Customer Reviews

SCARPA Men's SL M3 Backpacking Boot

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wore out two pairs of earlier design Scarpa SL's on many peaks and winter camps even though they were only rated "three season". Those boots were the most comfortable and versatile hikers I have ever owned. Inevitable replacement needs had me look at this new model first. I was not thrilled with the elevated footbed and the fact that Scarpa apparently was falling in step with the footbed design of worthy but lesser competitors like Asolo and Vasque.

Break in was longer than anticipated; I'll attribute that to the quality and thickness of the leather. Once properly broken in a very comfy ride is yours. Owing to the extended break in required it is critical that your foot is compatible with the last in terms of width, toe box, etc. as you will not feel the true nature of these boots in a try-on session.

The biggest weakness is again the elevated footbed that reduces agility and balance over the prior design.


An excellent all-arounder boot but not as far ahead of the competition as before.

I bought these shoes to do the Copland Pass and parts of Arthur's Pass in New Zealand but racked up a fair few miles in them in training before hand in the West Australian bush. This is a very comfortable boot that does take a little while to break in (so get the size right) and is an incredibly reliable boot. The only warning I would give is that if you love the pristine bordeaux leather look don't wear them in the mountains as they will become very scuffed and develop a lot of character.

I used mine in scree, snow, rock and numerous river crossings and they loved it. The soles are flexible enough to give you all day walking comfort fully loaded up but stiff enough to wear with crampons and climb reasonably serious rock. At one point I found myself climbing about 100 feet of extremely high angle moraine wall (don't ask) complete with the full weight of my pack and was able to trust my weight on the toes of these boots the whole time with little fatigue in my calf muscles. I'm sure there are better dedicated climbing boots out there but the SL M3s give you the comfort of a great trekking / mountaineering boot with the confidence of a well designed vibram sole and excellent geometry to get you through those situations that maybe you were not anticipating.

The SL M3 is a beautiful looking boot but the style is not there at the expense of the function, these are a very capable boot.

I bought this a few months ago. It wasn't my number one choice for a boot, but I've got monster feet and they seemed like the best shoe I could find in my size. First, let me tell you- these things are heavy. More heavy than Asolos. More heavy than Vasques. They're the heaviest boot I've ever seen. And suuuuper inflexible. Like, mountaineering boot inflexible. When you first get them, you walk like Frankenstein 'cause the boot won't bend at all. Even now that they're broken in, I can barely bend the sole even while using both hands.

But let's get to performance. I've walked in these boots a lot. Before I ever took them out, I probably walked 50 miles in them. Then i went and hiked 30 miles in Kings Canyon National Park. Inclines hurt like hell. My heel smashes into the back of this boot every time I take a step on even the slightest incline- not just backpacking up a mountain, mind you, but the smallest tuft of dirt. At the end of the first 7 mile day, I had blisters on the back of my heels. This is with smartwool liner socks and smartwool trekking sicks, mind you, and green superfeet insoles. By the end of the second 7 mile day, the blisters were even worse. So, on the third day, I decided to hike 14 miles back.

I don't think 14 miles is a lot to walk in one day. I've done 20 in other, crappier boots (ie- dunhams), and I never had a problem. By the end of my 14 mile trek back, I had blisters all over my feet. I had them on the tops of my toes, the aforementioned heels, the sides of my feet, the balls of my feet, etc. I had two black toes even though there's plenty of room at the front for my feet. In short, my feet were destroyed.

I've only taken these boots on small hikes since and my heels still hurt going up inclines. I wondered if maybe the boots still weren't broken in, but if I can't break in boots after what I've done to them, then I don't know how to break them in. They're a very high quality boot. The leather is very fine, and they're gusseted all the way up to the top. The tongue and the ankles have the nicest padding I've ever seen on a boot. They run a bit narrow. I ordered a wide for my D sized feet, and they still feel a bit narrow. The vibram soles will serve you well on sharp pointy rocks, but they're a bit slippery on wet stuff. The boots are SUPER waterproof. There was this point on the trail, where 6 inches of snow run off ran down the trail for about 100 yards. I swear, I thought I was hiking in a creek! But my feet never got wet.

But honestly, I wish I would have returned them when I had the chance. I can see how they'd be great for most people, but I don't think they're going to get any more comfortable for me. Oh well, I guess they're going on Craigslist!

The best boots I have ever bought. A bit stiffer in the sole than i am used to but have done a couple of hikes approx 10klms each with no sore feet.

Phil

I bought these primarily to do some winter hill walking / low level mountaineering in the English Lakes District. However, in the recent harsh New England winter they have also proved an invaluable asset when clearing my driveway too! Instantly comfortable, beautifully made Italian boots. By far the best boots I have ever owned. Love them. Cannot recommend enough.

These boots are the best hiking boots I've owned. I've done a lot of hiking in a lot of different boots. These are hands down the best hiking boots I've worn. They are very stiff and do take a while to break in, however, this is due to the extremely sturdy materials. They fit true to the Brannock-device sizes. I wear 10.5 and the size 44 fits perfectly. I called Scarpa before I purchased these and the sales-rep advised me to go with my normal size. Anyway, I highly recommend these boots. I think they'll last for many many miles.

I got it for Christmas, and walked all over all day with these boots. From 6:00am that i put them on, tile 3:00am that i got home. They are true to the size. Very comfortable and well made. Money well spent.