Garmont T8 Bifida Tactical Boot - Sage

I needed a new pair of long hike upland game hunting boots. The terrain is lava field, landslides, arroyos, and hard rock climbing into remote meadows. No blisters or hot spots, lightweight, uninsulated, traction, walk comfort soles, and excellent ankle support is what I was looking for. These Garmont's check all those boxes except for one beef.The left boot fits and feels perfect. The right boot exhibits a problem other reviewers have cited regarding the ballbearing eyelet and inside rivet. The Garmont tongue is unusually plush and must be ‘dressed-in’ as laced. The left boot went on first and was properly dressed and creased at the ball bearing eyelet. The right fit was immediately sharp at the internal rivet. The boot tongue on this boot was missing the factory creased tongue.I was very close to returning the boots. The sharp inside rivet digs into the top of the foot/ankle joint. Every step got my attention. It can’t be missed.I retried the boots on and off over a weekend. There’s a lot of reviews by all day long striders. Several reviews noted the rivet discomfort. Some buyers had ‘fixed’ it, others didn’t. The reviews together made me inspect the right boot that doesn’t have the problem. Sure enough, there’s a difference. It’s not that the rivet is mis-installed, it’s the lack of the factory crease in the tongue that doesn’t naturally cover the rivet.The left boot had the sharp tongue permanent crease. The tongue base crease covers the rivet. The right boot tongue crease had been deformed by an oversize shipping insert that effectively removed the permanent crease. Paying attention to where that permanent crease is supposed to be will solve the problem.Next was a brisk walk across rough terrain. The boots will need double socks for a couple runs to ensure no blisters. As to water, these are designed with air holes ensuring they well get wet. I choose to wear quality, waterproof socks. In cold, I use the current generation of long-life heated socks.3-stars for the grief of discovering a shipping room error. I could have easily sent these back on the first fit.Update 1/2020:These are the most 'technical' boots I've ever had. After several less than satisfactory inner wear socks, I settled on a new sole insert and changed the socks to double pair, long on the inside, followed by ankle height over the exterior sock. I hiked over 10 miles on high cliff walls with firmly supported ankles, exacting footing and no blisters. The double socks and attention to tongue creasing solved the pressure point from the ball bearing eyelet.The sage color at half price of the mil-spec color, these are a half priced bargain after the DOD discontinued the color use.Increased the rating from 3 to 5 stars. These are the real McCoy for rough terrain. And, they are grey not 'sage' which blends perfectly with dark rock country.

Have had the boots for about 3 months now, worn almost every day. Used on a few decent length hikes. Pretty comfortable, light weight, dry quickly, and so far reasonably rugged. Good amount of ankle support and hard soles. Arch support is real middle of the road. Inner soles are sewn into boot. Not a lot of extra room for aftermarket ones if you need more arch support. Starting to showing some wear. Sole is beginning to separate slightly around the outside edge of toe, hasn’t caused any problem other than its ascetically unappealing. The strap that runs the back of the boot is starting to fray, about and inch long by 1/8 inch wide. Could have been caused by rubbing over sharp rocks but I’m pretty sure I didn’t see it right when it happened. Same as the sole separation, no issue other than ascetics.

Purchased these without trying them on and was happy to find a perfect fit right out the gate. Very comfortable insole and sturdy Vibram soles. Plenty of adjustment available in the lacing for fit tuning. Required almost no break in but have plenty of support for hiking with a heavy pack.

Love the boots, breath well with vents. No they are not waterproof but treat them anyway to keep clean and color. Little tight to take off and on but pleased. I purchased these for 20 bucks more than a diffrent pair that were deliverd with poor construction and defective upon arrival. I returned them was credited quickly and chose these in stead. Im having a hard time buying clothing on line but getting the hang of it. True to size and fit, personally would recommend an insole but remember that will effect drying time when you do get them good and wet. And im not the kind of person to walk around a puddle.

Great for hot weather. Boots dry fast. They dont kill your feet after wearing them all day. Only issue I have is after wearing them for 3 months the right boot makes a clicking noise everytime you walk....and it wont go away. Not sure what that issue is. Because of that I cant wear them in the field or even hunting for that matter. Everything will hear you coming, it's just that loud. What a wasteEDITGarmont sent me a replacement pair completely free, there customer service was top notch. But the replacement pair was to small although the tags say it's the correct size. Needless to say it's still a waste. Back to bates boots and danner boots for me

I read great reviews about these boots and ordered a pair to replace my 15 year old pair of Belleville boots. These had a really odd fit. Also, at this price point, I expect a pair of boots to be made in the USA. If Belleville can afford to build them here, why can't Garmont?

They're still in the box. They're so nice that I don't want to ruin them 😅

Fits as expected. Seems well built and should last a long time. Takes me back to my infantry days.