Boot Mooch - The outdoor gear price comparison site

If you're going to buy a pair of high quality Italian boots you really want them to be made by a man called Luigi, and in this respect Scarpa don't disappoint!

At the age of 11 Luigi Parisotto started work with the Italian artisans in the area of Montebelluno, Italy as an apprentice shoe-maker. By 1942 Luigi started to
collaborate with S.C.A.R.P.A. (Societ Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima) founded in 1938 by the English nobleman Rupert Edward Cecil Iveagh.

In 1956 the Parisotto family (Luigi and Brothers - we can't confirm that one of them was called Mario, remember this is boot making not plumbing) acquired S.C.A.R.P.A. and started to develop the company in terms of design, technology and marketing. Over time they became known for sports

shoes and boots. the boots in particular caught the attention of Skiers and Mountaineers. By 1965 they were exporting to the US and quickly went global.

The family are still involved in the business today where the focus is still very much on building great looking boots that meet the highest demands of Mountaineers and Walkers.

At Boot Mooch we list Scarpa across 3 main sections: 4 Season Mountaineering Boots, 2-3 Season Walking Boots, and Approach Shoes.

The Daddy of the 4 Season Mountaineering Boots is the super warm Phantom 8000 with built in gaiters and heat retaining sole it's a favourite with high altitude climbers.

For Great British mountaineering the Charmoz GTX is a firm favourite and is the boot of choice for many Glenmore Lodge and Plas Y Brenin Instructors (who are sponsored by Scarpa but not ones to hold back on opinions!). They are B2 crampon compatible and like all of the new Scarpas they use the GSB fitting.

The Scarpa Manta (now in GSB mode) are an institution, they have have an endless list of followers (including the author) and if you want to do everything and only want one pair of boots your search is over. The Manta isn't the lightest, stiffest or any other ..est but they do everything well, better than well...

We've also taken to the lightweight boots, the ZG65 is a perfect 2-3 season, dare I say Summer boot that feels firm and supportive while still weighing about the same as your trainers. For most walkers these would be a great choice.

In Approach Shoe territory most of the boot makers are coming late to the party after Merrell stole a march. But second to market means refined R&D and Scarpa have made good use of this delivering a great range of shoes for all users. The favourite amongst Boot Mooch users is the Enigma XCR shoe.

So there you are Scarpa in a nutshell. As ever we try to list a full range of Boots and Shoes but if there is anything we're missing let us know and we'll add it.

The Boot Mooch Team.