Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

This is the World Famous TelemarkTalk / TelemarkTips Forum, by far the most dynamic telemark and backcountry skiing discussion board on the world wide web. We have fun here, come on in and be a part of it.
Post Reply
User avatar
Rochester
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:37 am

Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by Rochester » Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:55 pm

Well… it is with some trepidation that I’ve read of potential problems with my Alpina Alaska 75 boots. Hopefully, I won’t have any problems. However, I happened across some leather boots that looked like they would give the support I’m looking for on EBay, and offered $40 for them with the idea that they would make decent back-ups for use on my Hoks and Spider 62s. “Tour” is embossed on the tongue. This was totally impulse. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. ;) Are these decent boots?
1E3D02DD-8F39-4BBD-B683-6EA402C142C5.jpeg
Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

User avatar
JB TELE
Posts: 283
Joined: Thu May 19, 2022 12:25 am
Location: San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by JB TELE » Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:25 pm

The soles on old boots can fall off. Something about the old glue failing. I would give them a few test runs not far from the car before committing to a longer tour. I have some old tele boots (merrel ultra) and the quality of those old boots is superior to the new ones. Fortunately the sole has not fallen off but I will probably get them resoled this summer. Even buying an old tele boot, sending it to david page in seattle to get resoled, is a better value than something like the alaska.



User avatar
fisheater
Posts: 2601
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 8:06 pm
Location: Oakland County, MI
Ski style: All my own, and age doesn't help
Favorite Skis: Gamme 54, Falketind 62, I hope to add a third soon
Favorite boots: Alpina Alaska, Alico Ski March
Occupation: Construction Manager

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by fisheater » Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:31 pm

They look like nice boots, a quality purchase!
I think they would be a better match for the Hoks, but if the flex is soft enough you may like them with Spyders when they might not track so well with the Alaska. I’ve got 3 or 4 seasons on my Alaska 75, but I own 4 pair of boots and the Alaska BC probably gets the most use.



User avatar
Rochester
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:37 am

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by Rochester » Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:50 pm

JB TELE wrote:
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:25 pm
The soles on old boots can fall off.
Looks like the soles are in pretty good shape to me. I suppose it’s hard to tell until I get them.
54ED20DE-0CAB-45A0-BA1C-12A2EC64F68C.jpeg



User avatar
phoenix
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:44 pm
Location: Northern VT
Ski style: My own
Favorite Skis: Varies,I've had many favorites
Favorite boots: Excursions, T1's
Occupation: I'm occupied

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by phoenix » Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:22 pm

Same breed as the other fine Italian made Nowegian welted boots of the classic era, including a full leather gusset and cuff. One thing appears different to me; looks like the ankle cuff is a single thickness of leather. I don't remember seeing any that way. If so, I wonder if the entire boot is unlined.
Which could still be a fine boot, with good socks and insole. Might want to give 'em a cleaning and some fresh conditioner. I keep my eyes open for that sort of boot as well, think I have the same 3 or 4 seasons on them as fisheater... so far so good.



User avatar
Rochester
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:37 am

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by Rochester » Tue Mar 21, 2023 11:43 pm

phoenix wrote:
Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:22 pm
One thing appears different to me; looks like the ankle cuff is a single thickness of leather. I don't remember seeing any that way. If so, I wonder if the entire boot is unlined.
I think the boot is lined based on the picture below. It looks like just the very top of the tongue is a single layer.
852AADF2-081C-4C88-83F2-940780DE34FC.jpeg



User avatar
phoenix
Posts: 861
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 5:44 pm
Location: Northern VT
Ski style: My own
Favorite Skis: Varies,I've had many favorites
Favorite boots: Excursions, T1's
Occupation: I'm occupied

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by phoenix » Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:31 am

Yup, I see it now. Nice find!



User avatar
lowangle al
Posts: 2752
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:36 pm
Location: Pocono Mts / Chugach Mts
Ski style: BC with focus on downhill perfection
Favorite Skis: powder skis
Favorite boots: Scarpa T4
Occupation: Retired cement mason. Current job is to take my recreation as serious as I did my past employment.

Re: Opinion: Garmont Leather Boots

Post by lowangle al » Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:07 am

Nice boots, they look like they might have 20 more years left in them, but you never know. The only structural problem I ever had with old boots was a crack in the sole at the pin line. That happened after my wife and I booted up a trail, all four boots failed the same way on the same day.

Other than that they will probably ski downhill better than almost anything on the market today. I wouldn't be surprised if they became your "go to" boot if your looking for downhill fun.



Post Reply