Sole
A whole variety of different underfoot situations have to be considered when designing a sole unit. SCARPA® has worked exclusively with the world's leading sole manufacturers (Vibram® and Skywalk®) to develop soles that will meet these different requirements and performance
characteristics.
Our Soles
A whole variety of different underfoot situations have to be considered when designing a sole unit. SCARPA® has worked exclusively with the world's leading sole manufacturers (Vibram® and Skywalk®) to develop soles that will meet these different requirements and performance characteristics.
Fitting & Sizing
To get the most out of your SCARPA® boots it is important that they should fit you as well as possible.
Bootcare
Your SCARPA boots are good to go straight from the box however, despite developments in technology, all of the footwear in our range requires regular aftercare to maintain the highest level of performance and durability.
We recommend that you follow these guidelines to get the most out of your boots.
- After each use rinse off mud and dirt with clean water. Remove any stubborn dirt with a sponge, damp cloth or brush. If your boots are particularly dirty you can use a cleaning product such as Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel.
- Dry your boots naturally over time in a cool, dry place with good air circulation (Never force dry your boots using heat, as this will damage the leather uppers)
- Regularly treat them with a suitable waterproofing treatment applicable to the type of boots you have (See below). We would recommend re-proofing the boots whenever they get particularly dirty or when water stops beading (turning to droplets) on the surface of the boots.
- Take care to apply treatments to tongues, D. rings and hooks. Do not over treat them as this can soften the leather and damage stitching.
Terra
A high quality 2mm leather ideal for the entry level boots in our range. Montana leather is very supple and very lightweight which gives a soft, comfortable fit ideal for entry level boots. The leather is oiled to boost natural water resistance and to improve the cosmetic finish. Use a proofing agent from new, for best results we recommend SCARPA HS12 cream or a water based wax treatment such as Aqueous Nikwax.
It is a common misconception that boots with a Gore-Tex membrane require less care, this is not the case. Leaving a Gore-Tex boot untreated will likely damage the boot. Gore-Tex boots should be cleaned and re-proofed regularly in accordance with the care instructions for the specific materials below.
Over time particles of dirt and debris will build up on the inside of your boots, this can cause abrasion which can damage the Gore-Tex lining of your boots which can cause the boots to leak. In order to extend the life of your footwear it is best to periodically remove the insole and rinse the inside of the boot with clean warm water. Always leave your boots to dry naturally following this process.
Ranger 2 Activ / Delta Activ
High quality leather of 2.4 or 2.6mm in thickness, they are ideal for fell or lightweight hillwalking boots. Calf leather undergoes a traditional tanning process which helps to make it durable and highly water resistant. Use a proofing agent from new, for best results we recommend SCARPA HS12 cream or a water based wax treatment such as Aqueous Nikwax.
SL Activ
A 2.7-2.9 mm leather. The extra thickness and durability of this leather is perfectly suited to stronger hill and mountain walking boots, where extra support and resistance to scuffing is required. Sherpa leather undergoes a full HS12 silicone tanning treatment which, coupled with the extra thickness of the leather, boosts water resistance and stops the leather from wetting out too easily. We recommend the use of SCARPA HS12 cream or Aqueous Nikwax from new.
Kinesis Tech / Mythos Tech
Nubuck is a full grain leather where the outer surface of the leather has a finely sanded, texturised finish, which gives the boot an added appeal. All SCARPA Nubuck leathers are HS12 treated and will give the same performance as Sherpa leather, although the surface finish will change over time. Use specialist Nubuck treatments such as Nikwax Nubuck and Suede from new to keep the uppers in the best condition. SCARPA HS12 can be applied however this will flatten the texturised finish of Nubuck leather and darken the colour. The original finish can be restored using a suede brush.
Manta / Mont Blanc
These are premier leathers used on full mountain boots where maximum strength, support and abrasion resistance is required. These leathers are used with the tanned finish reversed with the textured side out and the tanned surface inside. This helps to protect the tanned surface of the leather and the extra surface area of the brushed finish helps to boost water resistance. All SCARPA reversed leathers are HS12 treated. For reversed leather we recommend Nikwax Nubuck and Suede treatment, followed by a light brushing with a suede brush, this will retain the appearance of the reversed leather.
Cyclone / Mustang / Baltoro / Kinesis
Suede does not offer the same level of water resistance as smooth leather however suede is both lightweight and relatively durable which makes it the ideal choice for lightweight trekking models. Suede is thinner and more supple than full grain smooth leather but still requires regular care. Take care to re-proof areas where suede joins other materials to ensure that the suede retains maximum flexibility. We recommend use of Nikwax Nubuck and Suede or Graingers G-Max from new.
Rebel / Rebel Ultra / Rebel Carbon
A fabric studied especially for SCARPA. KCN-TECH is derived from three high-tenacity textile fibres woven together, by Schoeller, to form an incredibly lightweight, durable waterproof breathable fabric. Ideal for use on our Mountain Elite line KCN-Tech ensures the perfect balance between performance and weight. S-Tech is a completely synthetic alternative to leather which provides durability and water resistance with a radical weight saving in comparison to leather. Another benefit of S-Tech is that it has a great memory which means that once is it ‘lasted’ into a shape it will hold that shape as the boot ages despite abrasion etc. This makes it perfect for use on our Mountain Elite line. We recommend using Nikwax Fabric and Leather proof or Grangers G-Max periodically to ensure the highest level of water resistance is maintained.
