Scarpa SL M3 Backpacking Boot - Men's

When I got these boots, I was sort of concerned for the fit, as my feet are somewhat oddly shaped. Not a problem. Any issues I have with the fit at this point I believe will be resolved as the boots break in. Speaking of which, they are crazy stiff. It doesn't get in the way of my walking motion, but these are not for the casual hiker/day hiker. I will use them with a fairly heavy pack. I didn't find them to be too heavy as some have complained about. I was actually surprised at how light they felt compared to what I was expecting.

These boots are definately built to last. I can stride over all sorts of terrain knowing my feet are protected. I will have to update this review as I get more miles on them.

great boot! good craftsmanship, they're scarpa's! they're super comfy and high quality, only issue is that i noticed is that the leather scuffs up really easy...can tell after first rocky hike. love the aggressive vibram lugs on these boots.

After approximately 77 days of wear the fabric lining at the heel tore away in one of my SLs. I have since heard that this also happened to someone else (although admittedly after more use). Anyway, the shoes have a great pedigree, but I have a suspicion that there is a design flaw at that part of the heel for this model SL. Or perhaps there is a batch out there with a weakness in the fabric.

In the end the local distributor (I am Australia based) decided that this was not covered by warranty. This obviously seems like a convenient line to take for them. That is, they chose not to entertain the idea that there happened to be a weakness in the fabric of that boot, instead choosing the “normal wear and tear” line (which I of course cannot disprove). I kept the Scarpa company in the loop on this and I can only assume that their silence means that they support this approach to customer service.

So this one is a cautionary tale.

This boot is a beast and comparable to an Asolo Powermatic 200 or Asolo 520. I've never seen it in a wide width (but I heard they made them in a wide at some point), so that eliminated it for me. Scarpa tends to run somewhat narrow.

So, I got this in a size 15(50) Wide. Even in a wide, it was still pretty narrow in the toe box, but I hoped that, being an all leather boot, the leather would stretch to fit my boot. I was wrong. I took them on one 40 mile backpacking trip (after hiking 50 miles in them to break them in) and they wound up tearing my feet up. I blame myself for this tho, and not the boot. The boots themselves are badassed. The Vibram soles are super stiff and great for the jagged granite rocks you'd find in the Sierras. They don't get very hot, and are extremely water proof (see the picture I posted). I hiked with a 50lb pack over some pretty gnarly terrain and the balls of my feet never once felt even the sharpest rock. BUt like I said, the boots didn't fit right. They were much too narrow in the toes and (I don't know if that caused this) my heels pushed into the back of the boots unmercifully on even the slightest incline. I wound up getting blisters all over my feet. Once again tho, that's my own damned fault. I knew the boots didn't fit the best, but I didn't have enough time to break in another pair of boots before the trip, and I didn't want to call off the trip, so I went anyways. (It's hard to find a last minute 15 Wide.)

I've used the Asolo Powermatic 200, the Lowa Banff and Trekker, and the Danner ML2, and out of all of them, this is the heaviest and stiffest. That's great of you plan on using crampons though, and honestly, after they're broken in, you hardly notice the weight. I wind up returning them just because I found the made-in-Germany Lowas fit my wide toes much better, but in terms of quality, I'd say these are on par with Asolos and Lowas, thought they're definitely beefier than the two (The Danner ML2, though, is better used as a paperweight.)

If your looking for a solid pair of boots and your feet are narrower, you def won't go wrong with these bad boys. They're def one of the best and good from anywhere between backpacking and snowshoeing, to things that require crampons. (that's what the little green dot on the sole means- stiff enough to use with crampons).

Hope that helps.

These boots are all i will ever buy. I,ve worn a pair every day ,nearly, since 1999. Please, don't stop producing them.

Just returned from 2 months of trekking in India and Nepal. I found that while these boots offer fantastic protection and great traction, they were just too heavy for me. They were fairly waterproof, though I did get a bit of wetness after 8 hours in snow (that is a lot for any boot) The lugs are huge, and take some getting used to since you add a couple inches of height but they handle any terrain, and I was never worried about twisting an ankle. The break-in period is significant, but it is always that way for top-grain leather. Overall, it is a well-made boot but I would only buy it again for a technical mountaineering trip, not a trek.

The winner? All three equally. Cop-out maybe, but let me explain myself.

Italians make the best backpacking/mountaineering boots. Period. Show me an exception, and I'd say that to be a very rare exception to this experience driven rule.

From the beginning I was torn on which boot to get first. They are all in a similar class. They are all Italian companies. Zamberlan and Scarpa manufacture their boots in Italy, however Asolo has their operation in Romania, an Eastern European neighbor. Asolo has always had their manufacturing operation in Romania (at the same factory), and it is my belief that they are of consistent quality (I own other Asolo footwear).

