I have had a pair of Zamberlan [Italian] walking boots for 22 years which haven't got used that often, but I love them. Over the last year my feet have swelled slightly and my boots no longer fit, I have the largest size that manufacturer makes. This is really sad as the boots have many more years of life left in them. I am about to buy a pair of Scarpa SL Active Hiking Boots as they come in my size; this video has really cemented my buying decision, thank you Stu Clarke.
It's once more time to buy boots, and I really appreciate long-term usage reviews like this one. I'm torn, because my Lowa Caminos are probably the most comfortable footwear I've owned; they kept me comfortable and blister-free on the Australian Alps Walking Track when those around me were giving their blisters names and postcodes. But they were never waterproof despite waxing, the rand started to separate around 300km, and at about 1100km there are holes in the leather. I'm looking hard at Scarpa.
I was always a big fan of Lowa back in the day, they made great fitting boots. If you are down in Australia the Scarpa's would be a good choice. They have been great in the wet on Vancouver Island without being Goretex, which would be a bit hot for my liking in a warm climate
Nice review. Have you re-soled your SL actives yet? Ive had mine for about 4 years and the soles are now wearing thin on the front outside edges. Absolutely fantastic boots and i expect to get several more years use from them.
I have had the Scarpa SLM boots for 15 years and they've been fantastic. Sadly, they don't make them anymore. Will be looking to get a similar pair and likely will get the SL Actives. I prefer no gtx lining and it's so hard to find these days, especially in large sizes (size 50)/15+). One thing I am dissapointed with is that Scarpa made the SLM's in a std and wide width, and the SL Actives just come in one width. Since I'm a narrow, I hope they will fit.
Yeah widths are very difficult for a lot of stores to manage especially in the larger sizes so I understand why they don't make them, just unfortunate for people like you. The SL actives do seem to fit a bit on the wider side. Were you able to try them on?
Hey mate, really appreciate the review. I’m considering these to replace the lightweight Oboz/Keen/Salomon style that I’ve been using the last 12 years. I’m 6’4” 115kgs (250lbs), do lots of multi day solo hikes with 20-30lbs of gear, and I usually go through one pair of boots every 1.5 years (usually around 500kms per pair), but my knee has started bothering me and I thought a more supportive boot may help on my longer (50km +) hikes. My question is: I’m in New Zealand and have to do many river crossings, so these would be frequently wet. Have you found that these dry easily, and have you noticed that a more supportive boot helps on the knee front? Thanks for your review, and sorry for the mini-novel of a question, just trying to shake the wisdom tree. 😅
Good questions, They are not the fastest to dry to be honest but being full leather and high quality they don't have a lot of foam in them to hold water either, So they will be damp but comfortable. I feel you on the knees unfortunately. I have put Superfeet insoles in mine which definitely help with the knees. Knees are tough because what is causing the pain. I find that lighter weight boots will often have lighter midsole material like EVA so will quickly compress on one side or the other causing pronation or supination which will put a lot of pressure on the knee. These boots are quite stiff and the midsole and outsole have worn very straight for me, so great for helping with pronation or supination. But what you may notice is the stiffer boot will protect the ankles better but move some of that flex up and put more stress on the knee. I would consider it a top choice for the type of use you are looking for, but really hard to say for the knees. You are a bigger guy than me, so they will flex a bit more for you too, definitely worth a try on and a walk around to see how they fit. Cheers
@@raincoastphoto thanks for that. Hmm. Decisions decisions. I might take the gamble and see what comes of it. Worst case scenario I’ll limp my way back out of Fiordland and chalk it all up to a $400 learning experience 😅
For hiking and scrambling in the mountains I would say yes no problem. It’s not as stiff as a full mountain boot so not ideal for actual climbing and it won’t take a step in crampon. As for winter for day trips absolutely a great boot but for multi day in the snow I prefer a boot with a gtx liner to help keep it dry.
In that case I would definitely be looking for a slightly stiffer boot, with a goretex liner and a more substantial rubber rand to protect the leather@@Fischer56
Unfortunately I have been out of that industry for quite awhile so not totally up on the current lineups. Scarpa or La Sportiva would be good places to start. With the stiffer mountain boots the fit is so important because the stiffer materials don't break in quite the same, so the only way to really tell is to try on as many as possible@@Fischer56
I have a set with roller hardware. 7 years backpack hunting in them all over BC. Been incredible. I dont know how many miles of sidehilling with 60+ lb pack. Just this year the heel lining has worn through. Other than that they have held up superbly. Hoping that my new kinesis gtx hold up half as well. If i can find someone to put new heel lining in im sure ill get another 7 years out of the SL activs
Finally, a boot review by someone who's actually USED them! I'm sick of unboxing videos being presented as 'reviews'.
Thanks, yes my thoughts exactly, I will try and do most of my reviews on gear and clothing I actually use and not just for the weekend
I have had a pair of Zamberlan [Italian] walking boots for 22 years which haven't got used that often, but I love them. Over the last year my feet have swelled slightly and my boots no longer fit, I have the largest size that manufacturer makes. This is really sad as the boots have many more years of life left in them.
I am about to buy a pair of Scarpa SL Active Hiking Boots as they come in my size; this video has really cemented my buying decision, thank you Stu Clarke.
Brilliant video and really in depth. Need people to make more reviews like this one. You’ve earned a subscriber!
Thanks I really appreciate it, more reviews to come.
