The Standard

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

43

Height

5` 10"

Weight

190 lbs

I’ve owned this boot for six years. From 1998 I’ll now, I seems I’ve always had a respected boot from Asolo, Scarpa, Zamberlan, or Lowa hanging around. But this boot has topped them all. From hot day hikes in the Cascades to snowshoeing in the San Juans, this boot has performed darn near flawlessly in many environments. In between those extremes it’s dealt with yard work, splitting wood, hauling kids at the supermarket, pushing strollers at the zoo, and not an insignificant number of miles with heavy packs chasing ungulates in the West Elks every fall. The laces never failed, but I did replace them a few years ago with some beefier Rhino laces. The boots have never leaked. The sole held up okay, but they’re looking worn and need replacing. The leather needed conditioning perhaps once a year or so, depending on use. ( by the way, to the reviewer below. Bro...for the love of Pete, please put something, anything on that leather). This boot is the boot by which I judge all future purchases. It’s the jack-of-all-trades. Not perfect for any one thing, but over a large swath of uses and terrains, it’s the best solution.

Benjamin S.

30 Day Review = Fail

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

10.5 US

Weight

155 lbs

I bought these boots new to take on a month long backpacking trip in the high sierra mountains of california. I wore the boots before the trip approximately 3 times- less than 20 miles total break-in. I really wanted to like these boots. I've only purchased Asolo boots for the past 15 years and wanted to see what other companies have to offer. After reading the good reviews on these Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX boots, I decided to take the plunge. The boots broke-in easy and felt amazing on the trail. The Vibram sole provided excellent traction everywhere. The ankle support was more than sufficient for my almost 50-pound backpack (with 8 days of food in a bear can plus 3 liters of water). The waterproofing was never and issue on a trail that sometimes looked more like stream than land. The shoe lace "rollers" provide consistent and repeatable lace-up time and time again. There was some upper wear after close to 500 miles and 30 days on the trail, but nothing unreasonable for the amount of miles through sometimes unforgiving terrain (PCT/JMT/High Sierra Trail). Three weeks into the trip, these were 5- star rating boots.... Then on week four, the right shoelace came within a few threads of failing. I knew of the shoelace issue per a previous review. I carry 550 paracord on the trail just in the event that a shoelace does fail. The original shoelaces are much more natural cotton feeling than the synthetic ones found on Asolo boots- which likely attribute to the accelerated wear, especially around the shoelace "rollers" area. I like the "old school feel" of the scarpa laces, but the durability leaves alot to be desired. But nonetheless- these were still 5 star boots, despite the shoelace issue. Then I noticed the stitching along the right boot had completely failed around the inner ankle area where multiple pieces of leather upper are stitched together. Good thing this didn't happen on week one! I was able to complete my trip despite the stitching failure, but I am disappointed in my first non-Asolo experience. I just arrived home from my trip, and reached out to Scarpa to see if they will honor their warranty and send me another pair that will hopefully hold up better than this pair. I hope this was an isolated incident and isn't representative of Scarpa quality overall.

Maurice

Quality, heavy-duty boot

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

47

Height

6` 2"

Weight

220 lbs

Scarpa nailed it with this boot. Coming from Keen and Garmont models, I was looking for a boot that could handle sharp rock and mixed forest terrain, with the occasional desert trek thrown in. While a bit warm for the desert in warmer months, the Kinesis more than makes up for it with its bulletproof reliability. The waterproofing has been excellent, and the thick all-leather upper exudes craftsmanship. The boot provides excellent support with a 50 lb backpack. I found the Kinesis to be pretty nimble despite its weight. I often take a size 14 (EU 48) in many European shoes, but a US-equivalent 13 (EU 47) worked here. I would definitely buy this boot again.

bhurst8677

Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

46

Height

6` 2"

Weight

210 lbs

I’m a land surveyor and I’m always walking on different terrain. I’ve put these boots to the true test by wearing them for about 30 hours a week and walking many miles, through mud, rocky terrain, shallow streams and thick briars etc and they have never failed me. I’ve had them for about a year now. I give them a good cleaning and waxing about twice a month. After a heavy day in the mud I usually wash them off that day. The leather, sole and rubber toe protector are still in great shape! I’m a size 12 in US and 46 in European sizes.

Zane B.

Scarpa Kinesis Pro

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

A solid boot with good support. My favourite boot. I just bought a second pair of the Kinesis Pro after using my first for 4+ years. The material and stitching are quality and the boot fits around my foot better than most and as good as any I have tried - it is a great looking boot too, if style counts. The tread pattern offers good grip in the mountain terrain of BC where I live. I wish they made the exact boot in a 10 inch height - it would be the perfect BC hunting boot.

