User Review: Scarpa Escape GTX

Scarpa Escape GTX
Above: The current Escape GTX, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed December 8, 2007 by Sims.tony@gmail.com

Rating:
Materials: Leather, Gortex, Rubber Rand, Great Sole
Use: Hiking Long and Short distances (5 - 20 mi)
Break-in Period: 20 miles (5 days at 4 miles/day)
Weight: 3 lbs
Price Paid: $225

I am writing this review to help others understand the boot if buying online. Foot description: I have size 12.5 but wear Nike 13 running shoe. I have a high arch, high instep and small round heel. My foot although wide overall "EE" is narrow, in that, my big toe is quite prominent and angles down dramatically to my little toe. I am 6'1" and 225 lbs. (yikes, I need to be about 195)

Lacing System: First the lacing system is super nice. It allows you to adjust the forefoot extremely precisely (1mm) and individually crank down on the upper to get a total and complete heel lock going on. This allows for very good individual adjustments (loose forefoot tight cuff or tight forefoot, loose cuff) depending on your foot and the terrain you are hiking. I found it to be quite precise.

Overall Feel: These boot have a general feeling of padding, protection and beefiness. Would be great on extended trips in Sierra or AT.

Weight: These boots are for serious hiking rather than wearing around town (unless you live in a winter climate). The sole is very fine tuned and allows you to walk very quietly on many types of surfaces.

Additionally, it has a nice midsole, which provides a very comfy ride. It is slightly heavier and wider than the SL M3 and truthfully totally different, from a beefiness standpoint.

Break In: I walked 20 miles (4 miles x 5 days) and these boots are starting to really break in nicely. Zero hot spots even out of the box, but I would recommend putting some miles on them in advance of any serious trip(20+ in at least 5 increments). I don't think I would get a hot spot or blister from them (I wear thin to medium socks too). The support shank must be quite pliable as I have had very little foot fatigue during my "breakin speed walks".

Size: I purchased a 46.5, which are likely the best size for overall mountain use. I have plenty of toebox room, but still feel quite nimble on my feet. On the other hand, I would have liked to have tried the size 46 too, but My guess is that the 46.5 is the correct size for big mountain hiking and a 46 would have yeilded toe banging on the tips.

Design: I really like the design of these boots. The boot looks very similar to the La Sportiva Makalus, but is far more flexible when walking and thus, far more comfortable as an all around light mountaineering boot.

Con: It's a bit heavy, so I cannot wear it as a daily shoe (something I was hoping to do).

Safe Adventures!