Summary
We spent 8.1 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what approachers think:
7 reasons to buy
- A majority of Scarpa Zen Pro users say that it is a delightfully comfy approach shoe for outdoor adventures.
- According to numerous consumers, its arch support is off the charts.
- Dozens of purchasers mention that the durability of this Scarpa approach offering is very commendable.
- Based on the report of some buyers, the Zen Pro’s scrambling performance is great.
- A handful of outdoorsy individuals appreciate the traction rendered by the shoe’s Vibram outsole.
- Its toe box is sufficiently protective, a couple of patrons claim.
- An owner is deeply impressed with the shoe’s quick break-in period.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several shoppers find the Scarpa Zen Pro to be quite heavy.
- A few wearers mention that the climbing performance of this approach shoe is lacking.
- It could have a bit more sensitivity, according to an expert.
Bottom line
Scarpa’s Zen Pro is able to impress the outdoor community, thanks to the comfort and arch support it provides. It also attains the approval of buyers because of its robust build, grippy outsole, and adequate performance for scrambling activities.
However, the heaviness of this Scarpa product manages to turn off some adventurers. All in all, even with this misfire, the Scarpa Zen Pro may appeal to both climbers and hikers for being a versatile approach shoe.
Facts
Expert Reviews
Experts are approachers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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82 / 100 based on 5 expert reviews
[W]hen you need a solid, durable hiker with exceptional traction on rock, the Zen Pro is an excellent choice.
Amongst the wide variety of approach shoes available today, these shoes stand out as the armored tank of the fleet.
I’ve been lusting after these shoes for ages – they just look so cool – so it was a delight to finally get my feet in a pair.
[I]t is certainly a good all-rounder.
In aspiring to feel like a runner but perform like an approach shoe, the new Scarpa Zen Pro just misses the mark – shame for what is otherwise a sturdy hybrid walker.
-The Scarpa Zen Pro is an approach shoe engineered with technologies that give comfort and performance for both hiking and climbing pursuits. Its durable S Tech fabric and suede leather upper contains Scarpa’s 37.5 technology for moisture management.
-This Scarpa offering comes with a midsole made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). It supplies users with a cushioned ride. The shoe’s Vibram Spyder 2 outsole gives traction on a wide variety of surfaces.
The Scarpa Zen Pro is a low-top approach shoe built for men and women. Wearers may achieve a secure and customized lockdown using the footgear’s conventional lacing system. It comes with the brand’s patented Sock-Fit DV system which employs both memory foam and Schoeller fabric to give a snug and plush fit.
The footgear is also built on Scarpa’s BN last, which offers precision and comfort for scrambling, climbing, and all-day walking. Its padded tongue, collar, and inner lining supply the user with a comfortable in-shoe environment.
The Zen Pro employs a sticky Vibram Spyder 2 outsole to give surefootedness on challenging surfaces. Its trapezoid-shaped lugs in the central and perimeter bite gives grip on different ground conditions. The sole has a climbing zone in the toe area and several grooves in the rear for added control when going uphill or downhill. Moreover, its self-cleaning lugs shed pebbles and mud to optimize traction.
This approach shoe from Scarpa uses an injected midsole made of EVA. It is designed to absorb shock and create a cushioned ride for the user. It also provides a supportive platform when tackling low-grade outdoor climbing projects. This component is paired with a P-Flex Lite insole for extra comfort underfoot.
The Scarpa Zen Pro features an upper made of Suede leather and S Tech Fabric for durability and breathability. It is lined with a 37.5 Cocona fabric for moisture management. It has a partial rand found on the shoe’s forefoot to resist abrasive elements.
The Zen Pro’s lacing system uses a series of eyelets and round laces to manage its fit. The tongue has a piece of fabric that helps keep the lace’s topmost portion in place. A pull tab can be found at the back to facilitate easy on and off.
Along with the Zen Pro, Scarpa offers the Mojito as an approach offering for outdoor enthusiasts. These products both come with the brand’s technologies to help users during their adventures. Shown below are the differences that set the Scarpa Mojito from the Zen Pro.
Upper. The Scarpa Mojito comes with an upper made of suede leather and lined with Vellutina fabric. The former grants durability to the upper while the latter creates a comfortable in-shoe environment. Its conventional lacing system also extends towards the toe box. This design element allows the user to gain a precise and secure fit from the footgear. A robust rubber rand is positioned on the front end to protect against accidental bumps. Meanwhile, the Scarpa Zen Pro sports an upper made of Suede leather and S Tech Fabric to make it sturdy against harsh trail conditions.
Midsole. Scarpa designers equipped the Mojito with a dual-density EVA midsole to render cushioning and absorb shock from uneven trails. It’s paired with a Comfort Fit insole for extra comfort underfoot and arch support. On the other hand, the Scarpa Zen Pro supplies users with a cushioned ride using its EVA midsole
Outsole. The Scarpa Mojito is fitted with a Vibram Spyder outsole for traction. Its center area is filled with hexagonal suction pads while the sole’s outline is sculpted. These features render grip and hold on uneven ground conditions. It has a climbing zone on the forefoot section which can be used on rock walls. The Scarpa Zen Pro comes with the latest Vibram Spyder 2 outsole to keep wearers stable over challenging terrain.
Last. The Mojito is built on Scarpa’s BM last. It is engineered by the brand to give all-day comfort for light approach trips. The Scarpa Zen Pro’s BN last is engineered to give precision and comfort for outdoor scrambling, climbing, and hiking.
Price. When it comes to price, the Mojito is cheaper compared to the Scarpa Zen Pro.
- Buyers who are planning to focus on climbing alone may want to consider getting a pair of beginner climbing shoes, such as the La Sportiva Mythos.
- Climbers who prefer a performance-based pair might want to look at the La Sportiva Skwama, an aggressive climbing shoe for indoor and outdoor send attempts.