Garmont Dakota

Review Date
January 16, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: chris151e(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $220.00 at i forget

Summary:
I was very impressed with these boots. I bought them for one purpose--my extended (2-3 week) self-supported trek through Japan's Minami Alps every summer. These boots fit very well, were comfortable even during the break in period, and most importantly, provide a very reliable interface between me and my heavy pack and rocky, uneven trails.
On another site I was surprised to read several negative reviews from daily wearers of the boot complaining primarily that the boot wore out too soon. Could be. In my case, I've had mine 4 years, have worn them about "5 months" in total, and they're holding up well though of course showing wear. If they're worn out in four more years, I will still be very satisfied with the performance I have received and will but another pair of the same boot.

Customer Service:
no experience

Similar Products Used:
don't recall

Review Date
February 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Stevo(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $209.00 at Middlebury Mountaine

Summary:
Now these are really the boots. I don't see any other boot manufacturer who is doing what Garmont is doing right now. I'm very hard to fit, and these boots are not the least bit offensive to my feet. The assymetrical lacing and anatomically directed design seem to allow your foot to roll in it's natural motion. The flex points and padding of the leather seem to be part of this idea.

This design is really targeted for all feet in general. Of course if it's too narrow or too wide, that's another issue, but it makes the best of you natural rolling motion and minimizes pressure points and pinch spots.

For instance, the boots flex across your toe line, not straight accross. See http://www.garmont.com/tech_outdoors.html for the full description of the ADD system.

The bottom line: This is a pair of boots in the upper mid-weight category with semi-mountaineering stiffness, but a tremendous amount of comfort. You can kick ice steps if need be, but won't be sacrificing any comfort either.

Customer Service:
I called Garmont and they helped me decide to try this boot based on knowing how their boots fit. They were very helpful - extremely helpful. The customer service is why I now have a good fitting pair of boots after a 3 month search.

Similar Products Used:
Lowa Scout II, Fabiano Mountain Master, Zamberlan Ladak, Scarpa SL M3, Scarpa Rio, Vasque Zephyr

Review Date
September 9, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: William (Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $100.00 at The Mountaineer Supp

Summary:
these are the gratest boots i've ever owned. the main reason i bought them is because the owner was selling them so cheap because the shop was going out of business. Although I would gladly dish out the $200 these boots are retailing for.

Similar Products Used:
La Sportiva Makula

Review Date
April 6, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Shaun(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Victoria, BC

Price Paid:  $160.00 at Robinsons Sporting Goods

Summary:
These boots are great. It took a few short hikes to break them in and now they are perfect. The ADD is noticibly mroe comfortable and natural as it is meant to fit your foot by anatomical design. After waterprofing these things only leaked when water came in from over the top! I have taken them through snow (Mt. Albert Edward), water (Sayward Lakes), trail (Cape Scott) and a bunch of everything (West Coast Trail) and they have always held up without flaw. It is crucial (as usual) to get a perfect fit for your foot due to the Anatomically Directed Design (ADD). As the little label on the inside of the tongue says "These boots will take you farther then you think." Boy does that ever hold true.

Customer Service:
Haven't had to use Garmont customer service, and probably never will. I could just cal lthem to tell them to close down 'cause they make a great boot.

Similar Products Used:
Asolo

Review Date
March 15, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: JGB (Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Hfx, NS, Ca

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Valhala

Summary:
I've owned Dakotas for 6 months. It took about 2 weeks to break them in, I then purchased "superfeet" insoles. I've been living in them since. My best friend bought a pair around the same time. Same result. Both of us could sell these for a living. Had a pair of Soloman adx, Asolo meridian prior. Prefer the Dakota. Best boot I've owned.