The Zodiac Plus GTXs balance a low-profile fit with waterproof and breathable protection that makes them excellent for moderate terrain. At a price of approximately $269, these are one of the most expensive boots in our review. That being said, you get a fair amount of versatility from these boots—they can easily function as a midweight hiker/backpacking boot or a lightweight/day hiker boot. They’ll also excel both on the trail and out on the town with a style that transcends both. However, they are rather stiff and require a wearing-in period to optimize comfort, so it may not be the best choice for those hikers who prefer more flex in their footwear.

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Established in 1938 in northern Italy—specifically, in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, Scarpa remains a family-owned company. SCARPA stands for Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, which translates to the Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area. The company opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, CO, in 2005. Today, Scarpa produces a wide range of outdoor footwear built for skiing, climbing, hiking, trail running, and more.

Amongst their hiking boots, the Zodiac Plus GTX shines. These midweight hiker/backpacking boots balance a low-profile fit with waterproof and breathable protection that makes them excellent for moderate terrain.

Comfort & Weight

Scarpa has integrated what’s known as Sock-Fit™ construction to limit bulkiness and ensure that you can lace the boot tightly around your foot without feeling constricted. The laces of the Zodiac Plus GTX utilize an asymmetrical design to better dial down your fit—five metal punched eyelets run up the bottom of the boot, followed by 3 hooked eyelets at the top. The tongue and flex point use elastic S-tech Shoeller® fabric, which is both breathable and water-resistant, to improve the fit even further.

It’s worth noting that all of Scarpa’s boots are built around a foot-shaped model known as a “last.” Of the nearly two dozen lasts utilized by Scarpa, the Zodiac Plus GTX uses a BZ last that fits a slightly wider foot, so those with narrow feet may not find a good fit with this boot.

A pair of men’s size 11 Zodiac Plus GTXs weighs in at 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg), which puts these right around the middle of our list. However, they also weigh slightly less than the Asolo Fugitive GTXs, which are classified as lightweight/day hiker boots.

Traction & Stability

The outsole of the Zodiac Plus GTX is composed of Vibram Drumlin rubber, which is an excellent sole for edging and boulder-hopping, and the widely spaced lugs help ensure that you’re not carrying a pocketful of mud and rocks on the bottom of your boot.

As we move up the boot, you’ll see that there is, in fact, no shank, but instead a polyurethane and triple-density EVA foam comprising the midsole. The lightweight and cushioned EVA is well complemented by the stiff and durable PU, and these two factors combine to create an incredibly high torsional rigidity.

Water Resistance & Durability

The waterproof lining is achieved using Gore-Tex Performance Comfort. This material combined with the suede upper makes the Zodiac Plus GTX a bit more breathable than a typical waterproof boot that may use the base Gore-Tex membrane paired with more rugged leather. The flood height on this boot is quite high and should hold up to a decent degree of splashing.

On the front of the boot, you’ll find rubber toe rands that do an excellent job of providing abrasion resistance and protection. The upper is made of 1.8mm Suede Perwanger, which is highly durable but may require semi-regular waterproofing in order to avoid compromising the Gore-Tex liner.

Styles & Sizes

If you’re looking for a variety of style choices in your hiking boot, you’ll want to look elsewhere, as the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX only has one color option (Shark/Orange). That being said, it’s decently modern-looking while still being understated. They also come with a 1-year warranty, and they can even be resoled!

Men’s sizes range from 40-48 EU, roughly 7-15 in US sizes. Unfortunately, there are no narrow- or wide-width options, but the BZ last does fit a wider foot better than a narrow one. We might recommend going a half or full size up if you’re planning to purchase these boots since the lacing system will help ensure that you can retain a tight fit around your ankles without sacrificing space in the toe box.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including hexavalent chromium, formaldehyde, and perfluorinated compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

The Bottom Line

At a price of approximately $269, these are some of the most expensive boots in our review, behind only the $310 Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX and the $275 Asolo Fugitive GTX. That being said, you get a fair amount of versatility from these boots, as they can easily function as a midweight hiker/backpacking boot or a lightweight/day hiker boot. They’ll also excel both on the trail and out on the town, with a style that transcends both. However, they are rather stiff and require a wearing-in period to optimize comfort, so it may not be the best choice for those hikers who prefer more flex in their footwear.

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