Wayne Ackerman

Drying Issue

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

11 US

Height

5` 11"

Weight

200 lbs

I really like these boots! I bought them a year ago for hunting in Colorado and after 4 weeks of intense use, both hunting and backpacking with 80-120 pound packs, the boots look brand new. All other boots I have bought in the past 8 years start to fall apart after 1 week of hunting. My ONLY issue is that when I walked through tall grass during down pouring rain, water was able to soak my pants, run down my legs, soak my socks, and get into the boots. I know this a failure with my clothing, but the complaint with the boot is that they took an entire week to fully dry out. I'm not sure what the inner sole is made out of, but for some reason it takes a very long time to dry out, even when left in the sun in our dry climate in Colorado. Other than this, I would definitely recommend this boot. I would also suggest that if you wear this boot, invest in high quality rain pants and gaiters to prevent water from getting into the top of the boots.

Josiah H.

BIG HEFTY STRONG BOOT

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

I've only had these a few weeks past break in but this is the perfect boot for me, albeit a bit heavy. Comfy with HUGE ankle support, sole is grippy and looks amazing. Sizing is hard to get right, I needed to return mine twice so be sure not to put ANY wear on them before you are SURE they fit you.

sean goulart

6 years and still going strong.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought

47

Height

6` 3"

Weight

220 lbs

I have put these boots through the wringer. From the saltwater environment to tundra and beaver ponds to the more alpine... They have held up better than I could have dreamed. I have hauled loads over 100 pounds and my feet were always well supported.

Jeffery K.

The Best

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

43

Height

5` 7"

Weight

170 lbs

These boots are likely the best boots I've ever warn. They break in and are very comfortable and extremely durable. My feet are on the narrow side which Scarpa boots fit perfectly. Excellent Boots!!!

Devin D.

Great Boots

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Weight

180 lbs

These have been really really good boots. I use mostly for hunting, putting on cold in the morning and not taking off till after dark day after day. Miles of rocky mountains, water, mud, snow, ice, and they have been great. Good balance between weight and support.

Extremo

Beautifully built boots

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

43.5 and 44

Height

5` 11"

Weight

195 lbs

These boots are really well built, but I just can't get a fit in Scarpa anymore. They've narrowed their toe boxes and sizing up a half size puts the crease in the forefoot in a bad spot for me. BTW this isn't my feet splaying. I've had my old boots right along side my new ones and even looking at them, could see the difference in forefoot width - where the outer foot begins to narrow in towards the toe starts farther back on the foot, resulting in a skinnier forefoot . I probably am going to have to go back Salomon 4d boots, which are also getting narrower in the forefoot for some unknown reason (comparing my 4d I with 4d II boots, there's a noticeable difference, and now reviewers are saying the 4d IIIs are even narrower than the IIs).

John W.

NICE BOOTS

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

12.5

Height

5` 10"

Weight

172 lbs

I am a regular shopper at BACKCOUNTRY and would recommend them anytime. Since my required size was not available so I had to buy my boots from an alternate source. INITIAL EXPERIENCE..My initial experience with this boot was not very pleasant .The sizing on the box showed Size EU 46.5 and US 12.5 however the size mentioned inside the boot was EU 46.5 but the US size as 12 instead of 12.5. Eventhough the fit was just perfect for me but I was still curious to know what could be the reason for this sizing mix up ? So I decided to send a direct email to SCARPA. The reply came after 40 days "Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. There was a printing error on the inside of the boot tongue. The sizing on the box that the boots came in is correct." MY OBSERVATION... These boots are slightly on the heavier side but comfortable enough for an extended backpacking trip. The sole is not very stiff but stiff enough to be stable and comfortable at the same time. I noticed that the width of the Rubber Rand around the right foot differs approx 1 cm when compared with the Rubber Rand around the left foot ( only I could notice that and may not be noticeable for others. The lacing system is amazing but the laces do not look very durable i could already notice some threads coming off. CONCLUSION... I wore these for a seven days trek in Himalayas and my feet stayed dry and comfy but the boot has already lost its DWR coating. I would certainly recommend BACKCOUNTRY and SCARPA KINISIS boots however I think scarpa needs to upgrade its quality control and customer service.

