Scarpa fit

[TOLeary]

hey!

I’m looking for someone who has experience with the Scarpa crux (shoe) and a similar fitting boot. I emailed Scarpa and haven’t gotten a response. I’m looking for which of their hiking to backpacking boots have the same last or fit of the crux. The shape and the volume of the shoe fits perfect for my foot. I don’t have anywhere local that carries their boots so giving it a try on here

Thanks
Tim

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

The Zodiac models will be very similar.

I have the Crux and the Zodiac Tech. My youngest son has worn the Zodiac Plus and the Zodiac Techs. The Techs are basically a high top, sock fit, gortex version of the Crux.

 

[TOLeary]

The Zodiac models will be very similar.

I have the Crux and the Zodiac Tech. My youngest son has worn the Zodiac Plus and the Zodiac Techs. The Techs are basically a high top, sock fit, gortex version of the Crux.

thank you! This is what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been eyeing the zodiacs for a while now but haven’t pulled the trigger.

would you know what type of hiking/hunting makes your son switch from the Techs to the Plus? I like the idea of the same boot fit with a more flexible and stiff version.

Appreciate the feedback

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

The Techs (orange ones) are the way to go. I wasn’t sure about the built in gaiter when I ordered them, but it’s awesome. Keeps leaves, etc out. They’re obviously not a tough, 3mm thick, full blown mountaineering boot. They are a comfortable boot.

Admittedly, I am a Scarpa fan. I have worn numerous models since 2007. The one negative I would say about the Techs is that they all of a sudden went way up in price last year. They’re literally a few bucks more than the Manta Techs. That just doesn’t make sense.

 

[TOLeary]

full price is definitely hefty on them but seems. Like most similar boots are around the same price. Looks like some sales going on online right now.

I’ve been wearing Zamberlan baltoro lites for a couple years and really like them. Not too stiff or flexible. Great support. but when I bought the crux they had such a perfect fit I started looking more into Scarpa. You have any idea how the baltoro and zodiac compare specifically?

Also, any other shoe/boot options you like that fit relatively the same. I’m just assuming we have similar fit so might be a good place to start

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

I don’t have any experience with Zamberlan. The Ribelle models would be worth looking at too. I have not worn them, but they are a similar, low profile, lightweight style.

Yeah, full MSRP is tough.

I have a pair of the Mont Blancs that just didn’t fit one of my sons well. Good boots, but didn’t fit. I was going to try and sell them. Used for a season. Those are WAY different than the Zodiacs. Full blown 4-season mountaineering boots.

 

[TOLeary]

Gotcha. Thanks for help, really appreciate it

I think the zodiacs will fit my need perfectly. Don’t have the experience where I’d need the true mountaineering boot so a step below is definitely what I’m looking forz

 

[RAG]

Gotcha. Thanks for help, really appreciate it

I think the zodiacs will fit my need perfectly. Don’t have the experience where I’d need the true mountaineering boot so a step below is definitely what I’m looking forz

Did you pick up a pair of Scarpa Zodiac boots, either the Tech or the Plus? I'm coming from the other side of the equation, where I've been wearing the Zodiac Plus and for me, are by far the best "fast and light" hunting/trekking boots out there (compared to MANY other pairs I've tried and purchased), which probably has a lot to do with how they fit my feet.

I too have the Zamberlan Lites. The Zodiac Plus is very similar in build, though obviously a little shorter boot...but I far prefer the fit of the Zodiac, in that the toe box is a little more square and less pointy (and the Zamberlan Lite put too much pressure on my ankles too, which causes the back of my ankle/bone to get sore).

In any case, I'm looking for a pair of basic, on-trail hiking shoes to use on hikes with my wife...because of how well the Scarpa Zodiac Plus fits my feet, I'm betting the Crux could be a winner for me!

 

[RAG]

I see a lot of folks on here recommended the Techs. I bet just about anything the Zodiac Plus would be far better for you than the Tech. For reference, I have the Baltoro Lites in hand, and despite being quite new/fresh, the flex is a flimsy "1", whereas the Zodiac Plus is probably a 2 or 2 1/2. Also, a fair number of people struggle with heel lift/blisters on the Zodiac Tech (not me, but a lot of people do) because of the stiffness and heel lift. I say (for anyone listening and thinking about buying these), if you want a stiff boot, get the Rebielle HD or Lite HD (which I have and love!), otherwise, get the Zodiac Plus. Unless, you just absolutely love stiff soles and/or plan on using them to pack out heavy loads. My 2 cents!

