I previously had a pair of scarpa kailash trek gtx boots and was in need of a new pair of boots. I decided to bite the bullet and go down the leather route. The Scarpa SL Active boots sit higher around the ankle than the Kailash (big plus). The sole is super grippy with good toe box space. I typically wear a 44 eu in a normal daily shoe and decided to get the 46 eu for these boots to cater for thicker socks and the ability to do alot of downhill walking without my toes hitting the end. This proved to be a great choice. The boots do not feel too big and I have adequate space.I'd heard that leather boots require some breaking in time. I didn't find this to be the case with these boots. I'd undertaken a few walks around the block in prep for the bush, but these were ... MoreI previously had a pair of scarpa kailash trek gtx boots and was in need of a new pair of boots. I decided to bite the bullet and go down the leather route. The Scarpa SL Active boots sit higher around the ankle than the Kailash (big plus). The sole is super grippy with good toe box space. I typically wear a 44 eu in a normal daily shoe and decided to get the 46 eu for these boots to cater for thicker socks and the ability to do alot of downhill walking without my toes hitting the end. This proved to be a great choice. The boots do not feel too big and I have adequate space.I'd heard that leather boots require some breaking in time. I didn't find this to be the case with these boots. I'd undertaken a few walks around the block in prep for the bush, but these were instantly comfortable. The quality of the boots is second to none, and can see these lasting many many years. Very happy with this purchase!

A CUT ABOVE

I’m an avid outdoorsman and need a boot that can keep up with me. Working, farming, hiking and hunting I always need a comfortable boot. These have proven themselves in the first 30 day break-in. Great comfort and stability. Durable leather and a sturdy sole. I see these boots lasting for years to come. Zero fatigue!! Break-in is the most crucial period for a pair of good boots for me. I either love them or hate them based on the wear-in. I’m going to enjoy these.

Almost perfect

I returned these boots, but not because they aren’t extremely comfortable and better-built than most.I wore Scarpa Zanskars for two relentless years, and I moved to the suede Kailash when the Zanskar was discontinued. Although I’ve done significant and lengthy national park, etc., hikes, I more recently turned to the Scarpa boots for work, after I badly sprained an ankle in hiking shoes from a company I consider far lesser than Scarpa.In addition to Scarpa, I’ve worn Vasque, Lowa, Keen, and Oboz over a 25-year period. I started in a Scarpa shoe in 1995, and it was silly to look elsewhere.The SL Activ is a very refined traditional boot. I would recommend them to anyone seeking what they offer: Perfect craftsmanship, custom-like fit, comfort, durability, but no ... MoreI returned these boots, but not because they aren’t extremely comfortable and better-built than most.I wore Scarpa Zanskars for two relentless years, and I moved to the suede Kailash when the Zanskar was discontinued. Although I’ve done significant and lengthy national park, etc., hikes, I more recently turned to the Scarpa boots for work, after I badly sprained an ankle in hiking shoes from a company I consider far lesser than Scarpa.In addition to Scarpa, I’ve worn Vasque, Lowa, Keen, and Oboz over a 25-year period. I started in a Scarpa shoe in 1995, and it was silly to look elsewhere.The SL Activ is a very refined traditional boot. I would recommend them to anyone seeking what they offer: Perfect craftsmanship, custom-like fit, comfort, durability, but no GTX.Anyway, I’m older now, and I’ve decided my needs don’t warrant the brawn of the SL. Otherwise, I’d be writing these comments while wearing these boots! I’m staying with Scarpa, but I’ll be going with less ammunition.

Burly and Beautiful

I bought this in size 15/euro 50. They are definitely stiffer than boots that aren't all leather. For not having any waterproof liner, they are extremely waterproof. I've put them through some seriously wet conditions and have had perfectly dry feet. They're warm for sure but more breathable than I was expecting. I've backpacked maybe 30 miles in them and they're more comfortable each time I put them on. They do require breaking in, and my feet have been pretty sore a couple of times. I think this is the trade-off for the truly stellar build quality. The leather heel liner feels luxurious, the tread is stiff, grippy and super gnarly. The lacing system is also superb. I also love the rubber rand that goes all the way around the boot. These boots will be able to ... MoreI bought this in size 15/euro 50. They are definitely stiffer than boots that aren't all leather. For not having any waterproof liner, they are extremely waterproof. I've put them through some seriously wet conditions and have had perfectly dry feet. They're warm for sure but more breathable than I was expecting. I've backpacked maybe 30 miles in them and they're more comfortable each time I put them on. They do require breaking in, and my feet have been pretty sore a couple of times. I think this is the trade-off for the truly stellar build quality. The leather heel liner feels luxurious, the tread is stiff, grippy and super gnarly. The lacing system is also superb. I also love the rubber rand that goes all the way around the boot. These boots will be able to handle more abuse than any shoe I've owned and they can double as an awesome work boot. I don't consider these boots to be 'heavy' but they aren't light weight. Could be overkill for some types of recreation. But if you're looking for a boot that will last, and really break in to your foot over time, I highly recommend these.

