The Scarpa Terra GTX boots are currently the best seller of the Scarpa brand, and it is so because of their unique features and what they bring to the table. The question is, are they really worth it? That’s why we have come up with the Scarpa Terra GTX review.
The Italian brand Scarpa is behind the Scarpa Terra GTX. Scarpa also means shoes in Italian. The company is Italian-owned but has an enormous market in the United States. They are also known to be a fantastic brand that consistently delivers value and makes amazing shoes that exceed expectations. To top it all off, they have been in business since 1938, so when it comes to making shoes, they have enough experience.
They also have a fascinating history, starting in the 1930s. The founder of Scarpa was Edward Cecil Guinness. He is the offspring of Lord Guinness Iveagh, the man behind the Guinness Book of Record. Now, that is something worth noting.
We will be eyeballing the Scarpa Terra GTX boots in detail. Many experts and previous buyers highly rate these boots. We decided to dig deep to determine if they are worth the hype. We want to know if these shoes can survive the worst. Also, to see if they are as good as what we’ve heard about them.
We tested the shoes on different terrains to see how they performed in various conditions. After these tests, we have come up with this review to detail what we learned about the Scarpa Terra GTX boots. Now we will dive deep into the fine points of the boots to get a feel of how good they are.
Scarpa Terra GTX Boot Layout
The Scarpa Terra GTX women’s boots are identical to the men’s version. There’s not much contrast, and the fundamental difference is in the shoe size. Unlike some shoe brands, it does not make the male and female variants look different, design-wise.
Leather and Lacing
The first thing your eyes will notice is the leather quality used in crafting the Scarpa Terra GTX. Nut-brown oil leather makes up the outer part of the boot. The leather is also soft and flexible, meaning that the boots will be comfortable to wear. The upper part of the boot comes with six pairs of eyelets to hold the boot’s laces. The eyelet’s design is done in a way that allows you to tie them at the fifth or sixth eyelet. It helps you to achieve varying ankle tightness.
Waterproof and Allows Passage of Air
The boots are waterproof. The build of the material and sole makes sure that water cannot access the inside and wet your socks. Also, the outer leather is very sturdy. In the sense that even if you keep it clean by polishing it or waxing it, it won’t get damaged. Moreover, it has a breathable membrane, allowing moisture within the boot to escape.
Vibram Energy Soles
The boots come with the latest version of the Vibram Energy Soles, giving it the advantage of having a firm grip and rigidity. One thing you want to avoid in a boot is too much flexibility. If the boots are too flexible, there are chances that they will not have a firm grip. Therefore, you can easily slide off surfaces and injure yourself. You do not have to worry about this with the Scarpa Terra GTX boots. It’s the best boot to use and can survive on multiple terrains—the deep grooves in the sole offer better support when climbing or trekking.
Overall Style
The overall style of the Scarpa Terra GTX boots is exquisite, and this is why it is a favorite among many casual hikers and experts. The design is also sleek, just enough to not look like an ordinary boot. It still looks sturdy and rigid, pleasing to the overall aesthetic to fit your style needs. The design is impressive for its price, and the branding is not too prominent. It is placed in the right parts.
The boots’ layout is perfect, and it checks all the boxes when it comes to a multi-purpose boot that you can use in various scenarios and terrains.
Why Choose the Scarpa Terra GTX?
The Boots Are Comfortable
The comfort you enjoy with these boots is simply incredible, and it is one of the major selling points. You do not have to worry about it being ill-fitting because the way it was built provides enough room for your size. The width of the boot is enough to accommodate people with wide feet. The boots will have enough wiggle room for you, providing you with the best fit you can ask for.
The padded interior gives you extra protection and cushioning. Additionally, its waterproof membrane can protect your feet from the cold and keep them dry even after a long hike. Additionally, the insole is removable.
No Long Break-In Time Needed
Initially, when you buy some boots, they are hard and compact. You need to break them by walking around for a while before you get that snug fit. Well, that is not the case for the Scarpa Terra GTX boots. These boots are amazing. They’re as good as they get straight out of the box. You won’t need to suffer through a long break-in period with these boots.