To the brass tacks -- all 3 have high quality semi-rigid leather uppers. Two are waterproof, and one is highly water resistant. The Vioz Gt and the GV 520 are built with a Gore-Tex liner making them 100% waterproof. The SL M3 utilizes silicone impregnated leather, and is highly water resistant (but this is an advantage in it's own right as I discuss below).

It is my opinion that the three different boots are the highest quality, highest utility, and highest durability in this rough class on the market today. So how the hell do you decide? Well, as we all know a boot is only as good as its fit on an individual foot. The SL M3 may be the best hiking/rock traversing boot ever made, but if it does not agree with your foot's profile it will undoubtedly be one of the worst. So before you buy, try them on. Try these three boots, and try three others. Get an idea of what meshes best with your foot's profile.

If they all seem to fit equally well then what?

Well, that's the issue I ran into. I finally went with the Zamberlan Vioz Gt because it was fully waterproof. I went with the Zam over Asolo's waterproof option for no other reason than the boot felt a hair better on my foot.

Skipping forward... I have acquired all three boots. I say acquired because each boot is an asset and investment in your outdoor and daily life. Over time the three boots have taken on different roles. They are each a different tool, and like tools in your garage, no one tool is better than another holding quality, craftsmenship, etc. constant. Different tools are utilized under different applications.

The application of my three different boots:

I wear a running shoe in a US 10.5 or about EU 44.

Zamberlan Vioz Gt (EU 44): I use these for blitz hikes and mountain running. I know it sounds crazy to run in these bad boys, but they perform wonderfully, and I can see no other footwear option that would equal its performance when I want to run me a mountain. I ran the the sand dunes in southern CO from campground to highest point in 30.15 minutes using these monsters --This boot runs true to size, and fits a mid profile foot. Its sole is rigid with a slight flex in the front ball. Break in period (short). My 44s fit perfectly snug.

Asolo GV 520 (EU 45 wide): I use as my in the middle "tool of all trades" boot. I love to wear them around in my daily life, and find them hard to take off at night. I hike, do heavy load summer mountaineering, puddle hopping, whatever in these. They perform exceptionally at everything I put them through. --This boot runs a tad skinny and a hair short. They fit a slimmer profiled foot. Its sole is rigid from front to back. Break in period (short to medium). My 45 EE's fit perfectly snug.

Scarpa SL M3 (EU 45): I live in the CO rockies and there's a lot of uneven and jagged granite to be had. I have found the the SL M3 to perform the best on intensive - granite rich hikes. Its super rigid soles keep my feet comfortable on the most unforgiving rock. Its overall rigid design keeps my ankles in line, when those rocks start moving unexpectedly. There's something about them that just excels on rock. They't don't have gore-tex so if you don't keep up on your waterproofing (take care of your boots guys) you can get quick moisture saturation, but this has never been an issue for me. All leather, and no gore- tex may seem like a disadvantage to some people, but it depends on your situation and use as I've explained. However, I love that it is an all leather upper with no liner. It really is a thing of beauty. The all leather feel is a pleasure like no other -- my feet always feel good in them. Get the SL M3's on your feet, and I don't think you'll care that they don't have Gore-Tex. --This boot runs a hair skinny and maybe a little short. They fit a slimmer profiled foot, but I have wide feet, and regular width is perfect. It's soles are extra rigid with little flex to be found. Break in period (medium to long). My 45's are perfectly snug.

Clarification: just because I use one boot for certain applications, and one for others, does not mean that I couldn't use any of these boots successfully in any of the applications I've described. They all perform equally well. In my particular case each boot has tended towards separate uses.

My advice to you if you're unsure of which boot to buy: brainstorm in detail what your actual use will be like. Consider what activities you do most, consider how much rigidity you desire, consider moisture environment, consider availability and access to water proofing products, consider weight, etc. As I said, get them on your feet. Get an idea of each boot's profile relative to your foot's profile, and consider if the FEEL of any one boot on your foot meshes with whatever uses you foresee yourself using them for (holding previously mentioned criteria in mind).

Lots of detailed info in the other reviews. I just wanted to add for us wide feet guys that these do not fit that wide. I was told they were wider than the old old narrow italian last. I guess they are a bit but still tight. I love a full leather Scarpa and will be stretching them and wearing them anyway. I know they'll adapt quick enough from experience. I'm a EE with high arches.

Also if you're looking for a dress / hike boot I think this is a poor choice. Unless you really enjoy maintaining the leather weekly. (I'm not being sarcastic-some people enjoy the maintanence part) It is a beautiful boot but if you really use them like 'Guru' (in the pictures) does they'll end up looking like his no matter what! Leather this beautiful, tough and still supple scuffs and that's the way it is.

Lots of detailed info in the other reviews. I just wanted to add for us wide feet guys that these do not fit that wide. I was told they were wider than the old old narrow italian last. I guess they are a bit but still tight. I love a full leather Scarpa and will be stretching them and wearing them anyway. I know they'll adapt quick enough from experience. I'm a EE with high arches.

