05
Jul
2011
jloomis

Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boots Review

Brand: 
Scarpa
Model: 
Summit GTX
Price: 
$279.95
Product Rating: 
5
Scarpa Summit GTX - Side
Scarpa Summit GTX - Side and Bottom
Scarpa Summit GTX - Top
Scarpa Summit GTX - Rear

Features:

The Scarpa Summit GTX are four-season mountaineering boots designed for ice and mixed climbing. The Summit GTX's heel and toe welts fit all crampon styles. They are fully insulated and feature an adjustable padded tongue. The articulated, padded ankle section provide flexibility without compromising support.

Specifications:

Upper: Reverse Suede Crosta Pro HS12
Lining: Gor-Tex® Duratherm® insulation
Midsole: Pro-Fiber
Shank: Nylon composite
Outsole: Vibram® Dual PU
Crampon Compatibility: Strap-on, Hybrid, Step-in, & GSB
Height: 9.75" (24.75 cm)
Weight (sz. 44.5): 5.3 lbs (2.42 Kg)

Initial Thoughts:

The Scarpa Summit GTX boots are substantial, and as a result, quite heavy. The first thing I noticed was how much heavier and bulkier they are compared to my leather hiking boots. This is good, as they are designed for four-season use. They are very padded and quite comfortable on my feet despite their stiffness. The articulated ankle area helps make them more comfortable to walk in.

I normally wear a 10.5 US shoe and a size 44.5 in this boot fits perfectly. On a side note, I also wear a 44.5 in La Sportiva boots. At first, the Summit GTX's felt a little tight on top of my toes, but this feeling went away after walking around in them for a few minutes. They feel very warm and hopefully will help protect my toes from any future frostbite. The lacing system is easy to use, with the fifth eyelet holding the laces from loosening. I have noticed that the boot's skinny, round laces tend to loosen if they are not tied in a double knot. My universal strap-on crampons fit great on the Scarpa Summit GTX boots, and they appear sturdy enough to accept all other types of crampon bindings as well.

In The Field:

I have used my Scarpa Summit GTX mountaineering boots on several climbs now. They have worked very well for me. While the boots feel heavy when picking them up, I have not noticed the weight on my feet compared to any other boot. They have held up well to abrasion from rocks and crampon straps. I have used them with hybrid crampons (bail in rear, strap in front) with great results. They have always felt very secure.

One of my favorite things about the Scarpa Summit GTX is how well I can kick steps into steep, icy slopes. Even with my sensitive toes (from frostbite earlier this year) I have had no problem kicking steps for over 1,200 feet in one session. I was a little fatigued, but my feet felt great.

Warmth, waterproofness, and breathability are also excellent on the Summit GTX boots. I am extremely prone to cold feet and I have only once had slightly cold toes while wearing the Summit's. In that particular instance, I was only wearing a single pair of mid weight socks and had been slowly glissading down Mount Saint Helens for several thousand vertical feet. I use a glissade sled and I suspect it reduces circulation to my lower legs, causing the potential for chilled feet. My feet are also prone to sweating and the Summits have consistently stayed drier inside than any other boot I have ever worn. They seem to be completely waterproof, but the leather does wet out eventually in wet snow conditions like most leather boots.

I have found the Scarpa Summit GTX mountaineering boots to be comfortable on mixed terrain from snow and ice to dirt and rock. They provide good traction with and without crampons. The design of the boot allows it to be stiff for crampon use, but also flexes at the ankle to make walking easier.

See Mount Mitchell, Mount Saint Helens, and Mout Dana adventures where the Scarpa Summit GTX boots were used.

Final Thoughts:

I am very happy with the Scarpa Summit GTX mountaineering boots and highly recommend them or a similar newer model. They are durable, get the job done, and keep my feet drier and warmer than any other boot I have worn. New Scarpa Mont Blanc model available from amazon.com.

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