• Crampon insert on the heel
• Rigid midsole
• Climbing-derived Extended Lacing to toe and metal eyelets
• Tighter Top Gaiter under the calf to protect against debris ingress
• Manufacturer Country: Italy
• Link to the manufacturer

Test mode

I used these Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx boots during all of my 2024 hikes from the end ofwinter until this early summer in often rainy conditions, on snow and some icy sections, making long approaches over mixed terrain.

ata the winter season that lasted longer than expected and the bad weather, I was only able to exceed 2,500 metres in the last period, thus also testing my performance with rock passages and a few easy ridges.
The temperatures encountered ranged from just below zero to over 20°C.

Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx on-site test

First impressions

The first thing one thinks of when picking up the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx is that it is a quality product, both aesthetically and in terms of the care with which every detail has been crafted.

The weight is low, yet you are faced with a well-structured boot, with a stiff midsole that is difficult to flex and immediately reveals its more mountaineering rather than hiking verve.

The toe is well structured, there is a cramponable insert on the heel and the Vibram sole has ample lateral escape routes as well as differentiated zone tread, partly soft and partly rigid. Under the toe there is a wide climbing zone to underline its vocation for verticality, while the heel has a very accentuated brake and lateral (but not posterior) escape routes.

The upper is in soft leather (a more breathable technical fabric version will also arrive in 2025) protected at the bottom by a wide rubber band to prevent damage from impact or rubbing.

The lacing system is standard with laces and loops, going all the way down to the toe in pure ‘bootie style’ to make it as easy as possible to adjust the volumes.

Comfort and fit of the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx

When you use the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx you immediately realise that they are mountaineering and technical high-altitude hiking boots with which you can comfortably tackle long approaches over less demanding terrain.

The fit is very precise, with a fairly narrow sole that makes them fit like a glove thanks also to Scarpa’s sock-fit system. The lacing system allows the laces on the forefoot to be tightened properly and the closure adjusted with the help of the first tie rod which is slightly braked (and marked in a different colour). If the foot and ankle are completely wrapped without pulling the laces much, this is not the case with the collar which, for those with a fine ankle like me, needs to be tightened a little more.

At the back of the collar is a small soft gaiter that protects against the entry of debris without ever being uncomfortable when walking.

Behaviour on soft terrain and snow

On first use, I found the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx a little stiff. However, this feeling quickly subsided as, despite the stiff midsole, the boot allows a very natural roll on the soft, earthy terrain of the trails, both uphill and on the flat, while downhill braking is excellent thanks to the very accentuated ‘tooth’ under the heel.

The first impressions regarding the more mountaineering vocation of these boots are all confirmed, however. If they can in fact be used for long periods and even for long approaches, this does not mean that they are a valid choice for simple hiking where it is better to opt for softer boots.

One point of attention concerns the portion of the sole below the heel. On wet mixed terrain and on snow, I noticed that a build-up of soil or compressed snow formed in this area, probably due to the lack of rear escape routes. Although this did not result in the formation of a real clog, it is a detail that I think could be improved.

On snow, the stiffness is particularly appreciated: it helps both in cutting steps in soft snow and in use with semi-automatic crampons or snowshoes.

Behaviour on rock

On rock and more technical trails the mountaineering essence of the Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx is fully appreciated.

The narrow sole and low weight allow movements to be precise and natural, making progression safe.

On the ascent the sole has excellent grip thanks to the climbing zone and the stiff midsole, while on the descent the grip of the central blocks and the very accentuated heel brake are appreciated.

The wide rubber rand protects the boot along its entire perimeter, defending it from shocks, and the toe is additionally reinforced.

Waterproofness and thermal insulation

The Scarpa Zodiac Tech Gtx have a Gore-tex protection that makes them perfectly waterproof right up to the penultimate lug where the tongue and sock are slightly lower. Even in the snow I never felt the wet and cold sensation, at least in temperatures around zero.

Recommended for

Scarpa describes the Zodiac Tech Gtx as boots developed for guides and mountain rescue, due to their versatility in various contexts of use and their ability to be worn for a long time. I fully confirm this statement and recommend them more generally to all those who are looking for a versatile boot, both for classic mountaineering on moderate difficulties and for advanced hiking on technical and snowy routes, including high altitude routes and ferratas.

Safe and high-performance in the high mountains, but also comfortable during approaches in mixed terrain: a boot from valley to summit.

Finally, although it is not a winter boot, I also recommend it for those who during the cold season practice simple mountaineering at medium-low altitudes or winter hiking with snowshoes and crampons.