Cash Money

This boot was the only pair i wore for almost w years straight. I also worked all summer in them planting trees. With over 1000km total in these boots between working, hiking, and walking i can happily say they are worth the investment.The paces i put these boots through FAR EXCEED anything most people will ever face and they held up better than my body in most cases. Id have them completely submerged for hours a day, dry them out overnight and be back at it daily and aside from a few nicks and cuts in the outer they never leaked or had damage. I did use sealant along the leather/sole crease to beef up the water protection but not because of leaking, just as precaution. Moderately heavy when wet, but only an issue if the water is inside/pouring over the ankle as i ... MoreThis boot was the only pair i wore for almost w years straight. I also worked all summer in them planting trees. With over 1000km total in these boots between working, hiking, and walking i can happily say they are worth the investment.The paces i put these boots through FAR EXCEED anything most people will ever face and they held up better than my body in most cases. Id have them completely submerged for hours a day, dry them out overnight and be back at it daily and aside from a few nicks and cuts in the outer they never leaked or had damage. I did use sealant along the leather/sole crease to beef up the water protection but not because of leaking, just as precaution. Moderately heavy when wet, but only an issue if the water is inside/pouring over the ankle as i never had any problem with the waterproofness of the boot itself. The break in period is rough but worth it thanks to the durable leather build.***Buy some leather hydrating cream (i used the zanzibar Hydrobloc from MEC) to keep them clean and fresh and these could easily last 5+ years on the right feet.***I have a narrow foot and fairly low arches, with blue superfeet i was comfy in them for 10+ hours no problem but always make sure the fit is proper!ProsDurable+++ (cannot overstate how brutal tree planting is on boots lifespan and i got 2 full years out of them, winter wear every day, summer work every day)ComfortableGreat tractionConsHeavy compared to lots of other boots but they are designed as such

Never broke in, plus bad laces

I bought a pair of Raichle leather hiking books at MEC in Vancouver in 1998. I wore them every hiking trip and winter until 2018 with just one re-soling.In 2018 they had cracks in the bottom which let in water, so I bought the only pair of similar all-leather boots which the Toronto MEC sold. Within days the laces on the new Scarpas had snapped several times. Much more importantly, the memory foam inside presses up on the bottom of my arches in a way that starts to ache within minutes.Knowing that it takes time to break in hiking boots, I have been doing short walks in them for two years to try to break them in. Unfortunately, the foam still does the same thing and they are intensely painful to wear even after ten minutes.I know I have weird feet (thick with ... MoreI bought a pair of Raichle leather hiking books at MEC in Vancouver in 1998. I wore them every hiking trip and winter until 2018 with just one re-soling.In 2018 they had cracks in the bottom which let in water, so I bought the only pair of similar all-leather boots which the Toronto MEC sold. Within days the laces on the new Scarpas had snapped several times. Much more importantly, the memory foam inside presses up on the bottom of my arches in a way that starts to ache within minutes.Knowing that it takes time to break in hiking boots, I have been doing short walks in them for two years to try to break them in. Unfortunately, the foam still does the same thing and they are intensely painful to wear even after ten minutes.I know I have weird feet (thick with low arches) but I have never had a pair of shoes like this which totally failed to adapt to the shape of my feet. I will be trying to exchange these for store credit or something after the pandemic, or selling them used on the gear swap.

