Scarpa Mens Triolet PRO GTX-M

The Italians have this figured out.We use this boot for all sorts of activities and landscaping work.The best semi auto crampon compatible mountaineering boot on the market.Made for steep ascents, the Triolet boot is very solid and stable under foot.Somewhere between a hiking boot and a ski boot for ankle support.Some flexibility but solid ankle support and crazy precise fit and toe placement.This may be the best semi crampon base boot ever made,They don't change these because they are just perfect already.I certainly reach for mine over every other boot, Cevedale, KInesis, SL Active, Mont Blanc.Triolet competes directly with the Lowa Cevedale and Sportiva Trango, both of which have some sizing issues,the Trango being small in the Toe Box and the Lowa being too large and sloppy in the toe box.The Triolet is PERFECTLY TAILORED and the half cm sizing is incredibly precise.The EU sizing of the Triolet allows you to size up or down just one half centimeter, getting the boot perfectly fit.The Triolet is going to be quite stiff underfoot for safety on steep slopes and use of crampons.The Uppers break in to be loose after a few months.Read my other reviews for more detailed explanation of SCARPA's line, starting with the Charmoz,and then you may want to read my review of other boots. That is lots of reading, but I spend most of my timewearing and evaluating hiking boots and some of the foot problems resulting from hiking daily.We have many boots, like a large tool box, but these stand out along with the other SCARPAS.This is one slot above Charmoz in this line of SCARPA boots intended for wear with crampons.Consequently the bottoms are very stiff, with fairly tight ankle support.Some chiropractors will complain about these stiff shoes, as the sole emphasizes foot protectionand brings stresses up the body to the knees or hips. Your podiatrist won't complain.If you want to keep your feet protected from rough terrain, Charmoz, Triolet, and Mont Blanc are superior.If you want more flex, move to SCARPA hiking boots like the SL, Kinesis and other trail boots madewithout crampons in mind. For even more flex, consider Lowas or the Zanskar or Kalaish.This being said, many hunters wear these boots all the time and love the stiff protection.I wear these all year long. I actually cut the lawn in the Triolet as we have dangerous terrain.I usually don't wear crampons with the Charmoz or the Triolet.I use the fully auto boots like the Mont Blanc and Phantom Guide for expert precision.However, most people will love this boot with a Semi Auto Crampon.If we are adding a visitor to an ice climb, we give them the Triolets or Charmoz at least.Triolet shines in its accurate, stable foot placement. Truly tailored and amazing.This boot, and every boot in this line, places in toe holds like a climbing slipper, while being SOLID as a SKI BOOT.Like a climbing slipper, this boot can be fitted so your pinky toe touches the outside of the toe box,rather than having loose space up front in the toe box. Use THIN socks.In this way, this boot has incredible precision and feel underfoot, while being firm and protecting.Some may prefer more room in the toe and go one size up with thicker socks.This "tailored" toe box is an approach to fitting which is unique to SCARPA, and SPORTIVA high end boots.Other boots like the QUEST G4 use a wide toe box, so the shoe will fit any customer comfortably.The pains in your feet will start after you are out the door.Instead of precision and stiffness, support is achieved through a wide base, and so the bottom can be more flexible.This is done to sell boots cheaply to a large consumer base. Each SCARPA is tailored for precise Alpine placement.The toe box is still fairly wide in this line of boots, and I find the SL and Kinesis even wider.If your feet are any wider, you may have to go with a larger size SCARPA or a LOWA Cevedale.The only time I would use a lighter boot than Charmoz or SL is walking on flat trails in Florida, using a custom insert.Any incline at all, and I go for ankle support like SCARPA SL, Kinesis, Charmoz, then Triolet, Mont Blanc for crampons.This approach is tougher on your knees and hips, but you will be protected from rocks, and falls, and the bones of your feet willreward you by not developing ailments from shifting and aging.These are great boots for packing and I would never heavy pack or crampon with anything lighter than this.I see reviewers packing on more flexible boots and this is dangerous and hard on your feet.Over time, your foot bones will begin to separate or worse, you will fall.A light boot is okay for an approach, an hour or two...and of course they are your feet and you pay the consequences.SCARPA fits my feet amazingly well, and so is incredibly precise and supportive of the foot.Actually started wearing the Triolet everywhere outdoors for yard work.I've worn every high end boot and keep reaching for these, although the Mont Blanc and Phantom Guide are very similar,and a perfect Fully Auto platform.If you have trouble with the SCARPA fit, LOWA, SPORTIVA or ASOLO may work better..For Fit: LACING IS CRITICAL.You don't want any slippage inside the boot when tied tightly,but not such close fitting that there is rubbing on sides your toes/foot either.Sock thickness can also be adjusted and thinner is actually better unless you are in snow.I actually have two pairs of these, one being half a CM larger for thick sock days.Thick socks can result in too much foot movement withing the shoe.We always wear thin and very tight fitting socks that grab the foot.The less slippage withing the boot the better.Happy Trails and Mountain Vistas.....

Very nice boots. Really well made and comfortable despite being about a half size to large. I should have gone with the 40.5 in lieu of the 41. They have a simple but effective lace lock system for the lower portion of the boot. Did a 2 hr hike this a.m. on a desert / mountain trailer without any issues other than to tighten the laces about 20 minutes into the hike.

If this is a Trail Running Shoe, it must have very limited applications. It looks like it would make a great hiking boot though.

I bought these boots to replace a worn pair of La Sportivas and wore them Ice climbing the next day. Super warm and comfortable. I highly recommend them.

a big heel cup for me

Initial fitting was tight but that's to be expected in any new boot. Husband is an archery hunter and hikes miles and miles while scouting elk. He wore them for a couple days before heading out but said that they will be "the bomb" once they break-in. When he returns from his trip, I will update the review with more detail about his experience but I think that he will be quite satisfied with this purchase.

I totally love these boots! Pricey, but worth it, if you're like me and have a hard time finding comfortable size n width.

I don't think I could have found a better fitting boot for hiking in rough terrain