Scarpa Zero G 20 GTX - First Look

Scarpa Zero Gravity 20 GTX - First Look

Price: £130.00

Weight: 1146 grammes (pair size 43)

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.

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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.

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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.

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Verdict

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.

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Scarpa web site

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