Product · Scarpa
Zodiac Tech GTX: suede, leather lined, 680 g listed
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The Zodiac Tech GTX sits in the more technical end of Scarpa's walking range. Amazon lists a suede upper, a leather lining, a leather insole, a rubber sole, medium cushioning and a mid-top cut, with Gore-Tex in the name and a weight of 680 g. In our Scarpa comparison, it is the boot for walkers who want a technical mid with a leather lining for mountain paths and rough terrain.
- Upper
- Suede
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Lining
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
In its favour
- Suede upper with leather lining and leather insole are listed.
- Gore-Tex is named in the title, giving a waterproof liner for wet days.
- The listed weight of 680 g is moderate for a technical mid boot.
Good to know
- No B rating or crampon compatibility is stated, so check Scarpa's guidance before winter use.
- The outsole compound is not named in the listing.
Our take
What the listing gives
The toe style reads aluminium toe, which is very likely a data error. The outsole compound is not named. The listing is otherwise short, giving suede outer, leather lining and insole, medium cushioning and the 680 g weight.
The weight is not specified as per boot or per pair, but at 680 g it sits between the light Rush boots and the heavier leather Kinesis Pro in Scarpa's range on paper.
Suede outside, leather inside
A suede upper is flexible and protective, while a leather lining and insole add comfort and warmth. With Gore-Tex, the boot should handle wet mountain paths.
Brush suede clean, dry slowly, and condition the leather lining occasionally. A suede proofing spray helps the outer shed water.
Medium cushioning is listed, which should strike a balance between comfort on long approaches and a precise feel when placing feet on rock steps. That middle ground is what separates the Zodiac Tech from Scarpa's softer Rush boots and its stiffer leather trekkers.
Zodiac Tech beside the Rush TRK GTX and Mescalito TRK GTX
The Scarpa Rush TRK GTX is a light suede mid at 555 g listed with a polyester lining. It is lighter and cooler. The Zodiac Tech is warmer and more technical.
The Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX is an approach-style mountain boot with a synthetic upper and leather lining. It suits scrambling. The Zodiac Tech is a mountain walking boot.
Who should look elsewhere
Walkers who run warm may find a leather lining hot in summer. Those wanting a stated sole should check Scarpa's details.
People who mainly walk lowland paths will not need a technical boot and may prefer the Scarpa Terra GTX.
Fit matters more than usual with a leather-lined technical boot. A leather lining leaves slightly less spare volume inside, so try the Zodiac Tech with the socks you would wear on a cold day and check that the heel does not lift on a steep slope.
Verdict
The Zodiac Tech GTX suits walkers who want a technical suede Gore-Tex mid with a leather lining for mountain paths. For a lighter, cooler boot, choose the Scarpa Rush TRK GTX, and for scrambling, the Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Scarpa walking boots compared
Amazon listing title: Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX