Spotlight: Scarpa - Gecko, Spirit and Rapid Approach Shoes

[@baze3SC]

I see people wearing Gecko-type shoes on their day hikes in national parks. Mostly on groomed trails with sloping terrain but also rocks and scree. A stereotypical hiking boot is probably an overkill for that but you still need something that doesn't slip if it rains etc. If there was a Gecko that uses mesh instead of leather I'd buy a pair.

[@ukclimbingofficial]

It's been a long time since I used a conventional walking boot for that reason. In the UK I just use approach or running shoes, as they're lighter and more breathable.

[@alexxela754]

Just ordered the Spirit. So true what he said about climbers uniform😂

[@robster6868]

I’ve got the Rapids and don’t like them that much,walk through a puddle and your feet are soaking wet,if it’s dry and dusty they fill up with all kinds of crap looking like you haven’t washed your feet for a week.On sole and upper rigidity issue,I don’t buy this at all,when the sole lands flat walking up or down ok but as soon as you traverse a hillside the sole deforms so the upper twists around and puts big pressure on my little toe,not much protection against little toe impacts.Disappointed.Hopefully Gore Tex version will address these issues.

[@IsuckYoungBlood]

What did you expect from what is basically a trail run shoe? :)

[@danshepherd9198]

Want to get some Rapids. What's the sizing like? Can't find them stocked in Barcelona to try them on!

[@ukclimbingofficial]

Hi Dan, I'm usually a UK 7 1/2 or EU 41 1/2 but they don't do half sizes. The UK 8 or EU 42 is perfect for me.

[@danshepherd9198]

@@ukclimbingofficial Thanks. So I ordered some 43.5s and the length is great but they are a little on the narrow side. I'm going to try them in 44 and decide if I keep them or not (I really hope they fit as they are exactly what I was looking for and they are soooo sexy!!).

[@danshepherd9198]

P.S thanks for these videos. Really helpful!

[@solitone]

They don’t declare drop in approach shoes. What is the drop in Rapid? It is similar to a trail runner, and weighs almost the same. How does it compare to the Spin Ultra? What about its toebox? Is it wide or narrow?

[@ukclimbingofficial]

The Rapid has a 6mm drop. Like you say, it's interesting why drop isn't discussed whenever we're talking about approach shoes, but is an essential (and unmissable) piece of information with running shoes. I guess the Rapid blurs the line between the two. We did a review of it here, which goes into more detail regarding the fit, feel and function: www.ukclimbing.com/gear/footwear/approach_shoes/scarpa_rapid_-_approach_shoe_meets_trail_shoe-13861

[@solitone]

@@ukclimbingofficial very interesting review, thanks for linking it here. Have you got any idea how thick the EVA midsole is, front and heel?

[@ukclimbingofficial]

@@solitone It's 18.5-24.5mm 👍

[@solitone]

@@ukclimbingofficial so very similar to Spin Ultra in terms of stack, but based on your review maybe Spin Ultra has a wider toe box

[@ukclimbingofficial]

​@@solitone Ordinarily I'd be in a good position to pass comment, as I've worn most of the shoes within the Scarpa running range; however, these are the two I haven't - hence I'd agree with whatever our respective reviewers said.