Now that we know if it’s possible to use a 15-degree sleeping bag in the summer, let’s move on to the next topic. So, what do we have planned for today? Here’s a little hint: we’re stepping into hiking/climbing territory; we’ll talk about an essential piece of your average hiker’s/climber’s equipment!
Whether you’re a pro or beginner, climber or hiker, young or old, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Scarpa boots. They’ve earned something you’d call a cult status among outdoor lovers worldwide. We’ve noticed many online users wondering if Scarpa is true to size. Besides providing you with some additional info, that’s the topic we’ll cover in the article that’s below!
While many other types of boots aren’t, Scarpa boots are almost always true to size. In simpler terms: they neither run big nor small. Also, being true-to-size makes them totally correspondent with the famous Brannock device without any issues.
We’ve only just started; feel free to check out the rest of the text on whether or not Scarpa is true to size!
Table of Contents
Scarpa boots 101 (FAQ)
Before we answer the question that rests in the title of this article, let’s consider some basic info surrounding the famous Scarpa boots. Stay tuned!
What are Scarpa boots?
Scarpa is an Italian company that is specialized in quality footwear production. They were founded back in 1938 and they’re a good example of why tradition means something in the modern world. They’re known to build excellent footwear for a broad range of mountain sports and activities, from skiing to mountaineering, through rock climbing, all the way to hiking and backpacking, or trail running. The company’s HQ is Asolo, Italy and the Parisotto family’s been running the business since the year 1956.
Here’s a fun fact: all Scarpa shoes/boots/however-you-wanna-call-’em are made in Europe.
What does Scarpa stand for?
Oh, sure, let’s enjoy some additional trivia! In the Italian language, scarpa means shoe. In a broader meaning, scarpa simply stands for Scarpa, one of the best outdoor shoe manufacturers currently on the market.
Does Scarpa make good boots?
It’s worth knowing that Scarpa boots are considered one of the most comfortable outdoor-activity boots out there (on the market). Most folks note that Scarpa boots are way comfier than your typical mountain boots. All in all: they’re well worth the money you’ll invest in buying them!
How do Scarpa boots fit?
The same rules apply as if you were buying any other hiking/climbing/mountaineering boots. They should fit quite nicely (snuggly) and they’re not supposed to feel too tight anywhere (once you break them in, of course). Here’s a test you’ll wanna apply: if there’s enough room to wiggle your toes, it’s good. Mountaineering boots require you use thick socks, so you’ll always want a little extra space inside the shoe.
Outdoor enthusiasts (with a thing for Scarpa) recommend you order two pairs/two sizes and see which ones are a better fit. However, once you take them outdoors, you won’t be in a position to return the pair that isn’t a good fit. That’s why you should try breaking them in while indoors (most probably: inside your home).
For a more in-depth look at how should hiking boots fit, we strongly recommend you read this article.
Do Scarpa boots run big?
Many of you might’ve wanted to ask this question for a long time and, finally, here’s the answer. If you were to check out what most users are sayin’ online, you’d get an impression they don’t run big. Needless to say, that’s the truth about Scarpa boots: even though it kinda depends on a particular model, they almost never run big.
Speaking of info you might find interesting, here are some additional tips on keeping your feet dry while hiking.
Do Scarpa boots have a wide toe box?
The internet outdoor community’s a bit confused about his one, or so it seems. Anyway, Scarpa boots (and here’s where you find a lot of them) aren’t exactly famous for being heavenly footwear for folks that have wider feet. They have other advantages but this ain’t one of ’em. In other words: they don’t have a wide toe box. Of course, there are modest exceptions: for instance, the model called Scarpa Boostic is an ideal climbing shoe for folks that have wider feet.
Can you stretch Scarpa boots?
Just like any type of high-quality (leather) boots, Scarpa footwear will also have to be “broken into”. In simplest words: they also require a break-in period. Anyway, it’s possible to stretch Scarpa boots. Also, certain specialized shops possess rubbing bars that are made with the intention to serve that purpose solely. Lastly, you’ll wanna know that, with Scarpa boots, you’ll be able to (slightly) modify heel and toe shapes to enhance the way your Scarpa boot fits.
Okay, so that’s it on the whole what-are-Scarpa-boots-and-other-info FAQ section! It’s about time we consider the main question of the article and that is: is Scarpa true to size?
Is Scarpa true to size?
So here we are and here’s your answer in the most straightforward manner: Scarpa boots are almost always true to the size. In other words: they neither run big nor small; they’re true to size. If you’re wondering what’s the standard definition of the true-to-size phrase, here it is: it means that the size that’s marked on the shoe corresponds with the Brannock device without any issues.
All in all: while most meant-for-the-outdoors shoes run a size smaller or bigger, Scarpa boots always seem to be true to the size. At least that’s the impression you’d get by interviewing users that had experience with the footwear we’re talking about in this text.
Now that we’ve got that one cleared up, let’s see some additional info you’ll find quite handy!
How to break in Scarpa leather boots?
If you’re wondering should you go on your outdoor adventure with your Scarpa leather boots before you even break them in, the answer’s simple: NO. If you don’t want your stay in nature to turn into a blister-ish nightmare, it’s very important that you first take some precautions. In other words: firstly, you’ll need to break in your freshly-bought Scarpa leather boots.
No matter how the boots feel the first time, even if they’re a perfect fit, one should still break them in. That’s something you’d call a simple truth. Anyway, breaking in Scarpa leather boots doesn’t differ that much from breaking in any leather shoes. Here we’ll show you how to do it; there are three simple methods we’d like to share with you.
#1 Wear them around the house
This is the no.1 tip you’ll find inside any article covering the how-to-break-in-leather-shoes topic. Wear your new leather boots around the house as much as possible. That way, you’ll naturally break in your new leather boots without succumbing to some suspicious alternative ways of doing it (none of them we’ll show you here). So, yeah, grab a pair of thick socks, put them on, jump straight into your new outdoor leather boots and you’ll be good to go.
#2 The warm water solution
Another way you can do this less or more naturally is to soak your new boots in warm water. Care to provide more details? Okay, so the first thing you’ll wanna do is to fill a bucket with warm water. Next up, you’ll want to put your new boots in the water and let them soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour (the better the quality, the more you’ll want them to stay soaked). This will help loosen the leather fibers a bit, just try not to over-soak your new boots.
Once that’s done, put on the aforementioned pair of think socks and jump into your new boots. You’ll wanna wear them until they’re almost completely dry. You might wanna use your blower to finish off the job. However, you’ll need to be very careful since direct heating can do some damage to the leather. Make sure the blower’s a good distance away from the boot while you’re drying it. While you’re doing it, bend your feet back & forth.
#3 The thing about ice
Yup, that’s right! For our last trick, we’ll kindly ask some ice to assist us! Anyway, the first thing you’ll do is fill an ice bag with water. You’ll wanna put it inside the boot at the spot that seems to be causing most issues. The next thing you’ll do is put your boots inside the freezer. Once the water in the ice bag starts to freeze, it will help expand the boots.
Once that’s over, take out the boots from the freezer and wear them around the home until they’re almost totally dry (like in method #2). You can also utilize the hairdryer, just make sure it’s not close to the boots while you’re drying ’em.
This last method for breaking in new leather boots brings to the southern margin of this text. Hopefully, you’ve had a fun time reading it!
For more tips on hiking equipment and everything that’s mildly related to the subject, click right here.
