Rating: 0
Author: Outdoor Prolink

ProView – SCARPA Gecko Approach Shoes

July 13, 2016September 11, 2017Backpacking and Hiking, Climbing, ProView Gear Reviews Outdoor Prolink

The SCARPA Gecko is the rare all-around approach shoe that walks comfortably over many miles, while maintaining good sensitivity and traction on rock. Italian leather uppers, to-the-toe lacing, and thoughtfully lugged Vibram soles create an ideal shoe for everything from casual cragging to long alpine routes. The whole package is light enough to carry along on the back of a harness or hydration pack so you can walk off any route in comfort.

I’ve worn my Geckos on loose, steep approaches while bouldering in Leavenworth and on longer hikes to an exposed cliff near Seattle. I’m looking forward to taking them on outings in alpine terrain once the snow melts. If you’re looking for a single approach shoe with the versatility to get you to and from all your projects this summer, the Gecko is a good bet.

Fit

The women’s Gecko runs about a half-size big. I usually wear a US women’s size 8.5 and found the Gecko was a comfortable fit in size 8. They’re an average width, with a lot of adjustability thanks to the to-the-toe lacing. I liked wearing the Geckos a bit loose on the trail, then cinched them down to hug my foot when traveling over more technical rock.

Functionality

Most approach shoes are a compromise in either walking comfort or climbing sensitivity, but the Gecko strikes an impressive balance. My feet were comfortable over many miles of trail but I still felt confident moving on exposed fifth-class terrain and scrambling up boulders. The super sticky Vibram soles are a genius mash-up of a smooth, precise forefoot climbing zone with an effective, grippy lug pattern.

Materials and Durability

The break-in period for the Gecko is virtually non-existent, thanks to a supple-yet-durable Italian leather upper. A dual-density EVA midsole and Vibram rubber outsole complete the package. The rubber toe rand wraps over the midsole, further improving the climbing capabilities of these shoes. Thus far I haven’t noticed any unusual signs of wear, all materials and construction feel high-quality and durable.

Looks

My crag style was definitely kicked up a notch by the bright blue leather and watermelon-colored details on the Gecko. I really appreciate this cheerful departure from the standard shades of brown.

Pros

Comfortable out of the box
Good for a variety of terrain
Impressive climbability
Lightweight without sacrificing durability

Cons

Leather uppers are not the most breathable – for super hot days check out the SCARPA Gecko Lite, which is built on the same chassis but with added breathability.

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Julie Schoenfeld is a founder at Outsoul, working to connect outdoor guides with new clients. Julie is a former professional climbing instructor and has worked as the Director of Digital Development of Rock and Ice Magazine. In her free time, Julie can be found crimping up her latest project, backpacking and mountain biking through the mossy forests of the Pacific Northwest, skiing backcountry powder, or paddling her local waterways. Photos by Paul Lindstrom, Instagram: @2thesummit.

Approach Shoes, Climbing, Pro Deal, Pro Purchase, Scarpa

One comment

Piotr
September 22, 2020 at 6:31 am

I wore down the sole in just 14 months, after just a couple of approaches and a daily 10 km commute on a bike.. They get quite hot, the upper is ok, but tha soles are awful, they might be sticky, but are not very suitable for anything over IV grade UIAA and they are too thin to be durable. These are the fastest degrading approach/ casual shoes I’ve owned. Contrary to what You can read in the internet, they are NOT STIFF at all.
NOT RECOMMENDED. Too expensive for such a flawed shoe. I’m amazed, how could Scarpa allow such a product in their otherwise flawless lineup.