SCARPA Men's Mescalito Walking Shoe

I am a long time Scarpa approach shoe user. These are the current top of the line heavy approach shoe offering available from Scarpa imo. Some folks would say the Zodiacs. I love my Zodiacs , but they are a more structured, even stiffer shoe - better for long days, with big packs, Via Ferrata, that sort of thing. But, here’s the thing: Scarpa has gone to great lengths to make the Mescalitos lighter than previous shoes in this class. They have succeeded. These are noticeably lighter in use than what has come before, while still keeping them stiff enough to work well on the rock. Whether this will result in a shorter lifespan remains to be seen, but any reduction in usability over time will not be down to build quality. These are as well made as any shoe or boot I’ve owned from Scarpa. No, it’s the use of more synthetics to get the weight down which may limit how long these last. That’ll be determined in the future; however, for now, these are amazing. I find them to be extremely comfortable right out of the box. I also find them to have good performance in their intended role. Scarpa makes shoes like this for people who work in the outdoors. That does not mean they aren’t just as useful for people who need a solid, reasonably stiff shoe for all day wear. Only you will know if these will be a good shoe for your use. But, if they fit you, you will not find better. Someone mentioned them as being made in Romania. My pair were made in Italy which has been the case for every pair of approach shoes, in this class, that I have owned from Scarpa. Nothing wrong with Romanian made Scarpas. I own a lot. Just letting you know the pair I received were made in Italy. Highly recommended. UPDATE: Just some extra info. These shoes have two insoles, one being sewn in under the thin upper insole. The top insole will be familiar to Scarpa users, although this version is exceptionally thin. The bottom insole is like a Spenco insole: some sort of elastomer/foam. It seems to be there to provide cushioning. I am not crazy about this bottom insole. It does make the shoe cushy, but I prefer to provide my own insoles. I find that bottom insole too cushy. Soft insoles affect performance. I also find soft insoles become uncomfortable over a long day, not being stable enough, and requiring more energy to move with. The Mescalito is a great shoe, but; I’d take the Zen Pro over the Mescalito, personally. Take a look at the Gecko, if you are looking for a more technical approach shoe.

Too stiff, rubbed ny ankle

This is my 6th pair of Scarpa Shoes purchased from Amazon. 1 previous, while on vacation. These are my favorite because they are more comfortable, a higher heal inside and lace from toe to ankle. So, its easy to modify with my inserts. Purchase these babies. I ordered a second pair (these) just because. Dan

This is my eighth pair of Scarpa's....and that's for a reason. Always top quality, and consistent fit. I use these mainly for casual use, and walking. These replace my 2 year old Zen's, and like them, there's a slight break-in period. Nice looking, comfortable, well built shoes! (Made in Romania, just FYI)

Light, durable, stable. These are my new go-to hikers. It's a bit narrow near the pinky toes but this is a common problem for me.

They have a hard bottom. The insert that comes with the shoe is not sufficient. I put in a good insert, but there still was not enough cushion to make it comfortable because the bottom of the shoe is too hard. I walk four miles every morning, and these shoes are not comfortable,

Excellent shoes once again!

I've bought a lot of high quality hiking boots and approach shoes. But I've always just admired Scarpa from afar for some reason. Just never pulled the trigger on a pair. Well, for my birthday my wife got me a pair of these Mescalitos. I've taken them out twice so far (some high Sierra trail work and approach stuff) and I have to admire the quality workmanship. The fit is just right and they are so comfortable I want to wear them all the time. I highly recommend these. I'd give 6 stars if I could.