Azhar Qadri

Thoroughly Impressed

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

43.5

Height

6` 0"

Weight

165 lbs

I've been on a few hikes in these boots, averaging 8 miles each. With every other boot I have owned in the past I experience a bit of discomfort, pressure points, or blistering during break-in. This is the first time I was throughly impressed with how comfortable and confidence inspiring a boot can be. I had zero issues or discomfort hiking in these. I needed a new pair for trekking through Patagonia but also generally wanted a boot that was built tough, would break in wonderfully, and last me for a long time. They are a bit heavier than other backpacking boots, but I think the comfort and construction are worth the extra weight. I think I found the perfect boot. They are very stiff out of the box, but once you start to break them in the sole softens up and flexes in the right spots while remaining stiff in the right spots. The heel has a very firm compressive layer which is great for carrying a pack. The lugs on the bottom are awesome. Hiking over rocky, slippery, loose, or jagged terrain, these things grip like nothing else. You can plant your foot and not worry about slipping. The high ankle of the boots does an awesome job of stabilizing your ankle, and the grey leather ankle material is really soft, but much more resilient than a textile material. One of my favorite things are the pulley lace loops combined with the locking lace loops. You can really dial in a great fit and give your toes space after a day of hiking, while keeping your heel locked in. The pulley laces make it really easy to take the boots off quickly. Its great being able to just pop the boots off after setting up a tent without having to yank and pull at the laces frantically while on the verge of passing out. Overall, I'm very impressed and can't wait to hit the traill in these things again.

Filip D.

Freakin LOVE these boots; small fit

Sturdy, comfortable, warm, stiff yet flexible. Can’t say good things about these boots. I’m a guy that likes a lot of support to compensate for not so great back and knees. So a little extra weight on my feet to trade for rock solid stability is totally worth it for me. I’m a pretty big guy (6’1”, 220lbs) and even with a 30lb pack my feet and legs never hurt. Totally recommend. Recommend going a half size larger than your normal shoes.

Steve P.

Great hiking boot

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Great boot that fits true to size! Super Comfortable especially after they're broken in. I Can definitely hike for very long distances without getting foot fatigue with these great boots!

Jesse Ramirez

More about Scarpa than the boot

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

I bought this boot over a year ago, and it performs great in terms of traction on different surfaces from snow to talus to scree, heat conduction is amazing and is an overall good product. However, the laces on the left boot broke after some use. This was well within a year and I contacted Scarpa about it. They referred me to an online seller. For an expensive top of the line hiking boot, I would have expected better service than that. I have owned La Sportiva and Columbia boots without this happening for years on end. I havent had to deal with their customer support but I sure hope it is better than this. Thanks Scarpa.

Pushkar D.

A note on sizing for narrow feet

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

45

Height

6` 0"

Weight

170 lbs

Many have commented that the boot works for a wide foot and also suggesting sizing up 1/2 to 1 size. I have a very slender foot and ankle, and if you do please consider my experience. My foot length is size 11 1/2, so I had sized up to 45.5. But with my narrow foot, the boots were too big, even with very beefy orthotics and socks. Now I'm hiking in a 45 and find that just right. I noticed when I removed the insoles and compared the length to all my other footwear insoles (Nike, Merrell, Montrail etc) they were exactly 11 1/2, a perfect match. So if you have a really narrow foot, my experience is, consider not sizing up.

grantdoug

Perfect Boot for ME!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

46

Height

6` 1"

Weight

210 lbs

I was looking for a nice hiking/backpacking boot with good ankle support. I also wanted a boot that I could use for snowshoeing. I spent 3 weeks visiting different stores trying on over twenty different boots. I wanted a great boot with excellent support, fit and comfort. Three boots fit just right but only one had the build and hardware that was superior.....SCARPA! I went snowshoeing the next day and for the first time in years returned with happy feet! I have taken several hikes and I am very, very happy with these boots. Very comfortable and supportive! After a long hunt I have bagged the perfect boot for me! THANK YOU SCARPA!!!! and Back Country for having a wide variety of great boots to choose from. I normally wear a size 45 or 45.5 - the size 46 was just right.

TODD M.

Best Boots

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

44

Height

5` 10"

Weight

178 lbs

Best boots I ever had to date. Great quality Italian made. Super comfy. No heal lift and room in the toe box. Just want I want in a boot! I bought these for hiking and hunting, but I find myself wearing them everyday to work. I will be buying another pair.

Jason Wojciechowicz

Fine boot but doesn't fit me

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

44

The design and craftsmanship are obviously great. I only wish they fit. For me, too narrow across the toes despite being the nominal size that fits me in nearly all other footwear. They are a work of art but I must return them.

Michael G.

How tall are these boots? 7"? 8"?

Dean Z.

Made in Italy or Slovenia ??

theblackgod

I wear a 14. Is size 48.0 going to fit ok?

dan O.

what is your return policy on boots? best estimate on size can often miss with new boots.thx

jon ween

Camps aver has these at 25% off....will you match?

Rick H.

My foot length 26.7. What size should I...

My foot length 26.7. What size should I choose?

Alla K.

When are you going to get new sizes in?...

When are you going to get new sizes in? I'm looking for Men's size 11 (44.5 Euro). I would rather buy from backcountry.com than someone else!

Daniel T.

What's the difference between this and the...

What's the difference between this and the Scarpa SL Active Boot ???

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