Probably the best boot review i have watched, thank you
thanks Derek I
It's once more time to buy boots, and I really appreciate long-term usage reviews like this one. I'm torn, because my Lowa Caminos are probably the most comfortable footwear I've owned; they kept me comfortable and blister-free on the Australian Alps Walking Track when those around me were giving their blisters names and postcodes. But they were never waterproof despite waxing, the rand started to separate around 300km, and at about 1100km there are holes in the leather. I'm looking hard at Scarpa.
I was always a big fan of Lowa back in the day, they made great fitting boots. If you are down in Australia the Scarpa's would be a good choice. They have been great in the wet on Vancouver Island without being Goretex, which would be a bit hot for my liking in a warm climate
Nice review. Have you re-soled your SL actives yet? Ive had mine for about 4 years and the soles are now wearing thin on the front outside edges. Absolutely fantastic boots and i expect to get several more years use from them.
Thanks Joe, no not yet, I have kept most of my hiking to trails so they have worn quite well for me. They are a great boot that's for sure.
Cheers
I have had the Scarpa SLM boots for 15 years and they've been fantastic. Sadly, they don't make them anymore. Will be looking to get a similar pair and likely will get the SL Actives. I prefer no gtx lining and it's so hard to find these days, especially in large sizes (size 50)/15+). One thing I am dissapointed with is that Scarpa made the SLM's in a std and wide width, and the SL Actives just come in one width. Since I'm a narrow, I hope they will fit.
Yeah widths are very difficult for a lot of stores to manage especially in the larger sizes so I understand why they don't make them, just unfortunate for people like you. The SL actives do seem to fit a bit on the wider side. Were you able to try them on?
Useful and informative. Thank you
Hey mate, really appreciate the review. I’m considering these to replace the lightweight Oboz/Keen/Salomon style that I’ve been using the last 12 years. I’m 6’4” 115kgs (250lbs), do lots of multi day solo hikes with 20-30lbs of gear, and I usually go through one pair of boots every 1.5 years (usually around 500kms per pair), but my knee has started bothering me and I thought a more supportive boot may help on my longer (50km +) hikes.
My question is: I’m in New Zealand and have to do many river crossings, so these would be frequently wet. Have you found that these dry easily, and have you noticed that a more supportive boot helps on the knee front?
Thanks for your review, and sorry for the mini-novel of a question, just trying to shake the wisdom tree. 😅
Good questions, They are not the fastest to dry to be honest but being full leather and high quality they don't have a lot of foam in them to hold water either, So they will be damp but comfortable. I feel you on the knees unfortunately. I have put Superfeet insoles in mine which definitely help with the knees. Knees are tough because what is causing the pain. I find that lighter weight boots will often have lighter midsole material like EVA so will quickly compress on one side or the other causing pronation or supination which will put a lot of pressure on the knee. These boots are quite stiff and the midsole and outsole have worn very straight for me, so great for helping with pronation or supination. But what you may notice is the stiffer boot will protect the ankles better but move some of that flex up and put more stress on the knee. I would consider it a top choice for the type of use you are looking for, but really hard to say for the knees. You are a bigger guy than me, so they will flex a bit more for you too, definitely worth a try on and a walk around to see how they fit. Cheers
@@raincoastphoto thanks for that. Hmm. Decisions decisions. I might take the gamble and see what comes of it. Worst case scenario I’ll limp my way back out of Fiordland and chalk it all up to a $400 learning experience 😅
@@raincoastphoto I got myself a pair, couldn’t be happier with them 😊
@@clp1 That\s awesome glad to hear, hopefully you get a ton of great miles out of them
40 years ago i had scarpa walking shoes best ive ever had italians can make great gear
Yes there is definitely a reason they are known for there footwear. And amazingly 40 years later and they are still being Made in italy
Thanks for sharing. Is that PU midsole soft as shock absorbing? Subscribed
Its not bad, but it's made more for support and durability. I put Super Feet insoles in them which seems to make for a nice combo
can it be used for alpine hiking/winter hiking?
For hiking and scrambling in the mountains I would say yes no problem. It’s not as stiff as a full mountain boot so not ideal for actual climbing and it won’t take a step in crampon. As for winter for day trips absolutely a great boot but for multi day in the snow I prefer a boot with a gtx liner to help keep it dry.
@@raincoastphoto thanks! i do ALOT of alpine hiking and need a new boot since mine got stolen haha. im usually alpine hiking for abou 5-7 days
In that case I would definitely be looking for a slightly stiffer boot, with a goretex liner and a more substantial rubber rand to protect the leather@@Fischer56
alright! any suggestions?@@raincoastphoto
Unfortunately I have been out of that industry for quite awhile so not totally up on the current lineups. Scarpa or La Sportiva would be good places to start. With the stiffer mountain boots the fit is so important because the stiffer materials don't break in quite the same, so the only way to really tell is to try on as many as possible@@Fischer56
I have a set with roller hardware. 7 years backpack hunting in them all over BC. Been incredible. I dont know how many miles of sidehilling with 60+ lb pack. Just this year the heel lining has worn through. Other than that they have held up superbly. Hoping that my new kinesis gtx hold up half as well. If i can find someone to put new heel lining in im sure ill get another 7 years out of the SL activs
That's great to hear, with the leather heel lining you should be able to find a good cobbler to replace it.
Wonderful reviewer
Thank you very much, I have a bunch more in the works