Noo Shoes From Scarpa
New on the shelves from Scarpa is a range of everyday 'technical' shoes, plus a new boot modelled on the Helium which we reckon looks like a cracker...
Posted: 10 May 2005
by Jon
Boot maestros Scarpa have sneaked a whole new range of shoes into
the shops without us noticing...
The new 'On Air Line' of technical footwear is extremely
lightweight, it says here, has modern, sporty styling and 'is suited
for everyday use'. In other word's Scarpa's trying to get a toehold
in the casual outdoor shoe market.
The top model in the range is the £80 Clip XCR - below
- which combines a reinforced upper for added stability, a waterproof
and breathable Gore-Tex XCR liner with a Vibram sole unit which
incorporates an EVA wedge for cushioning along with a TPU heel
stability unit. The upper is apparently vented, but with a Gore-Tex
liner in place, we doubt that's going to have much effect.
The Web XCR is a lighter version of the Clip with a mesh
upper instead of the Clip's suede version, but it too has the XCR
liner and Vibram sole and, like the Clip, comes in men's and women's
versions at a price of £75.
Finally, the Web - below - is aimed at warm weather use
with a mesh upper unencumbered by waterproof liners of any sort
whatsoever. It gets the other technical features and retails for 60
squid.
The good old Helium shoe is still out there too, but for
this spring it gets a new Vibram Bascula sole which still uses Vibram
Megabyte sticky rubber for good grip but also has a new PU mid-sole
section which should improve shock absorption. Not a bad move as
while the old Helium offered great grip and boot-like stability
thanks to its lasting and sole unit, it was also a bit lacking in
shock absorption. Price is 70 quid.
It's joined by the Neon XCR which is a higher cut version
of the Helium with, you've guessed it, a Gore-Tex XCR liner for
waterproofing and breathability. The higher uppers - see below -
should offer more support and up the versatility of the design.
Sounds like a good move for what was already an impressive walking
shoe. Price is £95 and like the other models in the range it
comes in a choice of male or female fittings, a bit like people.
Should make an interesting summer walking option.
More details from www.mountainboot.co.uk
Discuss this story
Yep, like I said in the article, it's Scarpa's attempt to get into the lucrative everyday outdoor trainer market - the one that Merrell and Salomon and co have the bulk of at the moment I think. The Helium and its new bro' the Neon, are a different can of fish though. I've used the Helium and it's a very effective, stable walking shoe. It's always lacked a bit of cushioning so the updated version with more shock absorption should be good. I reckon the Neon may also be quite effective with a bit more ankle protection.
Posted: 10/05/2005 at 14:42
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