Scarpa Women's Vapor Climbing Shoe, Maldive, 34.5 EU/4 D US Review
The Scarpa Women's Vapor Climbing Shoe is a critically acclaimed piece of performance footwear designed for avid climbers looking for both comfort and technical excellence. Part of the award-winning vapor family, these shoes are engineered to enhance your climbing experience by offering versatility across different types of terrain while staying true to traditional designs.
One of the standout features of the Vapor is its single-piece synthetic upper, which not only provides a snug fit but also promotes exceptional comfort throughout your climb. The reduction of stitching minimizes the potential for hot spots, allowing for longer wear without discomfort. Further enhancing the shoe's performance is the full-length outsole made from Vibram XS Edge rubber—a material known for its incredible grip and durability, ensuring you feel secure on various surfaces.
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Features
- Medium charged bi-tension active rending for enhanced comfort
- Vibram XS Edge for superior grip and durability
- Full-length outsole for improved stability
- Single-piece synthetic upper that reduces stretch
- Luxurious padded tongue that ensures all-day cushioning
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to the single-piece upper
- High-performance Vibram outsole for excellent traction
- Lightweight yet supportive design
- Effective minimal stitching reduces chafing
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal fit
- Not suitable for very aggressive climbing styles
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Scarpa Women's Vapor | La Sportiva Theory | Five Ten Anasazi VCS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Synthetic | Leather/Synthetic | Leather |
| Sole Material | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Cushioning | Padded tongue | Moderate padding | Minimal padding |
| Best For | Versatile climbing | Precision climbing | Sport climbing |
Detailed Review
When you first slip your feet into the Scarpa Women's Vapor Climbing Shoes, you'll notice the thoughtful design immediately. The luxurious padded tongue adds a welcome layer of comfort, making it an ideal choice for long climbs where foot fatigue can set in. The medium charged bi-tension active rending technology effortlessly molds to your foot, providing a personalized fit that supports your movements.
Moreover, the integration of Vibram XS Edge rubber enhances your grip significantly. Whether you're bouldering or scaling multi-pitch routes, confidence in your footholds is essential, and these shoes deliver on that front with flying colors. Many users have reported that they provide excellent performance across various rock types, making them a versatile option in your climbing gear arsenal.
However, it’s important to note that while they excel in comfort and versatility, climbers seeking ultra-aggressive performance might find these shoes less suitable. Additionally, some users might experience a brief break-in period before achieving the perfect fit, so patience is key.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Outstanding comfort; padded tongue and innovative upper design. |
| Grip | 10/10 | Superior grip provided by Vibram XS Edge rubber. |
| Fit | 8/10 | Snug and supportive fit, may require break-in. |
| Versatility | 9/10 | Great for various climbing styles and terrains. |
User Reviews
This is my first pair of moderate/aggressive shoes following my Scarpa Origins. It was between the Vapors and the LaSportiva Miura VS, and I feel like I made the right choice. I have very low volume feet, and exceptionally low volume heels, and my Origins always slipped off when I heel hooked. Plus with the Velcro straps, I could never get them tight enough and the straps started falling apart from how much I pulled them to tighten them. All of that changed with my new Vapors! They're incredible 😍 I've had them for a couple of months now and I feel like I can trust my feet so much more. The rubber is super sticky on slab, too. My confidence has skyrocketed in these! I had tried on the Velcro version at REI, but I wanted to be able to tighten them more at the ankle to keep my heels in. The only issue I have is that they have a smaller toebox than the Velcro version. I ordered the same size as my Origins and as the Velcro Vapors I tried on, and these are a good bit tighter. It's been a couple of months of consistent climbing and they haven't stretched much either, so the break in period is pretty long if you buy them tight. No matter what, I'd prefer them too tight over too loose so I'm not complaining, but it is a warning.Overall, I wouldn't trade them for any other shoe. I think these really made a huge difference in my climbing. And while they take longer to put on and take off because of the laces, I much prefer the adjustability over velcro straps.
I wear street shoe size 7, and 7 1/2 fits snugly and comfortable enough to wear while not climbing; tried 7 1/3, too tight on heel, cut into the tendon. Heels lock tightly, precise on the toes, but the rubber is not sticky, slip a lot on overhangs.
I love theses shoes. I have narrow feet and the lace ups work well for me. I bought them in a 40.5 even though I wear a 39 (size 8) in regular shoes.
I returned these, despite getting them at a really good price: they pinched really hard at the back of the ankle and would have definitely left blisters or cut me up. Maybe I needed to go up a half size (I wear a women's 6.5 normally and got a 37.5), but it almost seemed as though the shoes was designed to be stiff and pinch in the heel/ankle area. Seemed like a quality build otherwise, but just not for me.