Also if you're looking for a dress / hike boot I think this is a poor choice. Unless you really enjoy maintaining the leather weekly. (I'm not being sarcastic-some people enjoy the maintanence part) It is a beautiful boot but if you really use them like 'Guru' (in the pictures) does they'll end up looking like his no matter what! Leather this beautiful, tough and still supple scuffs and that's the way it is.

I have used the previous version of this boot for about 10 years. They were great. I have used the latest for several hikes now and they seem much easier to break-in than the old ones. The toe-box is bigger and the heel fits snug.
Overall , nothing else I have tried comes close. They cause permagrin while traversing difficult terrain. The sole is very supportive but flexes a little and adds a spring to your step. The ankle support actually gives your ankles something to lean on while descending steep slopes. They fit like a glove, but might be too narrow for some. Like Hummers for your feet.

I have have lost of boots over the years and by far these are the best. They have no "watterproof" liner but thats actually good. My foot dosn't sweat as much and they dry way faster. The rear of the boot holds your heal down and keep it from sliding foward. I would recommend these to any one with a narrow foot who insists on a tight boot with great ankle support.

The M3's are some killer boots. Nothing fancy and super hi-tech, very plain, sturdy construction that can take serious abuse. As far as fit goes I got a size 13 and they feel great when you are moving around but if you are stationary for a while they begin to feel a bit narrow. Maybe they just need more time to break in. I am happy with what I got, I know these boots will last me a long time.

I took these boots on a 3-day backpacking trip in the White Mts. immediately after buying them - no break-in period at all. Result: no blisters & no hot spots. Feet stayed dry through extended water, slush, snow, mud, etc. Only downside - they scuff easily.

This is my husband's 4th pair because he loves it so much. Why 4 pairs? Not only is it great for hiking and packing, but he also uses it in his business. The boot is durable, definitely waterproof (we've gone through many streams, rivers, oceans, and in downpour) and very ankle-protective!

I personally have a pair of my own (1st pair recently rec'd as a gift) and now it's the only kind of boots I will wear. The break-in time frame was fast, it supports my feet and ankles so much so that I feel like any type of terrain can be accessed.

It's the masterpiece from Italy.
non-membrane, old schooled, beautiful Full grain leather makes you satisfied whereever you go. There are few boots like this style in the market.

I'm a big guy: 6'1" and about 260 pounds. So I use a heavier backpacking boot for just small day hikes, and this boot rocks! Feels true to fit, but I have a narrow, 12.5 size foot and I don't know how a wide foot would work. I've been wearing a light wool sock, and have been taking these beasts on small 2-3 mile hikes to break them in. No issues! No hotspots! Biggest threat is that they make me want to go on some serious trekking before they're fully broken in. Going to take them on the Wonderland Trail this summer, so I have plenty of time to get them comfy. I like the stock insole, but some Superfeet would likely reduce the break in period. And mine say made in Italy. I don't know about China. Maybe Backpacking.com just made a typo?

I had a pair of scarpa work boots given to me almost a decade ago.. I've worn them daily for years.. I the mean time I've burned through 3 different pair of boots and numerous pairs of shoes.. but my old 2nd hand scarpas just won't die.. I'll have to pony up and buy some new ones now, but never give up my old die hards.

Heavy duty construction, break in not bad at all. Only bad thing is not much insole padding, don't forget the treatment for the leather.

I'm a soldier stationed near the eastern border of Afghanistan. Needless to say, my daily routine includes a LOT of hiking up and down hill with a TON of weight on my back. These boots, while pricey, were perfect for the job and the local terrain. I can go from running on flat ground to jumping from one rock to another, without having to think twice about what's on my feet. I've NEVER slipped in my Scarpas, and that's saying something when we regularly cross wet, slimy boulders and climb up draws full of loose pebbles.
Prior to my Scarpas coming in the mail (believe me, it was a glorious day), I was doing most of my climbing in Danners. While they were great for just about everything, I kept clubbing my toenails on the trips back down the mountain. That problem was GONE the day I first put on the Scarpas.

Short story long: Great boots, expensive, but worth it if you plan to use them for more than an afternoon hike.

I have "weak" ankles, and have always used very stout backpacking boots (3lb 5oz Meindl's)(That's each boot). These Scarpa's are virtually as stout and weigh a pound less each. I normally fit a 12 which should translate to a 46. I needed a 46.5. Even then they are snug, but fit all areas very well, so the snugness provides added rigidity. Overall, an excellent boot.

