Verdict from 2 experts and 19 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Virtually everyone who has reviewed the Scarpa Crux Air (men’s and women’s) adores the gear’s excellent breathability.
- This high-quality approach shoe is exemplary in terms of durability, according to several sources.
- Based on a decent number of reports, the Crux Air has super-comfortable confines.
- It is a competent companion for both backcountry adventures and casual activities, a couple of testers say.
- When it comes to surface adherence, a user claims that this Scarpa approach shoe is nothing short of incredible.
2 reasons not to buy
- Someone who has purchased the Crux Air says that its tongue has a habit of bunching.
- An owner is not impressed with the flimsy build of the shoe’s tongue.
Bottom line
Breathable through and through—this appears to be a fitting description for the Scarpa Crux Air. Indeed, its ability to keep the foot cool and fresh in warm conditions is extraordinary. That said, outside ventilation, the shoe also begs to be appreciated in the durability, comfort, and versatility departments.
This Scarpa offering, however, might have a tough time wooing in some folks with its problematic tongue. Nonetheless, the Crux Air is a promising piece of investment, thanks to its list of approach-centric characteristics.
Good to know
-The Crux Air from Scarpa, the breathable sibling of the leather Crux, is designed to give wearers airy comfort and enhanced agility both on and off the trail. Its construction puts heavy emphasis on ventilation, making the shoe ideal for approach pursuits in arid environments.
-Users are promised a balance between cushioning and traversal security with the Crux Air’s hard-wearing sole unit. It is made up of a dual-density midsole and a Vibram outsole. Its forefoot zone is moderately rockered (does not touch the ground) to allow the foot to roll more naturally.
-Scarpa designers built the shoe with Activ Impact. This company-owned technology provides improved shock mitigation upon each landing. It also enhances leg-to-foot energy transfer, improving the user’s locomotion as a result.
The Scarpa Crux Air is a below-the-ankle approach shoe for men and women. In it, owners can get a personalized fit via the hiker’s lace-up closure. This particular lockdown system has a lace-to-toe construction, which allows for more defined lacing configurations.
The Crux has its supply of surface traction coming from its Vibram Vertical Approach outsole. It is based on Vibram’s Megagrip compound, which is designed to produce sufficient traction over different types of terrain, especially on slippery ones. Across and around its rubberized surface are aggressive lugs for extra grip over loose soil. The smooth section at its front end is commonly known as the climbing zone—a feature that grants additional slip resistance on boulder-type surfaces.
This approach-specific hiker from Scarpa is armed with a heavy-duty midsole for cushioning and stability. It is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), a material resembling foam characterized by a combination of resilience and a high rebound rate. It is built partly soft and partly rigid (also known as dual-density), translating to surefootedness without sacrificing comfort. A padded footbed sits right on top of it for added comfort underfoot and support.
What shields the foot from the elements in the Scarpa Crux Air approach shoe is a low-top upper made of breathable knit fabric. It comes with a synthetic pull loop for easier on and off. Both its forefoot and heel are randed to provide adequate abrasion protection and extra grip around climbable features.
Completing the equation of the Crux Air’s upper is the shoe’s fit management system. It is made up of combination eyelets, the top two pairs of which are plated, and a synthetic lace.