Rough Terrain & Heavy Loads

TL/DR: This is a 100+ km break-in boot for me. The payoff is a supremely capable boot for long rocky hikes, backpacking and light scrambling. Comfort, support, stability and grip from a boot that benefits from my personal tweaks: insoles, shorter laces, sock liners (due to my narrow heels), and surgeon?s knots at the hooks (to prevent heel slip). After an ACL replacement and meniscus repair, and subsequent revision, I?ve re-discovered how much ankle support really helps reduce knee strain.Weird fact: I hike more quietly in my Scarpa's than in more flexible day hike boots.My first hike was 15km with a little more than 1,000m of elevation and a 12 kg pack. I only wore one pair of socks and tied them like my wonderfully worn out Raichle?s. Mistake. Turned my heels ... MoreTL/DR: This is a 100+ km break-in boot for me. The payoff is a supremely capable boot for long rocky hikes, backpacking and light scrambling. Comfort, support, stability and grip from a boot that benefits from my personal tweaks: insoles, shorter laces, sock liners (due to my narrow heels), and surgeon?s knots at the hooks (to prevent heel slip). After an ACL replacement and meniscus repair, and subsequent revision, I?ve re-discovered how much ankle support really helps reduce knee strain.Weird fact: I hike more quietly in my Scarpa's than in more flexible day hike boots.My first hike was 15km with a little more than 1,000m of elevation and a 12 kg pack. I only wore one pair of socks and tied them like my wonderfully worn out Raichle?s. Mistake. Turned my heels into hamburger. But I could tell my stride was spot on, my ankles were well supported, my toes were protected, and my achilles was not rubbing on the cuff.Over the next 75 km my Scarpa?s developed a comfortable amount of longitudinal flex while keeping enough torsional stiffness for decent edge hold on Class 4 scrambles. The toe isn?t narrow enough for aggressive climbs but it is the right boot up until you need a Trango or something that will take a C2 crampon. No need to worry about heavy packs, rocky trails, mud and water, or cold weather.Pros: The construction looks to be solid and the overall workmanship is exceptional. The sole works for me, the (95%) rand adds durability, the leather repels water like a duck?s feathers, and they can be resoled. I?m happy on descents: no toe bang and no hot spots (once I figured out the lacing). And there?s no GTX to wear out. The midsoles absorb bumps, pointy rocks and uncomfortable heel strikes. And the Scarpa SL Active?s will handle almost any weather besides extreme heat (no problem for me with normal summer alpine temperatures).Cons: These boots are a bit heavy and a bit stiff. They might be a bit warm in summer, especially if you go for a liner sock. Absolute overkill for a flat trail. If you?re around rocks then you?ll scuff the leather. Don?t forget: the soles are stiff. You?ll probably get some heel lift on your first fitting. (But it will probably be OK if you break in the heel cup and soles, and dial in your socks and lacing.) In other words, they need to be fit properly and [you] need to break them in.Make sure you size appropriately and take the time to break them in (did I already mention that?). Your reward will be an amazingly comfortable, supportive and waterproof pair of boots that will last you many years - as long as you take care of them! (I?m happy so far with routine cleaning and Obenauf?s.) This boot rocks!Note: I ordered a 44 for my US 10.5 foot. I wear a 44.5 for Fizik and Giro cycling shoes. I wear a 27.5 Nordica ski boot. I wear a 10.5 Saucony running shoe, a 10.5 Salomon trail running shoe, and usually a 10.5 dress shoe. I have a "normal" forefoot, a "normal" arch, and a "narrow" heel, whatever that means. I put in SuperFeet green's.

Scarpa SL Activ Mens Leather Walking Boots

Wow, wow, wow, just amazing. I had no problem from day one, didn't have to break them in. I live in the New Forest and am a window cleaner. I have worn these boots everyday for work and walking my dogs. The are extremely comfortable and has not let any water in. As soon as I opened the box I could see the quality.I would not normally spend this amount of money on boots, but I have to say they are worth every penny. Handmade in Italy says it all. Just a super all round boot. I know these will last me years and will definitely get re-soled when the sole has worn out. Talking of soles the grip is incredible can't wait to walk the length of Hardrians Wall in them. If you are hesitating don't just buy them a friend for your feet for life.

Scarpa SL Activ Mens Leather Walking Boots

Superb quality and support. My second pair now. Narrower fitting which I didn’t compensate for enough when wearing them in so suffered a little bit of abrasion on my heel and outside of heel area. Lesson learned. Really need to wear them quite loose at intervals of 20 miles or so then tighten dradually each time every 20 miles or so until creases around eyelets start to form and the soles curl ever so slightly making for a comfortable walk on the flat.

Scarpa make a great boot

My first pair of Scarpa boots lasted for years--they were so impressive in terms of comfort and durability, I bought these. This pair has a slightly stiffer upper around the ankle than my previous pair, but I'm breaking them in and eventually they'll loosen somewhat. Meanwhile, ice and snow are no match for these boots. Michigan tested!