I had a pair of scarpa (don’t remember the model, it’s from 3 years ago I think), and really liked the soft upper and sturdy sole. the fit was nice too, with probably the best heel box I’ve had (my heel is of the narrower varietal). The only complaint I have is with the rubber. I thought it was too soft, not too sticky, and seems to wear away pretty fast.

pete: do they have a nice new rubber on the Booster?

Not sure if the rubber is new or different from what was on yours, but it seems pretty sticky. Sticky enough to allow me to send the hardest rope route currently up at Fitplex last night :) (only 11a though)

I think I see what you mean about the heel fit. I must have a narrow heel as well and these are more snug than either of the previous pairs I’ve owned.

I’m fine with the sole rubber wearing quickly as long as I can still get them resoled and they don’t wear through the toe rand, rendering them useless. Time will tell.

You should check out the La Sportiva Solutions too. They look pretty sick… only problem is they’re on the pricy side. But the Boosters aren’t cheap either.

To answer some questions about Scarpa… They are essentially a totally different brand from 3 years ago now being seperate from Black Diamond. It is also my understanding that they have the 15 year veteran designer of La Sportiva on staff now (obviously not with La Sport. anymore) so the shoes are totally different and a lot more progressive than the olden day Scarpa. They also have a new rubber to answer Miguel’s question which is supposed to be comparable to the other rubbers in the industry. Word

Quick update to my review: I now have small holes in both the toes on these shoes. That makes it essentially 4 1/2 months of use and probably within 5 months they’ll be unusable. Do others go through shoes this fast? I feel like 5 months is quick, but maybe I just have to accept it.

I’d like to resole, which I know has been discussed in at least one other thread, but my holes happen above the sole, directly in front of my big toe. Can that be repaired? Is it a standard repair? Is it worth it?

i just got my pair of Sportiva’s resoled and “re-randed” for a total of $56. I am very happy with the job they did. The place is called “The Friction Fix” out of W. Virginia and had a pretty fast turn-around, a week and a half.

Who sells these shoes?

I got my Boosters from Moosejaw although I don’t think they stock them regularly.

Also, I got them back from Madison’s East Side Shoe Repair last week and they are pretty much as good as new. New rand, new sole, $45… can’t complain at all. They took me about half an evening of bouldering to re-break-in, but I’m definitely resoling again in the future. One third the price of a new pair really cuts down on climbing costs.