Let’s Talk About Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s are designed for the serious female climber who demands performance and precision on the wall. Made by Scarpa, a brand synonymous with quality climbing footwear, these shoes promise an aggressive fit and exceptional sensitivity.
I’d been struggling with my edging on overhanging routes. My old shoes, while comfortable, lacked the necessary stiffness and precision for those tiny holds.
Unboxing these Scarpa shoes was a moment of anticipation. The sleek black and aqua design immediately caught my eye, and the build quality felt incredibly solid.
I considered the La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s and the Five Ten Hiangle Women’s, both highly regarded aggressive shoes. However, the Scarpa’s reputation for a precise fit and the promise of enhanced sensitivity ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of excitement mixed with slight apprehension. They looked aggressive and ready to tackle any climb, but I knew there might be a break-in period to contend with.
Real-World Testing: Putting Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s at my local climbing gym, focusing on overhanging bouldering problems and steep sport climbs. The gym offered a variety of holds, from tiny crimps to smooth volumes.
The shoes performed exceptionally well, even on my first climb. The Vibram XS Grip2 sole provided incredible stickiness on every surface, and the aggressive downturn allowed me to pull hard on small holds.
There was a slight initial discomfort around my toes, a common experience with aggressive shoes. After about an hour, my feet started to adjust, and the shoes began to mold to my foot shape.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s have become my go-to shoes for challenging climbs. The shoes continue to provide excellent performance.
The durability is impressive; the heat-welded overlays show no signs of wear and tear. Cleaning them is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking and performing their best.
Compared to my previous, more comfortable shoes, the Scarpa Instinct VS offers a significant upgrade in performance. The precision and sensitivity are unmatched, allowing me to tackle climbs I previously thought were beyond my ability.
Breaking Down the Features of Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s
Specifications
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s boast impressive specs. They are designed specifically for women, with a medium width.
- Gender: Female
- Footwear Closure: Lace
- Fabric/Material: Microsuede / Heat Welded Reinforcements
- Outsole Material: Forefoot Vibram XS Grip2,3.5mm; Heel Vibram XS Grip2, 2mm
- Midsole Material: Flexan 1.0mm
- Weight: Approximately 1 lb per pair, providing a lightweight feel for enhanced agility.
- Outsole: The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber ensures superior grip on various rock types.
- Upper: Constructed from microsuede for comfort and durability.
These specifications translate to exceptional climbing performance. The aggressive downturn and sticky rubber provide the necessary tools to tackle challenging routes.
Performance & Functionality
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s excel at their primary function: enabling high-performance climbing. The shoes provide excellent edging power and sensitivity, allowing for precise foot placements.
A minor weakness is the initial break-in period, during which some discomfort may be experienced. However, the benefits far outweigh this initial inconvenience.
The shoes exceed my expectations for an aggressive climbing shoe. They offer the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s is outstanding. The microsuede upper is both comfortable and durable, and the heat-welded reinforcements add to the shoe’s overall strength.
The shoes are designed with a woman’s foot in mind, providing a snug and supportive fit. There is a slight learning curve to fully appreciate the shoe’s aggressive downturn.
Durability & Maintenance
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s are built to last. With proper care, these shoes should withstand the rigors of regular climbing.
Maintenance is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional resoling will extend their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s do not come with many accessories. However, resoling is an important consideration for extending the life of the shoe.
The shoes are compatible with various resoling services. The sticky Vibram XS Grip2 rubber can be replaced to maintain optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s
Pros
- Exceptional Edging Power: The aggressive downturn and stiff midsole provide unparalleled edging performance on small holds.
- Superior Grip: The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber offers incredible stickiness on various rock surfaces.
- Precise Fit: Designed specifically for women’s feet, these shoes offer a snug and supportive fit.
- Durable Construction: The microsuede upper and heat-welded reinforcements ensure long-lasting performance.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: The thinner sole allows for greater sensitivity, providing a better feel for the rock.
Cons
- Initial Break-in Period: Some discomfort may be experienced during the initial break-in period.
- Aggressive Design: May not be suitable for beginners or climbers seeking a more comfortable shoe.
Who Should Buy Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s?
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s are perfect for intermediate to advanced female climbers. These climbers require precision and performance on challenging routes and boulder problems.
Beginners or climbers who prioritize comfort over performance should skip this product. A flatter, more flexible shoe would be a better choice for learning the basics.
A climbing brush for cleaning holds and chalk, as well as regular resoling, are must-have accessories. These help to maintain the shoe’s performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s
The Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s are a top-tier choice for serious female climbers. These climbers demand the best in performance and precision.
At $209.00, the price is justified given the shoe’s exceptional quality and performance. They offer a significant advantage on challenging climbs.
I would highly recommend these shoes to any intermediate or advanced female climber. Those who are looking to push their limits and improve their performance on the wall will love these.
If you’re ready to take your climbing to the next level, the Scarpa Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes – Women’s are an investment you won’t regret!