 

[TOLeary]

Did you pick up a pair of Scarpa Zodiac boots, either the Tech or the Plus? I'm coming from the other side of the equation, where I've been wearing the Zodiac Plus and for me, are by far the best "fast and light" hunting/trekking boots out there (compared to MANY other pairs I've tried and purchased), which probably has a lot to do with how they fit my feet.

I too have the Zamberlan Lites. The Zodiac Plus is very similar in build, though obviously a little shorter boot...but I far prefer the fit of the Zodiac, in that the toe box is a little more square and less pointy (and the Zamberlan Lite put too much pressure on my ankles too, which causes the back of my ankle/bone to get sore).

In any case, I'm looking for a pair of basic, on-trail hiking shoes to use on hikes with my wife...because of how well the Scarpa Zodiac Plus fits my feet, I'm betting the Crux could be a winner for me!

I did get a pair of the older version Zodiac Techs (orange). I came from the baltoro lite before that. I like the fit of my forefoot in the zodiacs better due to the width and shape. I like the arch location better in the baltoro lite. I like the length better in the zodiacs. I’m typically in between sizes on most shoes so it’s difficult getting a comfortable fit. The zodiacs fit all around great but the arch is closer to the ball of my foot. with them being stiffer they’re uncomfortable to hiking in because of the pressure being increased in the ball of my foot. I think this is just a personal issue with my foot. The zodiacs are tight on my feet and after 5 minutes of hiking they’re extremely comfortable but still have a snug fit. The arch fits good but length is a touch tight. Half size up and they’re too big. The height of the baltoros are my favorite. Solid in between hiker and guide height boot. The zodiacs fell a lot shorter and with a stiff sole need to be taller because it feels like I’d roll an ankle with them.

The crux fit like the zodiacs but more comfortable since they’re not so stiff. I had the same issue length wise with the Cruz and sized down and fit much better in my arch but tight in the toes. Their sole grip sucks as they’re basically flat on the bottom so might want to think about that if you’ll be doing any hiking with them

 

[RAG]

I did get a pair of the older version Zodiac Techs (orange). I came from the baltoro lite before that. I like the fit of my forefoot in the zodiacs better due to the width and shape. I like the arch location better in the baltoro lite. I like the length better in the zodiacs. I’m typically in between sizes on most shoes so it’s difficult getting a comfortable fit. The zodiacs fit all around great but the arch is closer to the ball of my foot. with them being stiffer they’re uncomfortable to hiking in because of the pressure being increased in the ball of my foot. I think this is just a personal issue with my foot. The zodiacs are tight on my feet and after 5 minutes of hiking they’re extremely comfortable but still have a snug fit. The arch fits good but length is a touch tight. Half size up and they’re too big. The height of the baltoros are my favorite. Solid in between hiker and guide height boot. The zodiacs fell a lot shorter and with a stiff sole need to be taller because it feels like I’d roll an ankle with them.

The crux fit like the zodiacs but more comfortable since they’re not so stiff. I had the same issue length wise with the Cruz and sized down and fit much better in my arch but tight in the toes. Their sole grip sucks as they’re basically flat on the bottom so might want to think about that if you’ll be doing any hiking with them

Yeah, the Baltoro (like so many boots) has a pointy/skinny toe box...I guess that's how some people's feet are shaped. I guess, lol. I vastly prefer a wider, more square toe box, as is the case with the Scarpa Zodiac.

I feel like the Scarpa Zodiac's run 1/4-1/2 size small...so I size up 1/2 size from my normal and the fit is still nice and snug.

As for the arches, I feel like the Zodiac's have are pretty darned flat...which I feel is the correct answer. Let people buy insoles to meet their needs, I say!

Hmmm, based on what you are saying, now I'm ultra confident you would have got along better with the Zodiac Pro. I suppose you could order from somewhere with free return shipping, if you ever decide to give them a go. Or, just stick with the Baltoros if they work for ya.

I have ordered the Crux! I'll report back how they compare to the Zodiac Pro. For trail hiking, the soles ought to be fine.

Cheers!