Scarpa - Built to Last

Posted by Nicki | May 31, 2012

Any visitor to a shoe repair shop will have seen the upside down, foot-shaped model on which soles and heels are replaced on boots and shoes.

This cobblers’ ‘last’ is probably not as well known as being the crucial factor in the making of footwear, and all quality boots from Scarpa are built around this carefully crafted piece of equipment.

It is the last that gives a boot its individual characteristics, with the type of lasting - and the time each upper spends on it - determining the resultant shape and fit.

Scarpa are renowned for the craftsmanship of their walking shoes, hiking boots and rock shoes.

Quality First

It all starts with the selection of the leather, closely followed by the quality of the lasting.

A last is specifically made for the end use of each piece of footwear. Each boot from Scarpa is purpose-built for different activities, and is gender-specific into the bargain. Scarpa were the first company to develop a last designed especially for a woman’s foot.

Today, every ladies’ boot made by the Italian company has a dedicated female last, slimmer in the mid foot and heel areas.

Scarpa have a last for every shape and size of foot. Each known by a - somewhat confusing - combination of letters, the main types of Scarpa last are:

AG and AGW

The new AG last brings together a technical fit and what has been called the highest levels of comfort ever achieved in high performance mountaineering boots. The toe is shaped for climbing, and an improved forefoot shape gives a precise fit.

The AGW last is the women’s-specific equivalent.

Used in the Phantom Guide, Jorasses Pro, and women’s Mont Blanc.

BA and LBA

Avoiding the ‘sloppy’ feel of many trekking boots, which quickly lose their step-in comfort and fail to perform long term, the BA last aims to provide a precision fit.

The forefoot and toe volume are generous, without feeling too roomy, and the arch and heel area are sculpted to give firm hold and support.

LBA is the women’s equivalent.

Used in the ZG65 and the Lady ZG65.

BXD

This is also a women’s-specific last, specially designed for the female foot.

Used in the Trek GTX Lady.

DL

The DL has been tested and proven in many of Scarpa’s best-selling Alpine models, with a higher volume and broader fit for exceptional all-day mountain comfort, whatever the activity.

Used in the Manta.

BF

BF lasting gives an exceptional balance between foot-hold and comfort, with a mild asymmetry for scrambling and approach.

Used in the Mystic and Zen.

FT and FTL

The FT and female FTL give a technical and precise feel for climbing and scrambling, without being radically asymmetric.

Used in the Charmoz GTX and Charmoz Lady GTX.