Our verdict
Climbers who wish to take on ascents in a cozy mountain workhorse had better not miss out on the Manta Tech GTX. One of Scarpa’s tough-as-nails mountaineering boots, this affordable offering propels you upwards, all while keeping your feet dry and toasty. Yes, negotiating treacherous elevations in the Manta Tech GTX is a confidence-inspiring affair, especially in cold conditions.
Pros
- Incredible ankle support
- Spacious forefoot
- Mighty pampering confines
- Why trust us
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Affordable than most
Cons
- Weighty
- Subpar ventilation
No ankle wobble in the Manta Tech GTX
With its insulated construction, wearing the Manta Tech GTX translates to ascending in sheer comfort minus the cold feet. It's for you if:
- best mountaineering boots.
- Durability and protection, in the form of a full randing, is what you're after.
- The routes you take have slushy parts.
- Most of your crampons are semi-automatic, a.k.a. C2 crampons.
Scarpa mountaineering boots
Trade the featured boot for the Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX if you prefer a lighter B2 mountaineering pair. Also, if you're looking for a shoe with no reported breathability issues, check out the Scarpa Charmoz.
Manta Tech GTX: What losing the “Pro” in its name means
To be precise, the boot in question lost “Pro” for “Tech.” With this slight name update comes several changes, the highlights of which are as follows:
Insulation. This is, arguably, the Manta Tech GTX’s biggest change from its predecessor. The culprit here is Gore-Tex’s insulated liner, which provides both warmth and waterproofing.
Less stitching. They say that the more movable parts an object has, the easier it is to break. In footwear, however, we are looking at stitching, which is streamlined in the Manta Tech GTX. Translation: less stitching = longer lifespan.
Enhanced lacing. The Manta Tech GTX now has a pair of open eyelets at its ankle flex point, allowing for quicker lace-ups and individual tightness for the boot’s instep and shaft.
No ankle wobble in the Manta Tech GTX
Critics agree that the Scarpa Manta Tech GTX has a flexible yet mighty secure collar.
A spacious toe box
This offering has enough wiggle room around the toes, according to professional reviewers.
The Scarpa Manta Tech GTX's dreamy confines
Its high level of comfort is one of the Manta Tech GTX's strongest links, professional bloggers say.
Why trust us
Experienced mountaineers-slash-bloggers find this Scarpa boot a little on the heavy side. Based on data, the Manta Tech GTX per boot is about 120 g heavier than the average weight of B2 mountaineering boots.
Extraordinary toughness
Experts are impressed with the Manta Tech GTX’s incredible durability.
Who should buy the Scarpa Manta Tech GTX
“Snow is what it does best,” is how a gear pundit refers to this insulated mountaineering boot.
Among the budget-friendlier mountaineering kicks
Critics say that, compared with most mountaineering boots, the Manta Tech GTX is quite affordable. Case in point: it's about $100 cheaper than the average.
Can give you sweaty feet
Snow is what it does best, is how a gear pundit refers to this insulated mountaineering boot.
Repels wetness like a boss
Testers and experienced mountaineers find this boot remarkably waterproof. Melted snow doesn't seep into its confines at all.
The routes you take have slushy parts
Given that mountaineering boots can be quite expensive, climbers are compelled to compare kicks before locking in a purchase. Speaking of comparisons, one of the Manta Tech GTX’s popular rivals is the Charmoz—another high-quality Scarpa piece. Find out their main differences below.
- Between the two, only the Manta Tech GTX has the proper insulation.
- No ankle wobble in the Manta Tech GTX Scarpa Charmoz caters to mountaineers with narrow feet.
- The Manta Tech GTX’s competition has considerably more vent ports, making it a more breathable option.
- The Charmoz is less expensive than its rival by approximately $25.
Takeaway: Scarpa’s Manta Tech GTX is clearly the one to bring along in low-temperature alpine pursuits. If your ascents take place mostly in humid locations, stick with the Charmoz.
