Scarpa SL Active Boots

Scarpa SL Active Boots

My first and last winter foray of 2019 took place in November on a disastrous weekend at Crianlarich. On the way up Ben an Dothaidh the sole of my winter boots decided to part company with the upper and I limped off the hill while everyone else headed off for what appeared to be a fantastic day. I hadn’t bought any winter boots for years and so embarked on a journey across the internet and outdoor stores searching for  crampon compatible footwear.

Scarpa SL Active Boots – The great lace trial

It had been so long since I bought winter boots that the company that made my old ones was now defunct. So, the search began. Calf length or just above the ankle? Nubuck, fabric, leather? Membrane or no membrane. Decisions, decisions. I have been using mainly Scarpa shoes and have found them to be excellent for fit and comfort straight from the box, and so I was strongly drawn to that brand; after much hunting around I settled on the Scarpa SL Active, a traditional leather boot which is slightly higher than a standard ankle boot but shorter than most winter boots. One of the big selling points for me was the weight, at only 1980g  they didn’t feel like concrete blocks strapped to my feet, an important factor on long hill days. Every ounce counts.

Scarpa SL Active Boots – Lacing

With around a half size of difference between my left and right foot I had found it difficult to get the right fit straight from the box and the sales assistant was really helpful, advising me on variations of lacing patterns and with a slight adjustment I had a reasonably comfortable fit. I then wore them at home until I was satisfied that they were snug before taking them out on the moors for some hill tests. It was at this point that I realised just how unforgiving they were and I came back from a 4 mile walk with my feet in tatters from blistered heels. So began an odyssey of dressing my feet to prevent blisters before each walk and adjusting the lacing to stop the boots shifting around, which I thought I had managed with reasonable success until I did a round of the Pentland Hills and limped back to the car with my heels rubbed raw.

Scarpa SL Active Boots

Scarpa SL Active Boots Vibram Sole

As a more solid piece of footwear than I am used to I must admit I’ve struggled to get these to break in – the boots are more robust than my feet! Despite all my problems with them you can’t deny the quality in them which makes them an ever popular choice. Good quality leather, minimal stitching, a good, grippy vibram sole and a nice thick rubber rand which almost entirely encompasses the boot all add up to a boot which should give you years of good service. At present the boots are retailing around the £260 mark – which is worth it if they suit you. If you are prone to blisters I’d be a bit more wary and would perhaps seek out out something a bit less forgiving.