Scarpa Zodiak vs Kinesis/Active

[Riflehuntr19]

Hey guys, I think I want to try a Scarpa boot. These options seem to fit the bill for a stiff hiking boot that is approaching the mountaineering boot for rougher terrain hunting. I hunt rugged rocky wilderness areas often and this includes some early spring and late fall time frames where there’s often a few inches of snow on the ridges. The Zodiac is light and has some nice features but I’m leaning towards the leather options for more durability and handling the rocky abrasions and dealing with wetness from some snow better. I’m okay with the weight of the leather boots. What do you think? Thanks.

 

[Ten Bears]

I just picked up a pair of the Zodiacs. Picked up a pair of Crispi Thors. I sent the Crispis back today. The Zodiacs are a well constructed lightweight boot. I do wish they were 1 inch taller but other than that a great boot. Not too stiff yet not bendy also. Roomy toebox and good heel lock. Taking them to NM next week.

 

[Riflehuntr19]

I just picked up a pair of the Zodiacs. Picked up a pair of Crispi Thors. I sent the Crispis back today. The Zodiacs are a well constructed lightweight boot. I do wish they were 1 inch taller but other than that a great boot. Not too stiff yet not bendy also. Roomy toebox and good heel lock. Taking them to NM next week.

Definitely seem to be a good boot. You think they’ll hold up in rocky stuff for 3-4 years with a few trips a year?

 

[Ten Bears]

Definitely seem to be a good boot. You think they’ll hold up in rocky stuff for 3-4 years with a few trips a year?

A lot of variables. If it’s straight up rocks all day for 3/4 years. nope. Not many boots do.

I would be more concerned with the height if I was in shale/rocks.

 

[bonepoint]

I don't have any experience with the Zodiak, but I think the Kinesis and Active SL are as good as a boot gets, especially considering that you can get them for around $250 now. I love them for early season big game or for chukar hunting. The uppers on the Kinesis and Active SL are really robust, well constructed with a very well treated, thick leather. The uppers are much better constructed thatn my Zamberlan 980s that were over $400. My Actives SLs are more waterproof that most boots with Gore-tex.

The Kinesis and Active SL are a more narrow boot (like the Zamberlan), which fit my feet great, but won't work for everyone. A little more narrow than Crispi's, but quite a bit more narrow than Lowas and Kennetreks in my experience.

 

[PredatorX]

Are you taking the zodiac techs? I have the techs and I love them. To me they wear like a sneaker but perform like a mountain boot if that makes sense. They are the furthest thing from clunky you will find. I pair with some orange superfeet and they make me happy everytime I put my foot into them.

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[Rokwiia]

The Kinesis and Active SL are a more narrow boot (like the Zamberlan), which fit my feet great, but won't work for everyone. A little more narrow than Crispi's, but quite a bit more narrow than Lowas and Kennetreks in my experience.

I've been actively looking for an all-leather boot and, yesterday, I tried on the Scarpa Active SL. Beautiful boot, just enough room in the toebox and had every feature I was looking for. In my case, it was just a hair too narrow around the instep area and caused a problem. Were it not for that, I would have walked out the door with them.