Scarpa Manta Gets Winter Makeover

We've been a bit slow at bringing you news on the autumn/ winter update to Scarpa's very popular Manta M4-Tech four-season mountain walking boot.

Butl, here, with its arrival in the shops imminent, is the skinny on the changes. Most of the boot remains the same, so you get the proven M4 technical Vibram sole, the crampon-friendly Pro-flex mid-sole and classic RS/RSD lasting.

The changes are to the upper which has been redesigned with the 360-degree ankle flex zone first seen on the Scarpa technical mountaineering range and also incorporated in the Gore-Tex-lined Zero-G range of trekking boots.

The ankle flex area - clearly visible above - which is constructed from Lorica, a synthetic leather substitute with durable flex properties, should - if previous experience is correct - give greater dexterity and comfort while allowing good crampon technique. The rest of the upper still uses tough 3mm reversed Crosta leather.

The boot is graded B2 for crampon compatibility, but the additional flex and comfort has also allowed Scarpa to make the ankle cuff slightly higher and they say that the latest Manta 'performs well on snow gullies up to grade 3 level'.

We're hoping to get a pair of the new Mantas in for testing this winter, but the signs are that an established classic just got even better. Available in both men's and women's versions at selected stockists now, priced at £165.