Scarpa ZG 40 GTX Hiking Boot - Men's - 2007 BCS

For medium difficulty trails with some weight (I usually take 30-50 lbs) and without any extreme cold, ice, or extremely wet conditions, these boots are the best I have ever tried.
Take about 1 week to break in, and they are as comfortable as your pair of sneakers. In my opinion, these boots have the perfect balance between support and comfort for the average hiker.

Fantastic boot. I really think it is the best boot before you go to a "shank" sole. What I love the most about the boot is the "roll" when you walk. Scarpa got it right!

Great boot. Sizing is tricky, like with any Scarpa shoes. If you are a 9 you will need 42s. I really like the "roll" the sole creates and it is replaceable.

Dan

I just returned from a difficult three-day backpacking trip in Utah's Uintah Mountains. First, the sizing chart recommended on the web site is too small. I am a size 8, the website recommends 39.5 European size. I luckily purchased 40.5, and although it was very snug when new, as they broke in, fit very well. The boots require a lengthy break-in period. They are extremely stiff when new. My hike was about 10 miles in and 10 miles back with backpacks on, plus several miles hiking while camped at the lake. The trails were loaded with boulders and fallen trees. The Scarpa boots did a great job of protecting my feet from the rough terrain. The outer sole grips well and is quite solid. I did not get a single blister the entire trip, but I also wore some great Coolmax socks. I crossed several streams that required my boots to get wet. The boots never let s single drop of water in. At one stream crossing I slipped on a rock, twisting my ankle, but the Scarpa's high ankle design did a great job of supporting my ankle. These boots are relatively expensive, and others in my party seemed to do okay with less expensive Hi-Tec boots. However, I've hiked with lesser quality boots and paid for it with multiple blisters and sore feet. I would recommend these boots if you can afford them.