Scarpa Veloce review

Who should buy the Scarpa Veloce

This climbing shoe has been revamped to address the myriad of challenges faced by modern climbers. It's for you if:

• You've always wanted a sleeker version of the Veloce. Wish granted.
• You're looking for a performance shoe that provides a combination of comfort and sensitivity.
• Climbing shoes that hug the foot minus the unwanted pressure are what you need.

Who should not buy it

Skip the Veloce and don the Scarpa Instinct VS instead if top-to-bottom toughness is high on your climbing priorities list. Also, opt for the Scarpa Instinct if you need a lace-up option that does wonders on edges.

Sticks like super glue

Many reviewers find their Scarpa Veloce climbing shoes extremely sticky underfoot.

Avoid scratchy surfaces

According to a considerable number of users, the Scarpa Veloce's outsole does not last very long.

The Scarpa Veloce's cottony suppleness

Its level of comfort is nothing short of astonishing, say numerous route smashers.

Light as a feather

This high-quality rock climbing shoe from Scarpa is amazingly light, according to experienced senders.

Insane responsiveness

A decent number of route smashers say that the Veloce has excellent sensitivity.

Needs stickier straps

It has been reported that its Velcro closure comes undone often.

Scarpa Veloce: Engineered with care

Reports say that this climb-specific offering is among Scarpa's best in terms of finish.

Bends to your will

The featured shoe is quite flexible, says someone who tests and reviews footwear professionally.

Hugging but not tight

Thanks to its Pressure Absorbing Fit technology, the Veloce provides a hotspot-free, glove-like fit.

Scarpa Veloce vs. Arpia

The Scarpa Veloce is one of the brand's most sought-after moderate climbing shoes. Because of that, many climbers are compelled to pit it against shoes from the same downturn category. In this particular case, the featured rock climbing shoe finds competition in another one of Scarpa's moderately cambered kicks—the Arpia. The points that follow will highlight their differences.

Pricing. On this front, the more enticing product is arguably the Veloce. Yes, it is cheaper than the Scarpa Arpia by roughly $20.

Lasting. The Scarpa Veloce is a board-lasted shoe, while the Arpia is a slip-lasted piece. The former construction type underscores rigidity, which makes climbing shoes supportive enough for a variety of maneuvers, particularly on edge-type protrusions. The latter, on the other hand, prioritizes sensitivity, giving wearers a better feel of the surface, especially on chips and similar tiny projections.

Upper construction. Both Scarpa kicks in this head-to-head come with a below-the-ankle upper made of microsuede. That said, only the Arpia has a confirmed backing (also known as lining), which is felt-like in texture. 

Rubber underfoot. The Scarpa Veloce clings to most surfaces with its S-72 rubber outsole. The Arpia, on the other hand, uses Vibram's XS Grip 2 outsole for virtually the same purpose. Between the two outsoles, the one on the Veloce is thicker than the Arpia's by 0.5 mm.