You might be having a hard time trying to find some decent hiking boots – there are just too many options! However, you may know of Scarpa, and if you do not, then we’ll tell you all about it. Scarpa is an Italian footwear company that branded itself with its fine shoes and boots.
But are they as good as they seem to be? Let us begin with a brief history of Scarpa and their hiking boots to figure that out!
A Brief History Of Scarpa Hiking Boots
Scarpa was established in 1930 by Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness, an Anglo-Irish businessman and the 2nd Earl of Iveagh in Asolo. It began as a footwear company that crafted and sold various outdoor footwear for mountaineering, hiking, climbing, etc.
By 1960, the company had grown enough to expand and enter international markets. They started selling to the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Canada. Their annual production was 10,000 only and quickly rose to 120,000 pairs of shoes and boots the same year. It is safe to say that their footwear grew popular thanks to their quality.
Their hiking boots quickly grew popular amongst hikers in Asolo and eventually worldwide. Let’s look into why their hiking boots were and still are so loved.
Are Scarpa Hiking Boots Good For Hiking?
Scarpa produces comfortable hiking boots that are generally much more comfortable than traditional mountain boots. However, some hikers claim that they are pretty stiff and hard to break into. They could cause some soreness, especially for long hikes on rougher terrains.
The hiking boots are pretty hefty, but they are very durable. You will find that they will last a good while, which we will tell you about later on. Regardless of the stiffness, you will appreciate the overall comfort and protection they provide to your feet.
The mid-top styles are best if you want extra ankle support and protection. At the same time, their low-top hiking boots are great if you are a fast hiker on smoother trails.
How Durable Are Scarpa Hiking Boots?
You can easily walk 1,000 miles with Scarpa hiking boots on various types of terrains. And if you take proper care of them and use them a little moderately, they can last you much longer. The weight and construction of the boots make them very durable, thanks to the high-quality materials they use.
Moreover, the soles are Vibram soles, which means they will not be worn out after a few tough hiking trails. You could also replace the laces easily when they get worn out, but otherwise, your boots will not need more than good care.
Are Scarpa Hiking Boots Waterproof?
Scarpa hiking boots are fully waterproof and pretty breathable. You can hike in heavy rain or across wet grounds and keep your feet dry. You will need to re-proof your hiking boots with the appropriate treatments for the boots you have. The best time to re-proof your hiking boots is when they get very dirty or when water no longer turns into droplets on the boot’s surface.
Are Scarpa Hiking Boots Vegan?
Currently, about half of their products are vegan already. The company has started to lean towards making vegan-friendly footwear. They began sourcing and using fully synthetic materials for their vegan collections and cruelty-free, vegan shoe glue.
As of 2020, they had already launched 64 vegan products making up 40% of their overall footwear. You will have to check which boots from Scarpa are vegan-friendly. They still use leather and animal products in the manufacturing processes for most of their boots.
Where Are Scarpa Hiking Boots Manufactured?
Scarpa is still headquartered in the Asolo/Montebelluna region in Italy, and most of their boots are also manufactured there. However, all of their footwear is manufactured and assembled around Europe by Scarpa employees. They fully oversee their manufacturing units to maintain good quality control and consistency.
Scarpa manufactures all their footwear within Europe contributes to the prices, but it is well worth it for the quality you get. Although if they ever decided to expand manufacturing into Asia, they might provide more affordable shoes.
What Is The Warranty For Scarpa Hiking Boots?
All Scarpa products come with a 1-year limited warranty from the date you buy them. It only applies to original products you have bought yourself from authorized retailers. It covers defects in craftsmanship and materials for unaltered original Scarpa footwear.
However, if your boots were bought second-hand or passed down to you, you cannot get the warranty coverage. Additionally, it does not cover damages caused by misuse, improper care, alterations, regular wear and tear or natural material degradation. Improper fitting is also not covered by the warranty, so be sure to get the right size!
What Brand Produces Similar Hiking Boots To Scarpa Hiking Boots?
Scarpa might be hard to compete with, but there are some great alternatives on the market for you. Salomon is a good brand to look into if you want more durable and reliable hiking boots. Salomon has been a dedicated outdoor footwear maker and maintained impressive standards for many decades.
If you want comfortable hiking boots for longer and tougher hikes, you can check out Hoka One One. They began as a runners’ footwear company but eventually transitioned towards hiking footwear. Their boots and shoes are lightweight, comfortable, very supportive and durable.
Hoka One One also offers their great hiking boots are affordable prices compared to Scarpa or the other 2 alternatives we’re mentioning.
Finally, Merrell holds this position if you want a premium alternative that you can wear as everyday shoes or boots. Merrell is a Canadian footwear company that excels in quality and is affordable enough in its own right.
Final Thoughts
So, are Scarpa hiking boots any good? Yes, they are pretty great, especially if you enjoy stronger, slightly heavier boots. You can hike all you like and keep your feet protected and comfortable once you’ve broken them in.
To conclude, we would recommend Scarpa’s hiking boots for short to mid-length trail hikers or backpackers. They’re great for all sorts of terrains, though, so maybe you should get yourself a pair!
