Scarpa Burgell

Great craftsmanship. Stiff ala Manta. Light crampon ready. Tried sz 43 and found that they were breaking wrong. So, I swapped for 42's and put in superfeet green insoles. Fit seemed tight and right with toes not hitting front. Had store salesman smooth out some seams a bit. Used Smartwool Expedition sock for break in on light hikes. Then Mt. Washington, NH.

Only one small hot spot across right middle toe. Went to shoe maker and he explained that the leather was dry from sitting on shelf for maybe up to 2 years. For $7.00 he softened leather and used wooden shoe stretchers for two days. Then wear them every day for three weeks for quick walks to get the moisture of the foot back into the leather, he said. This made all the difference for a quick break in. They are not as perfect as the boots I bought 22 years ago in Austria. From what is available in heavy boots today, they are by far the best I could find without custom fitting. But, I spent a lot of time finding a good fit first. JOB