Phantom Series / Charmoz Pro / Rebel Lite
A synthetic material, made by Schoeller, which ensures maximum durability with minimum weight. Combined with S-Tech this allows us to achieve a lightweight boot which is strong enough for summer and winter mountaineering, scrambling and Via Ferrata. We recommend using Nikwax Fabric and Leather or Grangers G-Max periodically to ensure that the highest level of water resistance is maintained
Leather
Leather is a natural material and selection of the right grade of leather to meet the end use of the boot is an essential and a high specialist skill.
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Tanning Process
The origin of the hide, the age, rearing and care of the beast and the tanning process are all critical elements which effect the finished performance and look of the boot. SCARPA have over 50 years experience of dealing and negotiating with tanneries to secure the finest leathers and meticulously select the hides they use in their leather walking and mountain boots. The tanning process is a critical factor in the production of quality leathers and is what makes the leather water resistant. Some leathers use traditional tanning processes and ingredients. More expensive leathers like SCARPA's HS12 use a tanning treatment which forces a silicone based ingredient deep into the leather. This gives improved and more durable water resistance to the leather and also allows the leather to dry out faster, even when it does become wet. Leather is still regarded as the finest material for quality walking boots. It does however require care and protection to maintain its performance.
Last
SCARPA develop a last to specifically suit the end use of each boot. As a result, when you step into a SCARPA boot, you can be sure it has been carefully designed to suit you and your activity. Additionally, SCARPA were the first company to develop a purpose made last for women's boots. Today every ladies specific model has a dedicated female last. These lasts are slimmer in the mid foot and heel areas (Note: This female last may also be appropriate for a slim, low volume male foot and conversely a high volume, broad female foot may be better suited to the standard last).
Explode the myths!!
Our Lasts
SCARPA develop a last to specifically suit the end use of each boot. As a result, when you step into a SCARPA boot, you can be sure it has been carefully designed to suit you and your activity. Additionally, SCARPA were the first company to develop a purpose made last for women's boots. Today every ladies specific model has a dedicated female last. These lasts are slimmer in the mid foot and heel areas (Note: This female last may also be appropriate for a slim, low volume male foot and conversely a high volume, broad female foot may be better suited to the standard last).
Midsole
The midsole, sandwiched between the sole and the upper, is the hidden component in boot manufacture. In many ways it is the “engine room” of a boot and one of the most important components.
Hi-Flex
A midsole with generous flex down its length but offering good lateral support. Featured in the walking boot range it not only provides good support for walking, but is also instantly comfortable and requires virtually no breaking in. Can be Poly propelene, Nylon or Texon material dependant on model.
Comfort Flex
Using nylon for its permanent performance qualities, the comfort flex midsole is moulded so it has minimum flex in the heel section but gives comfortable flex in the forefoot area. It is used for walking and hillwalking footwear.
Performance Flex
This is a more robust, nylon midsole giving superb support to the whole foot. Its graded design provides a perfect balance between longitudinal flex and total lateral support for walking on rough ground or steep hillsides. Performance flex is used in the top performance hill and mountain walking boots. It requires a short amount of breaking-in but supports and protects the sole from the tiring effect of walking on hard or rocky surfaces. Boots with this midsole can be used with flexible walking crampons.
Proflex
Used in serious mountain walking and scrambling boots, this unit is stiffer than Performance flex. Whilst it retains some longitudinal flex for walking comfort, its extra stiffness is designed to give total underfoot support. Pro-flex is used in serious mountain boots where crampons may be used.
Pro-Fibre
Used for serious mountaineering, scrambling and climbing. This midsole retains a small degree of longitudinal flex for comfort during walk-in's and serious mountain walks.
Pro-Flex XT
Used in fully stiffened boots, with sustained front pointing in mind, this heavy duty nylon midsole is further supported with an integral shank for maximum underfoot support.
Carbon Fibre
Used in the Rebel Ultra GTX and the Rebel Carbon GTX, provides a fully rigid, torsionally stiff, lightweight yet immensely strong mid sole.
Technologies
The manufacture of a modern hill or mountain boot represents a unique blend of traditional boot making skills and modern technology.
Whilst technology continues to provide a variety of new materials which aid the development of modern footwear, it is the boot maker's skills that differentiate quality boots from cheaper boots.
It is these skills, in the selection of leathers, the lasting and make up of the boot and the harnessing of the most appropriate technology, which provide the magic ingredients in good footwear.
SCARPA® has had over 50 years experience of making the worlds finest mountain boots. Todays SCARPA® footwear represents the ideal marriage of craftsmanship and technology. Below are some of the critical components in the construction of this footwear.
To find out more, read the technical feature pages below: