SCARPA Men's Kinesis Pro GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Hiking and Backpacking

I am extraordinarily picky about product fit, materials quality and workmanship. I looked a long time for a cemented sole hiking boot. The SCARPA Kenesis Pro GTX fit the bill. This manufacturer and model is among the top tier. The overall quality is not equal to the exceptional quality level of Zamberlan, but it is every bit the equal of Lowa. I wear a U.S. 12B (narrow) or a U.S. 11.5D - so I was looking for a hiking boot for a narrow foot - especially a narrow heel. I ordered the Kenesis is size U.S. 11.5D. I fitted wearing a Thorlo Light Hiker LTH sock (if I added a liner sock or a heavier sock, then the fit wouldn't be there). The SCARPA Kenesis Pro GTX last is a good last for narrow feet; this boot is not going to accommodate wide feet (E and higher widths). The Kenesis Pro GTX fit perfectly in the length - so I would rate the sizing as "True to fit." For the heel, I used the hiker heel lock down lace method to get a better heel lock, but even without using that method the heel lock was acceptable. For those of you who understand, my comparison for heel lock is the Zamberlan Guide Pro 960 GTX which locks the heel down like a vice. With my foot anatomy I have a very high pronounced instep that normally causes a lot of foot discomfort when lacing is lashed down with a lot of footwear. With the Kinesis Pro GTX, there is no discomfort. No discomfort in the toes due to adequate toebox volume for my particular foot anatomy - I even have some side to side foot movement in the toebox area - but not mush like with Keens. For my foot, the Kenesis Pro GTX toebox is "snug, but comfortable" - a subjective description at best. I advise getting parachord, Kevlar or other quality replacement laces. Just be aware the Kenesis Pro GTX bottom eyelets require a specific lace diameter. Contact SCARPA support before spending $20 on replacement laces only to find out the diameter will not fit. I advise getting better quality insoles. Again, contact SCARPA support and ask questions before ordering replacements. I advise ordering SCARPA HS12 boot wax or Nikwax Nubuck treatment as SCARPA only recommends specific treatments - check the SCARPA webpage. NOTE: I ordered the U.S. 11.5D. The SCARPA packaging box stated EU size 45 US 11.5D, but the printed tag inside the tongue stated EU 45 US 11D. I didn't get bent out of shape about the discrepancy and just used common sense and fit the boot. Personally, I think the Zamberlan is a better quality boot overall, but that doesn't matter - not one bit - because the Zamberlan Guide Pro 960 GTX does not fit my foot - in fact the fit was so tight across the toebox that it caused discomfort and even pain - so it is a useless boot for me personally. So, for me, the SCARPA Kenesis Pro GTX is Gold ! You have to fit the boot and know how to fit the boot. The vast majority of online complaints are the result of improper boot fit and ordering and then using the wrong boot for the intended use\purpose. The class of boot that the Kenesis Pro GTX is in the serious technical backpacking\heavy load\steep incline boot with a sole that has little flex compared to a walking boot. There a different classes of boot for different intended purposes. It requires a knowledge and skill set to know how to fit. This is not a lifestyle\urban wear boot - but you can wear it as such if that is what you want to do - but you better fit it properly or the boot is gonna bite back. If you want a lifestyle\urban wear boot look at a light hiking boot. Heavy load backpacking\steep incline boots are not what you are wanting. Call a knowledgeable store or ask a knowledgeable sales rep. Explain to them how you intend to use the boot. Also, I'd like to add that the correct sock and insole can make all the difference. For me personally, the Smartwool light cushion hiking crew combined with the SPENCO Thin Total Support insole is the combo for this boot. Change the sock to the Thorlo Light Hiker LTH and it is a miserable experience. Yes, it is that complicated and that personal.

Originally purchased: June 2016. Review written (by husband/wearer): April 2019.I have worn these boots extensively during three years of summer/fall hiking trips, mainly on rocky terrain above tree line in Colorado. This included 16 peaks over 14,000 feet, and four peaks between 13,900 and 13,999 feet, as well as many other hikes at lower elevation, only some of which were on maintained trails. These boots have excellent ankle support, bulletproof construction, a protective full rubber rand, and firm shank (I am 6'2", and I usually carry a moderately heavy pack). The Vibram soles grip well, and combined with the stability of the boot I can use my toe or boot edge on smaller footholds when the going gets steep and difficult. Although not very flexible, the sole's rocker action functions well on the trail, even when walking quickly (and occasionally jogging) with a moderate pack. I cannot recall ever having had sore feet after a full day hiking in these boots, sometimes over 16 miles a day. The boots are very protective off trail, including from rough rocks, mud, rain, and snow. The waterproofing has held up after hundreds of miles of use, although I have not worn them in heavy rain lately. I do apply Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Proof before each trip. (I also applied Stitch Guard to the stitched seams on the heels before the first use, but the excellent design leads to no other obviously vulnerable stitching.) The boots breathe well considering their construction and waterproofing. The lacing system is excellent, with pulleys providing even, quick adjustment over the arch and forefoot; a firm lace lock just below the ankle; and the top can be opened wide quickly for easy on and off. Although the laces are not extremely strong, they have not broken on me yet…. (I carry an extra pair of similar laces, JUST make sure they fit through the pulleys.) I generally wear a size 12 M boot, and the EU 46 (equivalent to US size 12) fits my foot very well. The toe box is not too narrow for my slightly wide forefoot, my high-volume midfoot is comfortable, and my relatively narrow heel is gripped well by the boot. This fit is even with fairly thick wool blend Thorlo Trekking socks (no blisters even on the first hiking trip in these boots!), so I feel they run true to size. Of course, the excellent lacing system helps adjust the boot to one's foot. (The medium width is fine for me, while in Asolo boots I need a wide model.) Although not the lightest, the weight of these boots is reasonable considering their bulletproof, full leather construction and excellent support. The moderately high ankle also keeps rocks and shallow stream water out of the boot, while the flexible padded collar on the sides and back above the ankles allows full strides without discomfort. Although these boots are very durable, the Vibram soles are showing significant wear after the many miles of hard use described above, especially along the outside edge of the mid and forefoot (see 4th photo). The excellent, aggressive lug design of the sole and the fairly "sticky" rubber may contribute to this wear. Because of this, I am ordering another pair now, prompting this review. I also will have the older ones resoled, and if I get a new sole that grips well, I will have a good backup pair with lots of life left in them. Overall, the best hiking boots for rough going that I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

excellent