Lightweight
The next thing about the Scarpa Terra GTX boots is that they are lightweight. They only weigh 19 oz for men and 17.03 oz for women. For a trail boot, the weight comes as a surprise. They are not heavy and bulky like most hiking boots. It comes with advantages because it enables you to navigate rugged terrains without worrying about having sore feet due to the weight. Also, this ensures that you can have more agility and walk longer miles. Unlike some other boots in the market, trailing using the Scarpa Terra GTX is not as daunting as it seems. You don’t need to lug around extra weight for a good hiking boot.
Durable
The Scarpa Terra GTX is very durable. We tested the shoes for six months in different terrains, and the results were outstanding. The shoes’ durability was evident because they did not experience wear and tear. After a good clean-up, they looked good as new. It is a plus for individuals who hike a lot and live the nomad life because you are sure that the shoes will not fade quickly and become worn out.
Scarpa Terra GTX Hiking Boots – In Action
The boots were used in various terrains during the review to see how they performed in different landscapes. It will help you decide if the boots are right for you. Good hiking boots should be able to carry you well on various terrains. Indeed, the Scarpa Terra GTX boots did not disappoint in that area. The boots performed beyond our expectations.
The boots come in a neutral greyish brown color and would blend well with any hiking gear that you own. The outer leather is made of nubuck and is soft. However, they tend to scuff easily due to the material but can be fixed with some buffing and maintenance.
The polyurethane midsole offers decent shock absorption and more stability. Additionally, the Vibram sole made it comfortable while ensuring rigidity and grip. It proves a great advantage when you are hiking in wet terrain. The grip stops you from slipping and sliding down; it makes hiking look easy.
Due to the boots’ gusseted tongue, small foreign elements can’t get inside the boot. You don’t want to keep stopping midway during a hike just because a pebble made its way inside your boot. The shoes also ensured that it did well in wet regions; your feet will not get wet as it is waterproof.
This boot is very versatile and would work for weekenders and outdoor enthusiasts. There are times when the terrain gets more rugged and slippery; it did not hinder us from going forward with these boots. The shoes performed well when worn in wet soil and even did well when used in an area with snow. Its grip was not compromised, but it did not do well on the ice.
- The boots are instantly comfortable after you purchase them
- The lacing system is decent
- The boots are durable and can be used for long periods without wear or tear
- They are waterproof
- The boots have a firm grip and rigidity
- They are breathable, especially in the summer
- The firm cushioning on the boots is not for everybody
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you clean the Scarpa Terra GTX boots?
There are specific steps involved in cleaning the Scarpa Terra GTX boots. Follow each step, and you’ll have clean boots in no time!
These are the things you will need: clean, warm water, a nylon brush, sponge, water-based footwear cleaner, dry wax, or silicone cream. First, take off the laces from the boot. Doing so will allow you to clean the inner parts of the boots.
You need to remove all the visible dirt with the nylon brush. Use a stiffer brush on higher quality and tougher leather. If you use a stiff brush on light leather, it can cause it to fray. Scarpa Terra GTX is considered a more delicate leather, so you should use a softer brush. Ensure that you use warm water when scrubbing and ensure that you reach deep into various folds and covered areas. Do not forget to clean the hard-to-reach places. You will need a sponge or a cloth because they are easier to get into small gaps and spaces.
Dirt and mud usually get into the upper part of the boots and act abrasively from the inside out. To deal with invisible dirt, you will need a water-based cleaner. Apply the cleaner all over the surface of the boots and then use a dabbing motion to clean the boots. The cleaner will remove the embedded dirt particles. If your brush still looks dirty after the last two steps, you need to do it again until it’s clean.
Always clean the inner linings of your boots with a warm damp cloth. It will help keep the salt from sweat from penetrating the lining and destroy the leather. Water and salt build-up will eventually make it dry and cracked. Finally, wash your boots with warm water, and you’re done!
