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Backpacker Magazine – June 2008

Big-Trip Boots: Trail Blazers

Get maximum support, traction, and protection without wafflestomper weight or break-in. Welcome to the new breed of all-terrain, any-load boots.

by: Berne Broudy, Photos by Christina Kiffney

BIG-LOAD SUPPORT
Scarpa Barun GTX
Overall 4.9
It's rare for a boot to get a near-perfect score in a BACKPACKER field test, but this nubuck suede model managed the feat with an amazingly balanced performance: It earned the field's top marks for support and stability under big loads, and the highest score for out-of-the-box comfort. The polypropylene midsole is the stiffest in the test (good for heavy loads and edging), but the graduated flex and pronounced rocker (curve) make for natural striding. The high, snug-fitting cuff kept testers' ankles stable even in rooty, slippery conditions on Vermont's Long Trail and rocky ravines in New Hampshire's Presidentials. The traditional square-lugged tread shed mud and gripped well on all types of terrain, and the Gore-Tex membrane kept our feet dry. Fit favors medium to wide feet, but not one tester–regardless of foot shape or volume–reported toe bang or heel slip. Credit pivoting lace loops and ankle lacing hooks that are easy to tighten and that help customize volume, combined with ankle "cutouts" that relieve pressure on climbs and let you cinch the lacing without pinching. Our only gripe: The sole is so stiff it can feel a bit clunky when you roll off your toe at the end of a stride. $219; 3 lbs. 7 oz.; men's 38–47, 48; women's 36–43. (303) 998-2895; scarpa.com.

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READERS COMMENTS

Still stupid all 6 of these boots have the same readers comments
Posted: Aug 18, 2008 Tom Sparks

I'm a size 12.5 and have a hard time finding boots. 12's fit good but can jam the toes on a down hill, 13 too loose and rub. Anybody make a narrow 13 or long 12 or how bout a nice 12.5?
Posted: Aug 16, 2008 Hawg

Hey....just bought these boots from Zappos.com on advice of this site. I've worn them all day with a 2 mile walk through the neighborhood. I'm leaving for Utah's Zion National Park this Sunday and intend on wearing them.....so far...so good. It's funny as I've made plenty of fun of people who buy boots and wear them the next day out on the trail but the boots I had intended on wearing were bruising a toe. I guess will get a "come to Jesus" test in the coming week. I'll report back.
Posted: Aug 08, 2008 fun2bethad

Posted: Aug 08, 2008 fun2bethad

This is stupid, Hey Backpacker.com try reading your READERS COMMENTS section, if I went to buy a pair of boots by how well a reader found them I would have been screwed, for every single one of the boots listed (Big-Load Support | Fast & Light | Best for Hard Miles | All-Day Comfort | Best Fit | Bargain) they all have the same READERS COMMENTS. Good thing I have a great pair of boots from Asolo.
Posted: Aug 04, 2008 Tom Sparks

My size is 15-D. Where can I find some good hiking boots? Please send answer to: jayad135@yahoo.com
Posted: Jul 27, 2008 Jay

My comment was in regards to the Hi-Tec Peak II.

Posted: Jul 10, 2008 Matt in Denver

I actually just bought a pair about two weeks ago at the Army surplus store on Hampdon and Broadway in Denver.
They are great so far. I know boots pretty well as I am a Wilderness Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service. I go through a lot of boot. I am pretty impressed with these guys so far. The only gripe I have is they are not full grain leather all the way around. There is a seam near the instep. This was a problem on some boots I bought last year in Tibet because the seam ended up splitting after a lot of use.
We'll see.
But, they are available in the US!!! And for the price they are a great deal.

Posted: Jul 10, 2008 Matt in Denver

Posted: Jul 05, 2008 Kris Card

This looked like the right boot for me, then I learned that they are not available in my neck of the woods. I kinda feel cheated.
Posted: Jul 03, 2008 Christine Henke

It might be nice if this shoe was offered in the US......

I found that this boot was available online only in the US in Maine....I would like to try this on at a store prior to my purchase. I have high arches and narrow feet, which severely limits the choices of shoes, much less boots, that I am able to wear. I suffered through 6.5 years in the USMC with gov't issued boots....if I have to buy them now, I would rather purchase something that was readily available to the general public....I would like to have reviews of readily available footware in the future.
Posted: Jul 02, 2008 Joe Kipper