My experience is that Gore-Tex® doesn’t work as advertised. The major complaint I had about these 9.81s was the Gore-Tex® lining. And there it stays, since there is no way for it to get out. At best, you only have an inch or two of waterproofing, and then the water will go into the shoe. Waterproofing: I don’t like low top, waterproof hiking shoes. I re-ordered a pair of size 12, and they fit fine. But the first pair of 9.81s I got were ordered in size 11, and I could barely squeeze my feet into them. Shoe sizes vary among different brands, and that is no surprise. Sizing: My rubber-bottom, leather-top Sorels are size 9-1/2. I also walked in mud and sand on a creek bed, and the tread stayed clean. Typically, the mud will ball up under your foot when you’re trying to walk in it, and the 9.81s were no exception. I wore the shoe in sticky, delta mud, and the soles did as well as could be expected. The company claims this design helps the toes provide better balance and propulsion. The toe box features a straighter shape to accommodate the natural position of the big toe. This is huge for a trail runner or trekker. The laces across the instep secure the foot from sliding into the toe. Coming downhill, you’ll soon learn if your shoe is too short or too narrow. Roomy box toe: The toe is great! I have wide feet, and appreciate the wider, roomier toe. This comes from (according to Garmont) the fact that the ankle cuff is lower on the outside and taller on the inside for better edging and greater overall stability. From day one, there was no lateral movement in the heel area. They are a little harder to put on, but that comes with a tight fit. The lacing is superior – the laces don’t come undone.Īsymmetrical cuff: The cuff grips the sides of my heels very well, with no sliding. I don’t know if it’s the laces or the placement of the eyelets, but the system works. The 9.81 is the first shoe I have ever been able to tie with a simple overhand bow knot and have it stay. I have been double knotting my shoelaces since learning how to tie my shoes in elementary school. Gusseted tongue keeps out dirt, debris and moisture.To-the-toe lacing provides extra adjustability and hold.Toe cap and heel wrap for protection and stability.Engineered 3D mesh and microfiber upper with synthetic leather overlays.Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort waterproof breathable membrane offers optimized breathability for higher-intensity use in moderate and warmer conditions.Here are the Garmont® 9.81 Track GTX specs, according to the Garmont website. So I was interested in Garmont’s 9.81 Track GTX. Of late, I have gone to low top hikers/walkers for most of the trails in the southeast. I wore a pair on a Boy Scout 50-Miler several years ago, and my left knee gave out long before my feet started to get sore. The Garmont 9.81 Track GTX is designed to be used on rough trails and in rugged terrain.
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