HAVE OVER 1300+ DAYS IN THE GRAND CANYON AND HAVE WORN OUT DOZENS OF DIFFERENT MAKES AND MODELS OF BOOTS..THESE ARE GREAT RIGHT OUT OF BOX..BUT I LIKE A HEAVY BOOT DUE TO THE ROCK SLIDES I ENCOUNTER OFF-TRAIL;SCARPAS ARE WELL MADE AND I'VE PUT SOME MILES ON THEM WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE;I LIKE RAICHLES,VASQUES AND NIKE AIR MADAS FOR LIGHT TRIPS;THESE PROB ARE TOO HEAVY FOR MOST GALS TO ENJOY

Customer Service

NONE

Similar Products Used:

VASQUE,RAICHLES,NIKE AIR MADAS,DANNER LIGHTS,MERRIL,ASLOS..ALL OF EM

These boots are great. Relatively easy break-in period. Taken them mostly on short hikes in CA to break them in. Looking forward to more milage in WA. Excellent support and durability. Bought mine for $120 through EMS!

Customer Service

Haven't had any problems

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Vasque Sundowner-great shoe

I've had these boots for nearly 2 months...and so far they're pretty darn good!! I mainly purchased the Scarpa SL's to use as an everyday boot. My feet are very comfortable and seem to mold into the soles. The ankle support seems great, although I havn't gone backpacking w/them yet.

Make sure that you use waterproofing wax b/c these do not have Gore Tex! I used them a few times in the snow and the water was absorbed into the toe of the boot, giving my toes a damp feeling. After the wax job-all is well. Also, wear heavy socks for the first month (if you have narrow feet) to really break them in well.

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Merrell

I've had my pair for 2 months now and they are just about broken in. I try to wear them a few hours every day. The leather is starting to mold to my feet. These boots are extremely well made. I hiked approximately 8 miles right out of the box with no hot spots. These boots provide good ankle support for off-trail use. Although I consider myself an ultralight backpacker, I like a medium weight boot for the off-trail experience. I have twisted too many ankles going off-trail in low cut tennis shoes. The best thing about these boots is they provide the protection and support I need, yet feel very light and unbelievably comfortable. If I was forced to choose just one piece of footware for all occasions, the Scarpa SL is that footware. While beefed-up tennis shoes are fine for well groomed trails, Scarpa SL's are perfect for everything else.

I'll post a follow-up review later this summer after I return from a summit attempt of Mount Shasta. I'll be using crampons with the SLs.

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Asolo, Vasque, Nike - none of these products were as well made as these Scarpa SL's. I really feel like these boots are going to last for many years.

These are very good, very tough boots. I have had no problems with them whatsoever, except possibly for breaking them in. The leather is beautiful, the craftsmanship obvious, and they fit my feet well. I like these better than my old Vasque's. In spite of my love for my boots, I would consider this a serious hiking boot, though, and buy something else unless I was carrying a pack over rough terrain. Often, on shorter hikes, I find that I can be more comfortable in a good trail running/light hiking shoe.

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Vasque Summit

Best backpacking boot at any price! However, EMS is having a sale ($169)as I write this. I can't remember what I paid for mine but it was certainly more than $169. I was tempted to purchase another pair but it would sit unused for who knows how long. Scarpa is a household name and the preferred boot in Europe. The SL is constructed of one piece 2.9MM thick Sherpa leather. One piece means less seems to leak and the Sherpa leather has a high silicon content which minimizes "wet out". The SL also comes with cambrelle lining, high performance vibram sole and weighs in at only 3.3 lbs per pair - all of this for less than $200! Try comparing it to the offerings from Danner, Moraine, Vasque, etc. On second thought, don't waste your time. Do yourself a favor and go buy what may well be your last pair of boots. And no, I don't work for Scarpa or EMS. This is a great Italian made boot -one you will enjoy for many years to come!

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Asolo mostly. I haven't been able to keep a boot longer than 2-3 years. I'm expecting 10 from my SLs - with 2 resoles most likely.

Awesome boot! I have a tough time finding a good fitting boot due to my wide toes/narrow heal but these fit me like a glove. Yes - they did take some breaking in but they've never given me a blister. The heal lock could be a little tighter (on my narrow heal) but with a lacing trick that I can't really describe here I no longer get hot heals (check with a knowledgable boot outfitter who should be able to teach you that lacing trick). With a good Nikwaxing they are 100% waterproof. Have hiked through muddy, stream-like trails without a drop getting through. They are built for heavy loads and tough terrain so they are somewhat hard underfoot but the addition of Superfeet insoles totally changed the feel - I'd recommend the Superfeet for any stiff boot. For such a stiff boot they are slightly week on ankle support though but I've not twisted an ankle in them despite some pretty rough terrain. The glove-like leather looks great new but after a few days on rocky trails they got pretty scratched up. This is purely cosmetic though as they seem to be built to really last - real hikers don't care about looks anyway right? If you carry heavy loads, long distance on (or off) tough trails I'd definately check this boot out. I'd replace mine with the same without a second thought.

Customer Service

Now sold as Scarpa SL - Not Fabiano.

Best boots I've ever had - way outperform my old Merrell Wilderness. IF I ever wear them out, I'll be back for another pair.

Customer Service

No need.

Similar Products Used:

Merrells (several different models, including Wilderness and Guide).