Episode 19 - Scarpa Arpia

In this episode I review the new 2019 Scarpa Arpia climbing shoe. Scarpa is promoting this as a shoe for intermediate climbers. It is moderately downturned and slightly asymetric with a synthetic upper and micro-suede liner. The outsole is 3.5mm of Vibram XS Grip2 rubber. The shoe performs excellent on friction climbs requiring smearing and can still edge fairly well. The lack of a toe patch makes this style of climbing very comfortable in this shoe but means it will not excel on steep overhanging routes. Also, since it is more a smearing shoe than an edging shoe it is not an ideal gym climbing shoe. Overall this is an excellent shoe if you are planning on friction slab routes. The main downside of the shoe is the z-velcro enclosure which in my opinion does not snug the shoe as well as the more traditional velcro enclosure found on some of Scarpa's other models. Heavy Interlude by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100515 Artist: http://incompetech.com/