Okay, here we go but first a disclaimer, I clearly don't review stuff for a living and this review will be done in relation to how the boots worked for my foot. Second, due to where I purchased the boots, I was able to wear the Scarpa Zodiac's outside and still be able to return them if need be. The Kuiu Scarpa R Evo Trek had to stay inside for fitting purpose in the event I needed to send them back. Bummer, but I am not made of $$$.
Sole:
Scarpa Zodiac Gtx: Excellent traction, tacky sole,I can see the "approach" style in this sole. The "lug" spacing was nice and appeared that would not have issues clearing out mud etc..
Kuiu Scarpa R Evo Trek: Very good as well, not as "tacky of a sole" lug spacing was similar to the zodiac's (my opinion)
Stiffness:
Zodiac Gtx: This was stiffer that the Kuiu R Evo Trek but not too stiff. I noticed that there was slightly less flex in the toe box area and I can see why it would work well as an approach type boot.
Kuiu R-Evo Trek: Slightly less stiff than the Zodiac, but still stiff enough to carry out heavy loads. I noticed more flex through the toe box area. I feel that this type of flex would be ideal for "overall" elk hunting during archery. It had a very nice blend of stiffness and flex. I figure I spend 90% of my time hunting and 10% packing out (camp or meat). So I think I would lean toward foot comfort during hunting times.
Toe Box:
Zodiac Gtx: I liked the toe box better on the Zodiac's, it was slightly wider than the Kuiu R-Evo Trek. There was not a full rubber rand on this boot but the partial rand appeared to be sufficient.
Kuiu R-Evo trek: The toe box was slightly more narrow, I felt my small toes pressing against the side of the boot. I think overtime I would have had some hot spots or blisters (but I could not take the boot out for a test hike). I liked the full rand on this boot.
Volume:
Zodiac Gtx and Kuiu R-Evo Trek: Both similar too close to call. I have a low volume foot and I liked that theses boots did not have a huge amount of volume compared to other boots. win win here for me.
Comfort:
Zodiac Gtx: Footbed (not great for me) I use a custom foot bed and used it for the test. The boot could accommodate my foot bed without an issue. Not enough padding around the heel area and I wish the boot would have been a little taller but I could have lived with it. I noticed the lack of padding or support around the ankle area and I had a pressure point issue on the back of my left heel when I was climbing. This was going to be an issue and I knew this was a deal breaker for me. My heel did not fully "lock in " like I need it to be.
Kuiu R Evo trek: Foot bed (not great) need to upgrade this similar to the zodiac. Used my foot bed and it helped. This boot had more "padding" in the ankle area which was nice. I felt that this boot had better support than the zodiac around the ankle area. That said, I could not get my heel to lock in like I need. Going up and down my stairs and using my treadmill I had some heel slip that I could not remove despite working with laces and tying the boots tighter.
Appearance: Yes I know they are just boots and fit and performance is top priority. That said, I liked the look of the Kuiu R-evo better.
In short, I really wanted to get a pair of Scarpa's but in the end they did not fit my foot the way I needed. I had a pressure point issue on my left heel with the Zodiac which was going to cause issues and on the Kuiu R-Evo trek, I could not get my heel to lock in and it would slip. Both boots are very well made and if you had the foot type for them you would not go wrong with Scarpa. If I had to pick one for archery elk hunting in Colorado, I would have chosen the Kuiu R Evo Trek. I felt that this offered the best "overall" option. Comfort for hunting and long hikes and just stiff enough to do the job for heavy loads. I was bummed that I could not solve the heel slip issue. In the end they both will go back.
Shout out to Tony Trietch, I had read his review of the Crispi Thor and decided to give it a go as well. I just got them in and I think that I may have a winner here. I like the stiffness, I can lock in my heel (no slipping), good room in the toe box and they are light. The volume is a bit bigger than the Scarpa's but I have a custom foot bed which can take up that space. Still thinking on them but they seem to fit the bill and they are very comfortable.
Like I said, I don't review things for a living and this is what I noticed on my foot. If you have questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.
