Scarpa's New Scrambling Boot

A quick heads up for next year, with Scarpa revealing a new, dedicated scrambling boot due to be launched early in 2008.

Scarpa's old El Cap / Mescalito boot is still regarded as the best ever scrambling boot by many users, particularly the early version with the flat, low sole unit. It combined Scarpa's close-fitting technical climbing last with a sole that was 100 per-cent sticky rubber, very stiff and sat nice and low.

It had its downsides - there was precious little cushioning for walk-ins and the orange, suede upper had minimal water resistance, but the combination of close fit, supreme grip and confident edging on the smallest holds made it inspirational footwear on hard scrambles and easy climbs.

The replacements in the range were never quite as good, but now Scarpa's announced the Cristallo which looks to be bang on the money. Like the old El Cap, it's a light, climbing-lasted boot with a stiff, low sole unit made from sticky Vibram rubber, but it also features a lightweight synthetic upper with Gore-Tex waterproof liner which should make it more versatile than the El Cap in British conditions. It also features a PU cushioning unit in the sole, which should make it more comfortable for walk-ins than its predecessor.

We reckon the Cristallo could be spot on for hard core scramblers or anyone after a light, grippy boot for big rocky mountain routes or via ferrata and provide an alternative to the current options of sticky approach trainers and full-on mountaineering boots. The Cristallo should be out early next year and will cost around £150. Let's hope they tweak the colours though...

Details of Scarpa's current range at www.scarpa.co.uk.