Scarpa's New 2004 Boots
Scarpa is launching a range of Gore-Tex lined, lightweight trekking boots early in 2004 and they look a bit different from the norm...
Posted: 24 September 2003
by Jon
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Scarpa has taken a long look at its boot range and decided to fill
in an obvious gap - until now they've never offered leather boots
with a waterproof lining. Their answer is a new range of lightweight
trekking boots under the tag 'Zero Gravity'.
They're not just Gore-lined versions of existing leather models
like the Trek however. The company wanted to do something a bit
different, so they've taken a look at their innovative technical
climbing boots like the Freney XT and borrowed some of their
features.
Technical Boot Features Nicked...
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Lacing system is 'borrowed'
from
technical boots like the Freney
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That means a version of the 360-degree ankle rotation design used on
the Freney models and the Cumbre for a combination of comfort and
support has been used for the new boots. There's also a look-a-like
lacing system and a butch-looking rand at the toe. The heel rand is
actually a lighter 'slingshot-type' version pinched from rock boots
no less.
The fit is broader than the technical climbing boots, says Scarpa,
but still with a 'precision fit'. On top of that, a new sole unit
with a PU mid-sole is reckoned to offer instant comfort so you can
thrash the boot straight out of the box without a break-in
period.
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 Lightness
and Dryness
The boots are also light. Initially the target weight was around
a kilo, but the company settled for around 1,200 grammes per pair as a
good compromise between weight and durability. Compare the top of the
range Zero Gravity with the similarly specced Trek 2 and it's
noticeably lighter, though we don't have exact figures, we'd guess at
around 200 grammes per pair.
The weight saving's been achieved sensibly though. A new Vibram
sole unit illustrates it well with a well-defined cleat pattern and
prominent heel being retained, though with rubber shaved off
non-essential areas to save grammes.
Finally the boots all use a breathable Gore-tex membrane. The
entry and mid-level versions have the stripped-down XCR version,
which has less of an insulating effect than the traditional Gore-Tex
booty, so is reckoned to be better in hot conditions, while the
top-end boot has a normal Gore-Tex insert.
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Prices range from £99 for the entry level model - above -
through to £;129 to the top-end boot using HS12 leather, which is
equivalent to a three-season model like the existing Trek.
Incidentally, the Trek will also now be available with a Gore-Tex
lining. Out early next year.
For more Scarpa information see the web
site.
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