User Review: Scarpa Escape GTX

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

Reviewed January 22, 2009 by Trey Porter

Rating:
Materials: Leather, rubber, gore-tex lined
Use: Super supportive cool weather on/off trail hiker
Break-in Period: still breaking in.
Weight: 160 lbs.
Price Paid: $226

First, let me qualify my *early* review by saying, I am still breaking them in. These are first impressions.

The quality (stitching, seal, design, and easy lacing system) are the best I have ever experienced. The footbed is terrible; a flimsy 2mm insert. But that is that case with almost any footwear these days. I wanted to replace mine with Superfeet, but I have rigid, flat-feet. Any aggressive artificial arch will not correct/create my arch. It will just bruise it.

I chose a heat-molded, "Sofsole Adapt". It has a moldable arch and maximum cushioning (max for that particular brand). It is not Dr. Scholls "gellin'" but it is both supportive and reasonably comfortable. My feet are low volume as well. This insole really helps.

These boots feel nice out of the box, but I can tell they will require significant break-in. That is the nature of a heavy hiker/light mountaineering boot. I do not have any experience with true mountaineering boots. I wanted a heavy hiker that was crampon compatible. I don't anticipate doing any lengthy vertical climbing. If I do decide to become a rookie ice-climber, these would probably work just fine for a season or two.

The boot is stiff, as it should be. It reminds be a bit like a workboot, but a seriously comfortable one. The slight rocker in the Vibram sole is reassuring b/c I was hoping to long some trail time with these boots. Having a 3/4 steel shank seems to be a good balance.

I originally ordered a size 43, but found it to be too big, both length and certainly volume. The 42.5 was the right fit and held my foot snug in a variety of socks. Scarpas run narrow (it seems). This suits me fit as I need the support, but it will lengthen the break-in period.

The only negative, so far, is I am getting a slight pinch on the top of my foot when flexing at the toe. The area where the lacing starts buckles under. I have had this with other boots/shoes, so it may have something to do with my foot structure.

Something that I have noticed, and like, is the Vibram sole. It sticks to snow/ice like nothing I have experienced. Even after being outside in 15 degree F weather for over an hour... it does not get overly stiff. I have had Vibram soles in the past, but these seem different, better.

I am looking fwd to putting a few scuffs of these boots!

Age: 33
Weight: 160 lbs, unloaded.
Location: NH - White Mountains
Use: Cooler season hiking, snowshoeing, and limited crampon use.
Overall Opinion: Great (4.5)... might become a 5 after break-in!
Previous Favorite Boot: Montrail Torre GTX (still used for warm weather, non-tech, hiking).

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