SCARPA Men's Liskamm GTX Mountaineering Boot

I am a wilderness photographer who prefers the path less traveled - EyeInTheWild.com. I have not had these boots a year but they are holding up better than other boots I have had. My last boots were custom made russell mocassins while they were really comfortable they are not as waterproof as the scarpas, or NEARLY as durable. Back to the Liskamm's- these boots are tough, I have used them photographing griz in alpine conditions, climbing around with mountain goats on bare rocks in summer and in harsh winter conditions, scarpa perfroms very well. Break-in time is no joke Scarpa recommends NOT wearing these boots on long hikes when you first get them. It is easy to hurt the tendons in the tops of your feet with these super stiff boots, so break em in. I would not recommend these boots for easy terrain/trails, softer, more flexible & less rugged boots would be more comfortable in those conditions. Get this boot for steep rugged terrain particularly when carrying weight (photography equipment gets heavy). Great traction and support, order half to a full size larger than you would with more flexible boots (I went with a half size up). All in all I am impressed with these boots and I am not sympathetic when it comes to boot quality.

I think there are 3 things that make boot great for someone: 1- does it fit right, 2- does it have the right design and features for your intended use, and 3- is it well built?For me, the Scarpa Liskamm is an incredible boot. I wanted a boot that could be used for backpacking and off-trail exploring and yet be tough enough to use for forestry work where sharp sticks and rocks and steep slopes quickly destroy average boots. I researched for three months and narrowed it down to some middle weight mountaineering boots. Fortunately, I found a store a couple of hours away (White's in Spokane) that carried all the boots I was interested in so I could make a good comparison.And it was no contest...The Liskamm is far and away the best boot I have ever used. I have played & worked in Asolos, Merrils, Danners, Vasques, Hathornes, Georgias, Alicos, and others. I also carefully researched and tried others such as La Sportiva, Hi-Tec, Salomon, Keen, Lowa, Kenetrek and Zamberlin.I found a lot of good boots, but none like the Liskamm.They fit perfectly and securely hold my ankle and heel, yet I can move my toes comfortably. It isn't tight, but I don't slip around in them at all. In fact, despite about 20 miles of break-in (boots that don't need break in won't protect you and are for soft trails only), I didn't get a single blister. Being Italian, they come in many more sizes than the usual USA half-sizes so you should get a close fit. The layers wrap smoothly and evenly around your shin and ankle, with no pinches or pressure points that will hurt later. They are thick enough to provide total protection of soles and ankles. You won't feel any sharp points under these and your ankles will never be sore. They are lighter than a logging type boot, but the materials, design and superior workmanship make them stronger and longer lasting.They are completely waterproof. There are no needless seams or stitching that WILL let water in sooner or later. I can stand 8 inches of water for as long as I want and stay dry. The fully gusseted design keeps water from seeping in around the tongue. The heel is aggressive enough to descend steep hills without slipping and it is the only adequate heel I found that is actually part of the molded sole. Many boots with aggressive heels have them attached and these will roll or even come off with abuse. Most molded heels are too wimpy for steep, off-trail work.The one-piece heavy Vibram rand serves several important functions: it protects leather exposed at the toe and lower edge areas to sharp sticks and rocks, which can slice a boot. It provides firm-all around support to keep the foot from sliding. Lots of side hill walking on steep slopes will eventually cause blowout and excessive stretching that will destroy foot support in most boots--even in those made to work in the woods. But there is no stretching or sideways sliding in this boot. The rand is also an impenetrable barrier to water where water usually enters.The full-grain, silicon impregnated, rough-out leather--where it is exposed--is very durable and resistant to cuts and abrasion.Are they perfect? Not quite: the insoles are adequate, but you will be happy to replace them. The laces are a bit short, but they will be replaced eventually anyway. They also have two small ridges of leather under the laces that looks to me like might be overly exposed to wear and tear. I spent a few dollars on full-grain, 3 mm tongue guards and solved that if it was a problem.Cost? More than most hiking boots and similar to good logging boots. State and local taxes will push them to around $400. But if you are using them for rugged off trail work and fun you will come out ahead in the long run. And caring for your feet is no place to be cheap.

This pair of Scarpa Liskamm GTX mountaineering boots are quite impressive in many ways. I am retiring my all leather Swiss 1971 Raichle Matterhorns. It's time old friends. My toes needed just a bit more room anyway. The D width is true to size and I ordered a size 14 (Euro 48) to hold my size 13 foot. This will allow a medium weight wicking liner and the usual ragg wool sox and still have toe wiggle room. They are a nice combination of (stiff enough for crampons & edging, but enough flex/rocker to hike in). At this point in my life I do more scrambling around backpacking or hunting in rough rocky canyons & mountains, therefore, I cannot critique them for technical climbing as I probably won't be doing much of that anymore. However, they are comfortable, ankle supportive,& well crafted. I have never subscribed to the "lighter the better doctrine of boots". There is a trade off for foot protection. Being "old school",I like the green color. I am not a fan of the fruit boots. We will see how the Liskamms stand the test of time and use. Bottom line; they are offered as a crossover boot for two purposes (mountaineering & heavy duty backpacking). I think they are right on with that idea and result. I would recommend them to anyone that needs those options.