Scarpa Gecko Air review

Who should buy the Scarpa Gecko Air

The Gecko Air is an easy sell, with all its convincing trail-to-rock qualities. Indeed, it is yet another Scarpa gem, despite its lone misfire. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer an approach shoe that its wearers on approaches with its tough yet light and breathable construction. 
• Prefer an approach shoe that is designed to be flexible enough for packability.
• Prefer an approach shoe that is capable of “gliding” across level terrain.

Excellent underfoot traction

Hikers-slash-climbers have the Gecko Air’s Reptilla outsole to thank when it comes to underfoot traction. As it is based on Vibram’s Megagrip compound, it can produce and maintain enough grip both on dry and wet surfaces. 

Provides multi-directional skid resistance

It comes with a generous helping of low-profile lugs, which deliver multi-directional skid resistance over soft-soiled terrain. Its developers gave it a substantial climbing zone. This feature, which is the smoothed-out front end of the outsole, grants extra latching power on smears.

Comfortable and stable cushioning

The Scarpa Gecko Air mitigates shock on heel strike and provides a combination of comfort and stability with its compression-molded midsole. It is a one-piece component made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate)—a material akin to rubber commonly known for shape retention, resilience, and high durability. Its tapered design gives the hiker a slender silhouette.

Lightweight underfoot and odor-free

Completing the Gecko Air’s midsole equation is Scarpa’s lightweight Comfort-Fit insole. It doubles down on cushioning, as well as medial support. Scarpa designers imbued it with Carbon Active treatment, which fights off odor-causing bacteria.

Easy to wear

This approach-specific hiker from Scarpa confines the foot in its below-the-ankle upper made of long-wearing knit fabric. Access to and from its plush shell is made relatively convenient with its pair of synthetic pull loops. Its tongue has its sides securely stitched to the upper, giving the shoe a sock-like appearance. 

Provides abrasion protection

For abrasion protection, Scarpa shoemakers furnished both its sides with ridge-like overlays.

Excellent lacing system

Its lacing system rounds out all things upper in the Scarpa Gecko Air approach shoe. It is comprised of five pairs of non-plated eyelets and synthetic lace.