Built like a standard Light Mountaineering class boot but lighter and more flexible.  These are the Scarpa Escape GTX and they have become one of my favorite pair of boots. 

One of the things that I have learned in this footwear evaluation process is that you don't always need what you think you need and once you realize that then like the song says, you can't always get what you want.  From the beginning of my effort to identity, secure and evaluate the best boots and shoes for the things I like to do I have gravitated to the stout, sturdy and heavy duty Light Mountaineering class boots.  The best in this class are made by Kenetrek, Lowa and Meindl (for Cabelas) but they are heavy, stiff and rigid.  That is perfect for extreme terrain, heavy loads and long humps, however, as I have since learned, I prefer something that is just as tough and beefy but with more flexibility.  I was beginning to think that what I wanted didn't exist.  Enter the Scarpa Escape GTX.

Scarpa is another one of those long time, high end, high quality Italian boot makers.  Here are the particulars.

Class-Light Mountaineering or Heavy Hiker, has the best of both
Height-mid plus, 7 inches, 7 loops/cleats
Materials-Crosta suede leather, Cordura, full heavy rubber rand
Insulation-none but the skin is thick, multi-layered and there is excellent padding around the ankle
Waterproofing-Gore Tex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-stock foot beds are thin, Profiber midsole is firm and strong but provides good cushioning, the outsole is stiff enough to handle difficult terrain and rock but is very easy to walk in 
Flexibility-excellent through out but they are not sloppy or soft 
Tread-Vibram Jorasses is sticky and firm, could be more aggressive 
Volume-full   
Width Availability-nope
Weight-my 45s (11.5US) weigh 2 lbs 1 ozs per boot
Crampon Compatibility-yes, GSb automatic, semi-rigid
Quality-very high, made in Italy
Break In-not much required, they were comfortable out of the box


The upper rough out leather makes these more flexible than other boots in this class.  Lace-ability is outstanding.  An effective pinch cleat at the top of the foot allows for segmented tension.  Note the GSb crampon compatible front welt.

These boots are not available in a wide version but the SL last that they are made on are big enough to accommodate my EE width feet even when wearing the Smartwool Heavy Trekking socks pictured.

The boots have a full wrap around rand which affords a great deal of protection against rocks and sharps.  I like that a lot.  Above that is the Crosta leather uppers that are certainly thick and heavy enough to protect me in all but the most extreme landscapes, like steep shale slopes.  It is this leather that gives the boot it's superior flexibility which makes it tough  and protective but very walkable and that is the nitche I have been looking to fill.  They are outstanding in this respect.  


The Scarpa SL last is made for high volume feet.  The collar does an exceptional job of wrapping the upper ankle without restricting movement too much.  The tongue is fully gusseted and lays down better than any other model I have tried.  

I can see myself wearing these boots for hunting, back packing and mountaineering.  They are that versatile and they are that comfortable.  My only complaint, if you can call it that is that the stock footbeds are pretty el cheapo for a boot of this caliber but it is easily remedied by using after market ones.

Again, these are great boots and I am looking forward to spending a lot more time in them.  The Scarpa Liskam boot is built on the same SL last but it is has a heavier leather upper.  I can't wait to see how they work for me.

Well done Scarpa.  I don't know how they will work out for someone with a thin or low volume foot but they work beautifully for me.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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