Scarpa Epic GTX review

Who should buy the Scarpa Epic GTX

The Scarpa Epic GTX is a phenomenal approach companion—one that promises agile performance without giving up the ghost too soon. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer an approach shoe that requires lightness, control, and power in their step.
• Prefer an approach shoe that gives owners surefootedness over tricky surfaces.

Size and fit

The Scarpa Epic GTX is a low-collared approach shoe for men and women. It owes its snugness to Scarpa’s Sock Fit technology. Since it is built on a slim last, its interior provides a more intimate in-shoe experience. Its to-toe closure system allows for a highly personalized and secure fit.

Excellent underfoot grip

With the Epic GTX’s Vibram Elias outsole, hikers-slash-climbers can navigate rocky approach routes with sufficient grip underfoot. It comes with Megagrip subcomponents at key locations, which deliver surefootedness on different types of terrain, be they wet or dry.

Multi-directional skid resistance 

Blocky and node-like protrusions (a.k.a. lugs) are strategically scattered around it for multi-directional skid resistance over slippery surfaces, such as loose soil and muddy slopes. For added toeing and smearing adhesion, on the other hand, the outsole in question comes with a proper climbing zone.

Shock-absorbing and stable cushioning

What mitigates shock and provides footing stability in the Epic GTX is the hiker’s EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole. Scarpa engineers gave it a partial construction (it does not reinforce the forefoot section), so as to bolster the shoe’s toe sensitivity.

Excellent rear and arch support

Improving its cushioning game is the Comfort Fit footbed—a Scarpa exclusive. On top of comfort, this comfy layer grants additional rear and arch support. It is a fully removable insert.

Waterproof

The mildly fuzzy upper of the Scarpa Epic GTX is made mainly of water-resistant suede leather, which has a thickness of 1.8 mm. Access to and from its adequately padded confines is made more convenient with its heel pull tab. Its main bootie is imbued with a Gore-Tex liner, making the approaching hiker sufficiently water impervious.

Provides abrasion protection and forefoot traction

Scarpa designers placed enough randing around the shoe’s toe box. This rubber coating delivers abrasion protection and forefoot traction at the same time. The same designers also furnished the footgear’s rear with a heavy-duty overlay (also known as tensioned rand) to provide owners with extra heel support.

Ankle-to-toe lacing

All things upper-related in the Epic GTX are rounded out by the shoe’s ankle-to-toe lacing. It consists of a synthetic lace and more than a handful of regular eyelets, the top two pairs of which are with plating.