User Review: Scarpa Manta
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Rating: 
Materials: HS12 Sherpa 3 mm Full Grain Leather
Use: Off Trail w/ Heavy Pack
Break-in Period: One week @ 3km/day on flat surfaces
Weight: 1.6Kg (size 42 Euro)
Price Paid: $225 (US 1999)
These boots are simply terrific! The upper is perhaps the best Italian leather and construction available. The full-grain leather is impregnated with silicone (Scarpa's HS12 treatment) which is reported to be superior to traditional tanning techniques. The sole is Vibram (M4 lug pattern) with a nylon Performance Flex midsole. Longitudinal flexion is well balanced aganist lateral support, but take note, they will feel stiff when initially worn.
Break-in is easy if done slowly and in small increments. The only problem I had was at the ankles which were rubbed medially by the edge of the boots' tongues. A quick e-mail to the Scarpa website (http://www.scarpa.co.uk) solved the problem -- some "trick lacings" and strategic conditioning. And, "yes they do respond to e-mail inquiries from the U.S" despite what it says on the main menu. The boots are crampon compatible (B1 types) and come in one color: offically chestnut but visually your basic dark brown. The boots are near-waterproof and dry quickly when wet. The liner is a gray synthetic and rough so a pair of good trail socks is a must. After some radical terrain and severe abuse (i.e., 50 lb. pack, mud-to-sand transitions & sharp rocks), the boots cleaned up well and suffered only a few minor scuffs.
I'd strongly recommend these boots to anyone with a "European foot" or one shaped to fit the Scarpa BX last which to me seems more tapered in the toe box and of greater volume than traditonal American lasts such as those used by Merrell, Limmer, or L.L. Bean. It's also a serious (and pricey) boot for serious use - ain't no fashion boot dude!
Where to Buy
Buy Online We found the Manta at 1 online store:
| Store | Product Description | Price |
 Moosejaw 2 purchase options: | Men's Manta Boot (Fall 2008) | $239.00 | Buy Now |
| Women's Manta Boot (Fall 2008) | $239.00 | Buy Now |
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