Scarpa's New 2004 Boots

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...

Lacing system is 'borrowed' from technical boots like the Freney

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.

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.

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.