Scarpa Women's Vapor V-W, Turquoise, 34 EU/3 2/3 M US Review
When it comes to finding the perfect climbing shoe, the Scarpa Women's Vapor V-W stands out with its cutting-edge design and a rich heritage rooted in Italian craftsmanship. Founded in 1938, SCARPA has continually evolved, merging innovation with tradition to create high-performance footwear suited for a variety of outdoor pursuits. The Vapor V-W is no exception, offering a blend of flexibility and support that climbers demand.
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Features
- New split sole allows for more flexibility
- Lower tension on the Achilles offers all-day comfort
- Bi-Tension active randing system provides maximum toe power
- Dual power strap closure allows adjustable fit
- Vibram XS Edge provides incredible grip and durability
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for prolonged wear
- Excellent traction on various surfaces
- Adjustable fit ensures security during climbs
- Lightweight yet durable construction
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Not suitable for those who prefer a stiffer shoe
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Scarpa Women's Vapor V-W | La Sportiva Theory | Five Ten Anasazi LV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Closure Type | Dual Power Strap | Synthetic Velcro | Velcro |
| Grip | Vibram XS Edge | Vibram | Stealth C4 |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
Detailed Review
The Scarpa Women's Vapor V-W is designed with climbers in mind. Its innovative split sole technology enhances flexibility, allowing your foot to move naturally without compromising performance. This feature is particularly beneficial during challenging climbs where precision is key. Additionally, the lower tension at the Achilles region promotes unprecedented comfort, making these shoes ideal for all-day wear.
One of the standout aspects of the Vapor V-W is the Bi-Tension active randing system, which maximizes toe power. This technology helps to maintain a precise fit while ensuring that energy is efficiently transferred from your foot to the rock. Coupled with the dual power strap closure, you can easily adjust the fit according to your preference, whether you need a snug fit for technical climbs or a looser feel for long routes.
The rubber sole is another highlight, featuring Vibram XS Edge technology that ensures remarkable grip and durability. This is vital when scaling steep walls or rocky terrains where slipping is not an option. The combination of synthetic materials and leather outer also contributes to a lightweight yet robust shoe design.
In summary, if you're looking for a climbing shoe that balances comfort, flexibility, and performance, the Scarpa Women's Vapor V-W is a worthy consideration. However, be prepared for a potential break-in period as you get accustomed to its unique fit and feel.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort for extended use. |
| Performance | 9/10 | Outstanding grip and flexibility for climbing. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials that withstand rugged use. |
| Fit | 8/10 | Adjustable fit, though may require breaking in. |
User Reviews
The shoes are great, but it takes time to get used to them. And the size is definitely smaller than I expected. When they arrived, I couldn't even put them on; after several attempts, my feet were there. I still can't quite use them for more than one route at a time at the climbing wall (too painful). But. I wanted a pair of aggressive shoes (after Five Ten Siren) -- so I kind of expected this. One month of pain - and now I can definitely say that I LOVE these shoes.
This product fits smaller than usual. I'm typically an 8.5 - bought the 8.5 and it was way too small - toes were scrunched ! ended up going with a 9.5. Fit perfectly.
Had the same pair with laces and love the fit. I am partial to scarpa shoes and my partner hates them so would really suggest going somewhere to try them on first but otherwise great shoe! Moderately aggressive for a mid range climber. Just the thing I needed to advance a little
I never actually got to try this shoe, but the construction of the shoe seemed excellent and I really wish it had worked. Unfortunately, these shoes were too low volume even for my low volume feet. I tried ordering a size up, but still couldn't get my foot all the way into the shoe. If I had gone up another size, the shoe would have been too long for my feet. That being said, each person's foot is different and I'm not going to reduce my rating just because the shoe didn't fit my particular foot. If you have narrow, very low volume feet, this shoe would probably make a good intermediate-advanced shoe. I really liked the fact that the shoe was downturned, but still had a relatively flat profile.
Absolutely adore these shoes for bouldering. I wear a street size 7, sized down half a size to 37.5 M, and boy was it painful the first week or two! I had to take them off between each climb, and I definitely got some blisters on my toes during that time. However, once they were fully broken in (between 1-2 weeks), they were a dream. I only have to take them off now once every hour or so, though I should take them off more often.I like that it's aggressive without being super downturned, and great for slab or angled walls. Maybe not as good on cave/overhanging compared to the Solutions, but I find them to be more flexible in terms of range of problems across the gym. For top rope / sport routes, I think they're fine once broken in, but if you're looking for something more comfortable for longer routes, these may not be best.For bouldering they are a dream. I have TWO pairs, and over the course of 5-6 months they each developed a tiny hole toward the front top of the shoe, near the 3rd and 4th toe area. I recently had them resoled because I love them so much and so far so good!If I buy another pair, I probably won't size down at all.
Great shoe. Gonna take a little while to break it in, but I'm happy with it!
Fit very well but expect that you can't downsize in these like you can in a lot of climbing shoes. Great medium aggressive feel, lots of power in the toes. Taking quiet a while to break in but I love them.
I usually wear a 7 in women's shoes and purchased this in a 7 1/3 based on other reviews. They still feel a tad snug, and I wonder if I should have gone with the 7.5. This is a more aggressive climbing shoe than I have used before, so that may be part of my issue. I've been using these regularly for a month now and they work exceptionally well; I've just had some blisters and I remove them between each climb because they're too tight to be comfortable to stand/belay in. I'm hoping they'll continue to break in with more use.