Since I started this thread I’m going to add onto it with another similar boot, which is a more robust model meant to be between a full summer mountaineering boot and a backpacking model:
The Trango Tech GTX is a seamless, low profile mountaineering boot ideal for technical mountain terrain and climbing easier graded routes. They bridge the gap between mountaineering and backpacking while offering semi-automatic crampon compatibility.
www.sportiva.com
I’ll say upfront these are just observations, and I’m trying these out, not recommending them as any kind of end all be all solution.
Out of the box, the plastic overlays on the seamless bootie and way beefier than the Trango trk’s, and the rand is way heavier, with plastic overlays between the heel and toe rubber rands. The midsole is PU vs foam on the Trk’s, which is a huge improvement. The actual bootie/synthetic material seems much more substantial than the trk’s. I also have a pair of crispi Colorado’s that haven’t left the house, which seem way bulkier/tougher but have way more toe rocker. The Trango tech’s are almost like gloves they fit so tight to your feet, very low profile and light.
After spending some time with a 45 lb pack and walking in the mountains here’s what I’ve found with these.
- the are stiffer, and do decent on a side hill, but still will flex underfoot when you get on them, unlike a 3 season mountaineering boot like a charmoz.
- the lacing system has 2 upper points and no lock for the lower zone, which I think is a nice feature to have.
- the tongue material is really low bulk, and integrated with the front of the boot.
- the top of the boot is a sticky stretch material that hugs your leg. So far I like this feature.
- they are rockered on the toe a bit like the a Trango Cube, but it’s still a pretty flat walking motion while I’m breaking them in. Your foot almost slaps the ground since the midsoles are stiffer than a hiking boot. I think it’s a pretty decent compromise stiffness wise.
- I’m still using factory insoles, but I’ll say my toes got a bit sore due to lack of cushion. I’ve had that issue on any pair of boots I’ve owned besides trail runners. That’s the sacrifice with boots like this that are built for precision footwork and weight. I think the Colorado’s from crispi that have a thicker midsole under the toe area would be much more
comfortable for wear during an extended backpack hunt.