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Scarpa Zero Gravity 20 GTX -
First Look
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Price:
£130.00
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Weight: 1146 grammes (pair size
43)
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Features:HS12
proofed nubuck leather upper with Gore-Tex waterproof,
breathable lining, Vibram ZG Hi Trail sole unit, EVA
mid-sole cushioning, slingshot heel rand, toe bumper,
360-degree ankle flex design,
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The Concept Until now Scarpa's leather boots have shown a
polite heel bumper to waterproof / breathable linings preferring to
rely on their effective HS12 water-resistant leathers. The new Zero
Gravity boots are a total departure from that philosophy and use a
Gire-Tex lining for guaranteed waterproofing, though the HS12
leather's present and correct as well.
Dubbed 'trekking boots', the company has dug into the big bucket
of innovations and borrowed from their more technical models to
create a series of boots that are light but not at the expense of
performance and look radically different as well. The trekking
label's a little misleading too, there's absolutley no reason why you
shouldn't use the Zero Gs as general walking boots and the 20 GTX
tested here is intended as an all round mountain walking and
scrambling boot.
Features The ZG20's rad' contemporary look reflects a whole
raft of cunning design touches. Many of them are pinched from
Scarpa's existing range - there's a slingshot heel rand and toe wrap
lifted from rockboots for example and the ankle boasts a 360-degree
flex cut first seen on the top-end Cumbre mountaineering boot for
good ankle mobility.
Other innovations are less obvious - the special Zero G sole unit
is made by Vibram and, says Scarpa, reduces weight by hacking away
un-needed bulk, but without lowering the sole or compromising
performance - big aggressive lugs make the point for them. They also
use a new Megabyte Trekking rubber mix based on sticky rock shoe
rubber for extra grip. Cushioning is courtesy of an EVA mid-sole
unit, similar to the technology used in running shoes.
Fit has been streamlined too with a new , slimmer ZG last aimed at
avoiding sloppiness and upping long term comfort and control.
In Action These are very early days, but we thought we'd give
you some quick first impressions. The slim, technical looks are
reflected in a fit that's appreciably slimmer and closer than before,
particularly at the toe end of things. It reminded us of Scarpa's
technical climbing boots, expecially in conjunction with the high-cut
360-degree ankle.
There's plenty of sole flex for comfortable walking though - think
three-season levels - and on first acquaintance, cushioning from the
EVA mid-sole feels good as does grip from that Megabyte Trekking
outsole. We wonder how long the soft, grippy rubber will last with
hard use though.
The high ankles give plenty of support, helped by a good, stiff
heel cup, but the 360-degree ankle design still gives plenty of scope
for flex in all directions. Without it, the combination of high ankle
and flexible walking sole would feel slightly odd we think. With it,
it's still a little unusual, but seems to work.
They feel light and precise on the feet too and even though
1150-odd grammes isn't that feathery, you're getting a boot that
still feels sturdy and useable with touches like the wrap-around toe
bumper promising real toughness.
Neat contemporary looks, leather uppers with a Gore-Tex lining and
loads of innovations from Scarpa's technical models plus a more
precise fit than the leather walking boots makes for an interesting
new contender in the walking boot market.
The close fit may not appeal to some diehard Scarpa users but
works well for us - try carefully - and the flexible grippy sole
combined with the high, 360-degree ankle design makes for a good
combination of support and comfort.
As always, the Gore-Tex lining, while great for puddle hopping may
compromise performance in hotter conditions and the jury's also out
on the wear cahracteristics of the softish rubber used in the sole
and the longevity of the EVA -cushioned mid-sole.
Impressive first impressions - albeit at a steepish price - but
watch this space and we'll bring you a proper test with more detailed
pics soon.
Know more or want to?
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out our user review system and post your opinions to the world. If
you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try a posting to our gear
forum.
