From approach shoes to hiking boots, meet the Scarpa Mescalitos

The Scarpa Mescalito approach shoe rapidly became one of our favourites when it was launched a few years ago. Then the mid versions appeared, and they too were added to our favourite footwear list. And now the Mescalito TRK have arrived, offering a sturdy hiking boot to the Mescalito range. Do we love it? Of course we do.

[@vatsmith8759]

I do wish there were more summer boots without "waterproof" linings.

[@paulbooth77]

Scarpa make some of the best shoes - I've just ordered some of the Mescalitos but went for the GTX version. Nice Crow quote ;) 'It can't rain all the time' - Eric Draven. One of the best films ever made.

[@lukehaigh9053]

Forget the shoes, that tshirt is 👌🏼

[@powderhorse6358]

Thanks for the nice review! Two questions:
Why would you not use the Mid GTX for off-path/heather bashing?
Do you think the Mid GTX would be OK for 15-20 km per day?
I've most recently used Inoc8 335s for the type of trip in mind, but now I'm looking for something a bit sturdier, that will work woth microspikes/light crampons.
Cheers!

[@trailmagazine]

The Mescalito Mids are essentially approach shoes with a higher ankle cuff. They're very light and comfortable, but also very flexible and not as tough or supportive as proper 3-season hiking boots. For off-path hiking on uneven and unpredictable terrain I'd want something a little burlier - particularly as they are flat soled (there's no cutaway at the heel) so don't offer quite the same level of grip.
Ben

[@toolsreviewsandmore5326]

How would you compare the Mescalito Trk with the Manta Tech?I have a pair of Manta Tech which i bought last year as a winter boots (when it's not that cold and not so much snow) and i'm thinking of buying the Trk for summer scrambling/mountaineering.
Do you think they're to much,too heavy,too warm?
Should i go with the Mescalito Mid instead?
Thanks.

[@trailmagazine]

The Mescalito TRK would be ideal for summer scrambling - I've just returned from a trip to north Scotland where I've been using them for just that, as well as some significant walk-ins. They were superb.
Ben

[@toolsreviewsandmore5326]

@@trailmagazine Thanks.Already ordered them yesterday :)

[@bobmarley6161]

For me altberg Tethera or meindel Island

[@Paul9]

Look quality boots and more manufacturers should go without a waterproof lining. I just wish my feet would still fit in a pair of scarpas as I loved my Ribelle lites but unfortunately since moving to minimalist/barefoot footwear had to sell them due to my feet becoming plates of meat. Yet to find a pair of winter mountaineering boots that have a natural foot shape 😞.

[@keeran697]

Are Keen any good? I heard they have a wide toebox

[@alquinn8576]

@@keeran697 not in my opinion (4E width). Keens are said to be wide but crush my feet. there are pretty much no minimal trailrunners with a wide toebox anymore

[@toolsreviewsandmore5326]

I do have a pair of Manta Techs..I love them and they didn't need any breaking in.

[@mustang19ms]

what's heather bashing?

[@trailmagazine]

It's essentially walking off path (which in Scotland and other parts of upland UK can mean wading through awkward heather).

[@mustang19ms]

@@trailmagazine thanks a lot for explaining