2. What cream should I use for the boots?
The best cream you can use is the Scarpa HS12 cream. It is important to note that if you are using HS12 cream, then you have to leave the leather boots to dry naturally. However, if you are using a water-based proofer, you need to reproof the boots immediately. When you are drying the boots naturally, you need to allow them to dry to the touch. Ensure that your dry boots are kept in an airy area away from strong heat sources. After the boots are dry, the next thing you need to do is to reproof the shoes. Make sure that you get to the areas that are frequently overlooked. The key to making your boots last long is connected to how well-maintained they are. Hence, follow these steps to ensure that you keep your Scarpa Terra GTX boots clean!
3. How often do I wax the Scarpa Terra GTX boots?
It would help if you cleaned your boots after every hike. However, there is a different rule with waxing. It depends on how often you use the boots. If you hike regularly, it is advisable to clean and wax your boots every one to two months. It helps to ensure that your boots last longer and maintain their integrity.
4. Do you need hiking boots?
Hiking boots are not just for show. You need hiking boots to trek for long distances and go through different terrains comfortably without blisters. A good pair of hiking boots are built for ankle support, and they will protect your feet from rocks and other spikey trail debris. Thus, hiking boots are necessary for every hiker; they are not a luxury.
5. Should your hiking boots be bigger than your regular boots?
Do not force yourself to wear boots that are too loose or tight. Some manufacturers advise you to go a half size up, but it is not very good advice. To get the best hiking boot size, check your foot size, length, width, arch, and then purchase a boot that will fit you in different areas and not just in length. Then, check for the tight spots and squeezed areas. It can cause injuries and blisters. You will have a painful experience if you ignore those. Hence, ensure that the boots are comfortable and have enough wiggle room. On the other hand, if the boot is too loose, it can rub your foot and cause hot spots.
6. Can you wear hiking boots for regular walking?
Yes, you can wear hiking boots for regular walking. However, bear in mind that hiking boots are more rigid and heavier. If you plan to sight-see, wear regular footwear, or else you’ll get worn out by the weight. If you plan on walking in the city and on plain, hard, concrete, then choose lighter shoes.
Additionally, these are hiking boots and not working boots. While they offer enough protection, they can’t replace the protection provided by steel-toe boots. You have to wear the appropriate shoes for the right time and location.
7. How long should hiking boots last?
It depends on the boots and how you care for them. If you buy cheaper, low-quality hiking boots, they will not last very long. However, if you go for the higher quality and more expensive ones, the likelihood of them lasting for a long time is high. Branded boots in the more expensive range outperform the cheap ones. So, do you want cheap hiking boots that you have to replace every once in a while? Or choose a high-quality hiking boot that can last several years?
8. Do hiking boots stretch?
Yes, the Scarpa Terra GTX hiking boots stretch a little because leather is a natural material that responds to the outside and inside environment’s conditions. Just like any other shoe, you need time to break into them. Moreover, when you “break into” your shoes, they may stretch, be softer, and fit you better. Also, this will only happen if your boots are made from natural materials.
Conclusion
Hiking is a great way to explore nature and also exercise your body. It has tons of benefits, such as increasing blood flow to the body, improving breathing, strengthening muscles, and relieving stress. That’s why many people are turning to hiking as a way to improve their quality of life. If you’re already into hiking, then you are ahead of the game.
Many hikers dream of having the best boots, and this is why we did this review. So, to answer the question, are the Scarpa Terra GTX boots worth it? The answer is yes, and the shoes are worth the hype. They offer great value for their price and provide the best comfort during hiking trips. Moreover, if you are a nomad or wanderer, it will also benefit you. Hence, if you are looking for a good hiking boot that will provide comfort and reliability in various terrains, then the Scarpa Terra GTX is the way to go. You cannot go wrong with these boots.
You’ve come to the end of our Scarpa Terra GTX review. Overall, we can say that Scarpa Terra GTX is a very reasonable buy. It ticks all the requirements we look for in a good hiking boot, from design to performance.
