A line that always resonates with me, ‘look after your feet and they will look after you’. From my army days to today when hiking for miles, a piece of kit that I think is as important, if not more, than your rain jacket, is your choice of footwear.
If you do a lot of walkng then you will soon know if you have an ill fitting pair of boots or if they are not good enough for the elements. Away from the technical boots that are required for some conditions or expeditions I like to have a lightweight, yet great quality, great price of day to day walking boot, especially for UK fell walks. And for me currently those boots are the Scarpa Terra GTX.
As you can see from these photos I have hammered them through many miles and climbs and they are still going strong.
They are fantastic quality for the price range, you can get a new pair for under £150, and I love the fact that for a leather boot they hardly need any ‘breaking in’ and they feel more like slippers than leather hiking boots.
There are so many reasons they come out top in many an online round up of reviews. Let’s take a deeper look at them.
Key features include a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, a Vibram sole for excellent traction, a full-grain leather upper for durability, and a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort. With the Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots, you can confidently tackle any terrain while keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
Product Overview
The Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots are expertly designed and constructed to provide both comfort and durability in various terrains.
Featuring a sturdy and protective design, the boots are made from high-quality materials such as full-grain leather and a Vibram outsole. The full-grain leather offers excellent durability, ensuring that the boots can withstand challenging conditions and prolonged use.
One of the standout features of the Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots is the incorporation of Gore-Tex technology. This waterproof and breathable membrane helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable, even in wet and muddy conditions. The Gore-Tex technology allows moisture to escape while preventing water from entering the boots, making them ideal for hiking or trekking in unpredictable weather.
In terms of construction, the boots are built to last. The thick Vibram outsole provides many miles worth of traction and grip on pathed surfaces. The midsole is designed to offer excellent support and cushioning, reducing fatigue during long walks or hikes.
Comfort and Fit
Scarpa are known for many more expensive technical boots, for instance for my double plastic high altitude boots I went with Scarpa.
But these Scarpa GTX Terra boots are designed with a focus on providing a comfortable walking experience over hilly and cross country terrains.
When I do the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, these are the boots I wear. I will know I never have to worry about my feet then as much.
I find the comfort level of the boots is exceptional, thanks to the inclusion of cushioning features and the soft leather uppers. The boots are equipped with a cushioned midsole that absorbs impact and provides support during long walks. This helps to reduce fatigue and provide a comfortable fit throughout the day.
Many people may go for the even lighter fabric type boot rather than leather, but I find these GTX boots only a few grams heavier and my feet and ankles feel safe yet very comfortable.
The ergonomic design of the boots also contributes to their comfort. They are designed to fit the natural contours of the foot, providing a snug and secure fit. A few years ago they upgraded the boot and you will find that, regardless of what you may have heard about Scarpa boot, the toe room is great for my wider than average feet, with lots of wiggle room.
Additionally, the boots are equipped with a Gore-Tex lining, which offers waterproof and breathable protection. This keeps your feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions.
Traction and Stability
These boots use Vibram Energy II soles. The latest version of the boots are really good at lasting for years and lots of miles. The outsole features a durable rubber compound with a multidirectional lug pattern that provides grip on various terrains. The lugs are strategically placed to maximize traction and prevent slippage, ensuring a confident and secure footing.
So may boots come with Vibram soles these days. In my experience with them and when guiding others is that when it comes to things like wet limestone then you should take care with your footing. One of the reasons I always swear by boots with ankle support. If you are trekking lots over very rocky ground you may feel more through the soles.
Waterproofing
The Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots are waterproof due to the inclusion of a Gore-Tex membrane in their construction. This membrane prevents water from entering the boots while allowing moisture to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Additionally, the boots have sealed seams that provide extra protection against water infiltration.
If you have ever owned a pair of Gore-Tex leather boots you may worry about breathability. I have used my Terra GTX on really hot UK day hikes and climbs and have not been overly troubled with my feet getting too hot to handle.
Durability
What I do love about these boots is the comfort and ease of breaking in combined with the amount of miles they can take. I am onto my 3rd season with them, and I do a lot of mileage, including dog walks. And I know there are more seasons in them yet.
For the price range that is a massive bonus. There are so many boots out there that may seem budget concious but you may only ever get 1 or 2 walking seasons out of them.
Look after the leather uppers and they will keep going and going. In my photos they may look scuffed and scratched but there is no problem at all still with waterproofing or comfort.
Pros and Cons
There are so many reasons this is one of the UKs most popular day to day leather hiking boot. They are extremely comfortable and require hardly any breaking in at all. They are also built to last and do so well against other boots in the price range.
The soles can however be unsuitable for some people on overly rocky ground as you can feel more through the soles than higher end boots.
Conclusion
The Scarpa Terra GTX walking boot is my current go to on any UK walk or trek. Easy to break in, very light for a leather boot and with the expertise of Scarpa. They never let me down and do what I want, look after my feet and ankles whilst I enjoy the walks and nature around me.
Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots
The Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots are expertly designed and constructed to provide both comfort and durability in various terrains.
Product Brand:
Scarpa
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Require minimal breaking in
- Great quality for price range
- Long lasting and durable
Cons
- Soles can let you feel rocky surfaces
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