Scarpa Terra GTX

A quality product, with a somewhat old school/traditional "style", that is made of unusually thick/excellent-quality leather that fits me out of the box pretty much instantly.

Scarpa is an old-school manufacturer that produced this well-priced boot which works very well almost anywhere. Well-priced does not mean inexpensive should you be on a strict budget...I rarely see these on sale and $250 is a fair, full retail, price for what you get. 

Wet or dry this boot can endure most things and work well for years. Only after the lower leather gets heavily abraded (by scree) did I experience that "wet boot feel". Treat them with mink oil and the issue is almost gone. The durability of the upper leather is not an issue...I believe that the water repellant is surface applied and as the outer (originally shiny) leather gets abraded, the increasingly matt surface begins to hold progressively more water for a longer time.

Best fits a narrow last. Instantly comfortable with very little break-in needed (for my shaped feet at least). Upper cuff is made of compliant and buttery-soft leather, so it is easy on the ankles when the terrain is rough. That feature, alone, makes me want to buy this product again and again.

Sole durability is very good. I experienced no separation between the upper last and the sole bond and I often use these boots on frost-shattered rock or while caving. Slightly slippery sole when the going gets really cold (like below -5° C). The laces will fade, then stretch, and then wear out after heavy use within two years. Plus I broke one upper eyelet that was readily available and repaired by a local cobbler for near pennies (okay, it was $2.50). 

Only after other (more well advertised) brand boots wore out in my boot collection, did I begin to realize the durability of the Scarpas. I would recommend them to anyone. But you may have to hunt around to find a store that stocks them, at least in Canada.

Can't think of any reason not to give these boots 5 stars.

These are a lightweight backpacking boot. Admittedly, I haven't used them as much as my SLs  because I've been overweight and needed the extra support with a backpack. I'm a lot slimmer now and using the Terras and have to say, I love them! They are everything my SLs are but lighter and more nimble on the trail. Barring a 40+ pound. pack, these are my go-to boots now.

I really love walking in them. Just this morning I was off trail bushwhacking in the Cascades and they performed very well. One thing I've grown to love about Scarpa is that they are made in European sizes and it seems easier to dial in a fit and Scarpa has always been consistent so any pair of shoes you get, you know your size. At least this has been my experience through 7 pairs.

If you are into disposable shoes, these are not for you. These will last you a very long time if you care for them. I know: I'm going on my third decade with one pair.

Background

Bought these as a uniform shoe for a summer of fee collecting and have also put on a close to 100 trail miles.

A superbly made, lightweight comfortable walking boot, with good support for most hikes and trails and long-distance paths. With 100% waterproofing and excellent traction these make most routes a joy to walk. Thoroughly recommended indeed.

I am now well into my second pair of these boots. The first I purchased about three years ago after a friend recommended Scarpa to me. Straight from the box the boots were extremely comfortable with both a snug fitting and very easy lacing system that leads to confidence on the hills.

The leather is  soft yet supportive. That coupled with an extremely grippable soul makes one positive about descending mountains in even greasy, slippy conditions underfoot. Both pairs which I have worn have never let water in, even in the boggiest of conditions and days of driving rain.

The only downside is that the boots are of a soft, flexible leather that after a year or so can split across the instep. I feel that this is a small price to pay for the many pluses these provide...John.