I had a pair of Scarpas for many years and they were great. But with worn soles and a hole in the leather of the right toe, it was time to get a new pairs. I was open minded but bought the Scarpas again as they fit my foot shape well. This time however I confidently took them on a multi-day walk with little prior acquaintance and they caused a lot of pain under my ankles despite the good fit and having put in insoles. It seems to me that the cut of the solid leather outside of the boot above the insole, is a bit too high and as a result, rubs the underside of my ankles. I compared them with my older pair and the the cut does seem marginally higher. I will just try putting in thicker insoles and this will hopefully solve the problem. If anyone has any ideas on this, I'd be happy to 'hear' from them. Thanks.

First time out-3 1/2 hours, medium sock, steep, hard, icey hike and they rocked! I was very confident with my footing and had a great time hauling up a winter trail. No blisters or discomfort but I can see why you may want to invest in a separate sole insert for extra cushioning. I may do that b/c these puppies will be on my feet 8 hours straight for 23 days in April but I'm sure they'll do me right. I certainly hope so. Def want to lace them up real good but I'm in a size 43 with a women's size 10-10 1/2 foot and they fit perfect. Good choice.

My husband needed a great ankle support for hiking and just walking around general use. He bought his first pair of SL M3 Backpacking Boots on his own about a year ago and just loves them! The boot was easy to break-in before we went on our backpacking/camping trip and it did its intended job for him...to support the ankle on the rough terrain!

The weekend hiking/packing trip was over 14 miles but the boots did not let us down. Toward the end of our journey, the boot was getting a bit on the heavy side, but I think that's expected when one's feet are tired by the end of a long hike.

We loved the boot so much that I bought him another pair for his birthday this year! My husband is "sold" on these boots for its durability, longevity, and successful support on the ankles.

Thanks

These replace a 7-year old pair that fit like slippers. I trust these will do the same but, stiff and beefy as they are, I'm still breaking them in. Still, they are sturdy and solidly manufactured. I'm pleased.

I just got back from a trip where I hiked 14 miles in one day - by mile 10, my feet hurt; by 12, the only reason I wasn't crying was because I didn't want to make wounded animal noises in the woods.

I bought these just before Memorial Day weekend - the salesman told me they have a 100 mile break-in, so I wasn't worried that I'd wear them in by this trip. For kicking around the barn or short dayhikes they were fine (though a bit cumbersome). For a larger backpacking trip - well, I'm still recovering. I'll sell them for the price of the Merrell's I plan to replace them with.

Pros: Solid upper, protects the ankles. Waterproof is wonderful.
Cons: Doesn't breathe. Heavy. Sole just too stiff -- like walking barefoot on hardwoods all day.

Never again!

I forked out a small fortune for a pair of these boots today. I went to buy a pair of Asolo TPS 535's, but after trying both pairs on, I can definitely say that the Scarpa SL M3's are a much better quality boot. Besides that, the Scarpa is made in Italy, the Asolo made in Romania. The fit and finish of the Scarpa is superb. I particularly like the way the lower part of the tounge is moulded from the same piece of leather that forms the rest of the boot. I cannot fault the quality I think they look great as well.

I purhcased the newer version of the M3 - the salesman showed me the old ones, and they didn't have the soft leather break around the ankles - instead, the whole boot was a single piece of leather. This make the old style boot much stiffer around the ankle than the newer style.

MIC's review is a pretty accurate description and my experience on my first use is the same. I went for a two hour walk over rough tracks just after my purchase and that was enough for one day! First impression's are that these boots are confidence inspiring - I feel like I can go pretty much anywhere accross any terrain. BUT, it's going to take a while to break these puppies in - they are very stiff. The insoles are also very hard, which confirms the feedback from MIC and eh_peaches2392680. I might need to buy some superfeet insoles to make them more comfortable.

The support around the ankle is great, but at first I didn't have the laces tight enough and my foot was moving around - I got a blister on my right heel after only one hour. After tightening the laces, it was much better. I'll probably try wearing two pairs of socks to take up any additional room in future.

The toebox is nice and roomy and it was great to have the laces strapped up tight with my foot nice and secure, but still be able to move my toes around freely.

After only two hours, the soles are showing some small signs of wear - maybe that's just the skin of the mould breaking. The soles were great over large rocks, loose pebbles, mud and scrub. I didn't encounter any sand or snow, but one place they completely failed was while I was stepping on a wet log - I slipped and fell. I lost a bit of skin on my knees and elbows, but my feet and ankles were definitely safe!

I think these boots are going to take me at least a few months to break in. They are very stiff and very solid. The upside is that I'm pretty sure they will last for many, many years.

While these caused me some discomfort I know that they are just needing to be broken in. I have not had much chance to use them and thought that it would be a good idea to use them backpacking in order to break them in. I would not suggest this unless you are fine with unhappy dogs. They are one heck of a boot and I can see that they will improve in comfort when they have had the chance to break in. I would suggest an insole because there is not any cushioning. Generally I wear a size US 9 and I went with the 42.5 size and they fit good with a little wiggle room.