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Scarpa SL Attack

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

The SL Attack has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best backpacking boots for 2024.

I've owned and loved a pair of Scarpas for three years. I can't remember the model, but they look like the SL in current catalogs. The sole has 'Attack' molded in it and the weight matches that listed for the SL.

I originally purchased these for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. They fit my size 12, medium feet wonderfully, with relatively little break-in for an all-leather mid-weight boot. At the end of my 2000+ mile hike, the rand at the front edge of one sole had started to delaminate a little bit, but not enough to allow it to flop around. With regular treatment, the boots remained remarkably water resistant.

Of the relatively few boots I saw making it through the entire AT hike, mine were the lightest, a testimony to Scarpa's workmanship. I continued to use them for occasional, much shorter backpacking trips and around town.

Last fall I thought it was time to retire them as backpacking boots and began using them for caving, which can really beat the hell out of boots. Then a big three week Rockies trip came up, and I was forced to return my Scarpas to trail duty with the help of a little Shoe Goo. Again to their credit, they held up during the trip and withstood water better than the newer Vasques on my partners' feet.

They've defintely reached the end of the road structurally now, with dangerously little tread left and holes starting to break through the sole to the leather. Since I'm starting to get into light mountaineering, my next boots will be Norwegian stitched, either Scarpas or Limmers.

But I heartily recommend these mid-weight Scarpas for anything from dayhiking to rough trail use, both for their comfort and their durability.

Materials: all-leather
Use: rough trail w/ heavy pack
Break-in Period: 50-100 miles
Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz (?)
Price Paid: $180 (at EMS, 1994)

Best boot ever made in my opinion. Unfortunate that the company discontinued these.

Pros

  • Never leaked, and no Gore-tex lining
  • Really comfortable

Cons

  • The only con is that the company discontinued making these. I'm really disappointed.

Hiked in these for 15 years and they never leaked. Very good stability for heavy backpacking loads on rock.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $300

These boots have held up great. They've been through everything. I bought them because the salesman said Fabiano makes the best boot. I think he was right.

If you're looking for a boot Scarpas are the best.

Break-in Period: 4 Weeks
Price Paid: $275

Damn good shoe once broken in. But really uncomfortable for the first few weeks. Tough and well constructed, these shoes are virtually indestructable. Great for rugged treks in alpine/wet conditions.

Materials: HS12 calf leather
Use: rough trail w heavy pack
Break-in Period: 4 weeks minimum
Weight: 1.36kg
Price Paid: AUD $299

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Price Reviewers Paid: $180.00-$300.00

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