Scarpa SL-M3 Review

"I'm a explorer in south america and i bought my scarpa sl m3 boots in peru ( year 2002 ). I paid 350 bucks! I got shocked with the price.
Well, I crossed peruvian rivers and mountains, brazilian jungles (amazonas), the atacama desert in chile and since then... still in very shape conditions. The leather looks PERFECT, no smell( because the goretex),the sole is half life now; but... 5 year of abuse ?. Let me tell you guys, is the best deal i made ever ! (and i paid $350..!!!!!)


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"I live and work in the mountains. I'm a farmer and I work off-farm as a horticulturalist. I'm on my feet all every day, up and down hill. I'm middle aged and for years I have abused myself with standard work boots and elastic sided boots, keeping the quality boots for trekking. No more! Two years ago I decided to stop abusing myself. I now weat Scarpa SL-M3 day in, day out, year round, on the tractor, cutting firewood, mowing, hiking, gardening, milking, harvesting.... rain,snow or sunshine. The boot is tough enough and comfortable enough for daily use all year round."

"I am very happy with these boots. They were quite painful the for the first two days but have been extremely comfortable from day 3 on. I wore them to pack an elk out of a river drainage in the mountains ( 14 miles w/6,000 feet of elevation variance) with no trail through a lot of dead fall timber,snow, and rocks. These boots boots offered fantastic support and footing even in icy scree fields. The only thing I don't like about the build, is that they don't have one piece leather uppers. (additional seams/stitching that may fail)"

"I bought these boots when I grew out of my Lowa's. They have held up to months of hiking very well. I love that fact that they are a one piece leather upper. I am just as confident in their waterproofness as a gore-tex barrier. I treated them with wax treatment. They are a good backpacking boot with plenty of support. I have enjoyed wearing them without any pain or discomfort. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a pair of boots for off trail or backpacking."

"I'm on my second pair... i hope they never quit making em'...Probably the only boot i have ever had twice in a row and there will be more... i think the first pair lasted three years of daily wear and went down fighting..."

"I would agree with the two comments above.

Breaking them in was a dream, I've never had a blister in them, they have lots of ankle support and stand up well to the New Zealand bush!"

"SUPERB!!! best boots in its category. hi quality materials, immaculate construction, uncomparable comfort - Thats what Scarpa SL M3 means to me.

Using for last 2 years, for everything but high alpine backpacking. although I may try in my next trip to the Hymalayes.

Pros:
- durable, tough, and beautiful one piece Sherpa leather upper. protects your feet from anything. provides better and longer lasting waterpfoofing than gore-tex
- grippy, beefy, and shock absorving Vibram outsole provides sure footing almost on any surface and protects you from any underfoot element. the rocking motion provided by the outsole also makes the boot feel lighter and helps you on high milage days.
- the performance flex at the midsole give enough flex in the forefoot to maintain comfort all day long.
- very durable, will last for ages

cons
- pricy (but not for the quality you get)
- gets scratched up in rugged trails or boulder country, but it does not do any damage to the thick silicon treated leather
- it has to fit right, so its better to buy it after trying it in a store. it is very difficult to get a good fit if you have a major fitting problem to start with.

Last CONS: this boot is too durable. after two years it is still in a great shape, almost new, so I can not justify buying another boot. Good for my pocket, but bummer for my irrational gear-happy inner person.

get a SL M3 and go ANYWHERE. best investment in a outdoors gear."

"been particularly hard on this, the third pair... i fear my feet will never have another... day in day out i do believe this is the best pair of boots in existance... i am about to by my fourth pair!!! i have never bought 4 of anything!!"

"Positive:
Fit is exceptional. Quality is exceptional. Durability- you guessed it. This is one very tough comfortable boot. I just bought my second pair. With all of the boots out there today, if you want a great boot, look for the one that people buy when their previous pair wore out. I will continue to wear this boot until they quit making them.
Negative- the early models had a fancy lacing system that didn't last. This has been modified. The color is "burgundy"?? what's up with that?? Seriously though these boots are so good, I would wear them if they were pink!!! I give them 5 stars."

"I got mine from Campmor at a sustantially reduced price. I have read many reviews on this boot as have most of you. Let me say that these boots are extemely comfortable. It will take some time to break them in however. Just be patient, you will be rewarded with a comfortable stable backpacking boot that is bombproof. Plus they are easy on the eyes. Look no further, this is the best boot made. Nothing else comes close."