Nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Dolomites, Italian brand SCARPA boasts nearly a century of expertise in footwear craftsmanship. Renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative designs, the company has built a lasting reputation, especially in the realm of hiking and mountaineering boots. But have you ever wondered what SCARPA stands for?
The name SCARPA is an acronym for Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, meaning Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area.
The brand was founded in 1938 in a bid to unite the skilled shoemakers of Asolo, an area regarded as the world’s capital of footwear expertise.
By the 1960s, under the leadership of the Parisotto brothers, SCARPA had expanded into international markets – and, well, the rest is history. One of the world’s most-respected footwear brands was on the path to global success.
Since those humble beginnings, the brand now produces approximately two million pair of shoes and boots annually, and has become a well-known product in the hills and mountains of the UK.
Several SCARPA pairs have won ‘best in test’ awards from the teams of gear reviewers at Trail and Live For The Outdoors, recognised for their focus on technical performance in tough conditions.
SCARPA boots are always made from premium materials, with grippy outsoles, robust uppers, top-tier features and a fine balance between comfort, support, stability, cushioning and protection. Many pairs come with Gore-Tex waterproofing and reliably durable leather constructions, while others are synthetic, modern and ultralight.
Consequently, the brand’s range is incredibly extensive too, from hardcore B2-rated winter mountaineering boots to ultralight trainer-style boots, and everything in-between. So there’s always a pair to suit your activity type and footwear preferences.
To help you with your purchasing decision, here are eight of the best SCARPA boots for your next outdoor adventures on foot.
8 of SCARPA’s best hiking boots
1. SCARPA Rove GTX - £195
The new Rove GTX is a great hybrid shoe for everyday adventures, wherever you find yourself. It’s a multi-purpose, environmentally friendly shoe, which is equally at home on the trail and in the city.
The sole features a design inherited from the trail running world to give more grip and protection even in rocky and muddy terrain.
You also get a GORE-TEX ePE lining, which guarantees to keep your feet dry and comfortable, whatever the weather.
See the men’s Rove GTX or the women’s Rove GTX product pages for more info.
2. SCARPA Moraine Mid GTX - £185
The Moraine Mid GTX is a mid-cuff shoe (or low-ankled boot, if you prefer) designed for comfort when walking from town to trail. Billed as versatile and functional, the Moraine Mid GTX features a PRESA outsole developed for an agile and versatile approach to walking.
The midsole integrates a double density on the heel to increase walking comfort, while a medial shank optimises foot stability. Safety on the trail is enhanced with the use of RECCO reflector, which enables you to be traced in the event of an accident on the trail.
Take a look at the men’s Moraine Mid GTX here or see the women’s version here.
3. SCARPA Terra GTX - £210
One of SCARPA’s most popular walking boots – and it’s easy to see why. The Terra GTX is the perfect boot for low-level walking in the UK.
The soft leather upper is incredibly comfortable straight out of the box, while the Vibram Energy II sole is super durable, and the PU cushioning layer offers stability and support for all day comfort. If you’re looking for a boot for everyday walking, then the Terra GTX is an excellent choice.
Find out more about the men’s Terra GTX and the women’s Terra GTX on the SCARPA website.
4. SCARPA Rush TRK GTX - £215
The Rush TRK GTX is SCARPA’s benchmark for all-day walking, thanks to its fatigue-reducing technology and the right balance between comfort, stability and weight.
The original model in the Rush TRK family has been developed for walking in the hills and mountains, providing all-day comfort and 3-season suitability.
The PRESA sole is made with a high-grip and durable compound, pronounced heel and hiking-oriented lugs, which promote braking on descents and grip on climbs.
View the men’s Rush TRK GTX here or check out the women’s version.
5. SCARPA Mescalito TRK Pro GTX - £285
The Mescalito TRK Pro GTX is a true year-round boot, which is light and agile enough for summer but with added protection for winter.
The nubuck leather upper and leather lining on the collar give the boot a luxurious feel and provide added comfort and durability.
Meanwhile, the oiled suede, water-resistant 1.4-1.6mm upper combined with the GORE-TEX bluesign liner give ultimate in weather protection – keeping your feet dry in wet and snowy conditions.
Take a look at the men’s version here or check out the women’s version.
6. SCARPA SL - £300
This boot is a SCARPA classic. Now in its ninth generation, the SL is a tough trekking boot. It’s built using a 2.8mm sherpa leather (the toughest and most water-resistant of any full grain leather SCARPA uses) impregnated with HS12 and built as a one-piece construction for durable weather protection.
Sturdy and durable, this walking boot is fully compatible with C1 walking crampons making it suitable for mountain adventures.
Find out more on the men’s SL product page or the women’s SL page.
7. SCARPA Zodiac Tech GTX - £295
The Zodiac Tech GTX is a hybrid hiking and mountaineering boot, suitable for prolonged use and often chosen by guides and mountain rescuers for its versatility.
In perwanger Nepal leather, it’s designed for excursions on mixed terrain, even with a fully loaded backpack. The patented BAS technology (Bascula Adaptive System) provides stability and grip, while the rubber rand guarantees foot protection while keeping the boot contained.
Visit the men’s Zodiac Tech GTX page or the women’s Zodiac Tech GTX page for more info.
8. SCARPA Ribelle Lite HD - £335
The Ribelle Lite is a groundbreaking mountain walking boot, designed for fast-moving mountain walking and via ferrata.
The upper of the Ribelle Lite is a lightweight microtech fabric with a direct lamination H-Dry membrane, creating a fully waterproof boot that's highly breathable, without absorbing water.
The sock fit tongue works with the lightweight lacing system to give a snug, instant fit, while the upper and midsole are wrapped in a PU Tech layer that offers excellent abrasion resistance.
Check out the men’s Ribelle Lite HD here or see the women’s version here.