SCARPA Men's Kinesis Pro GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Hiking & 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.

I have worn through many boots in military and adventure uses. These are by far the best I ever owned. The arch is exactly where mine is. The Achillies rise fits mine perfect, the front has the same profile as my foot. I walk with a very straight-forward foot step and these shoes have no tendency to pronate or supinate inward or outward. My toes don't rub walking downhill and my heels don't rub as I climb. Sometimes, I'm a size 9C and sometimes a 9.5D depending on the style of shoe or manufacturer. I got a 9.5D M with these and they fit perfectly with a pair of heavy wool hiking socks. These are made with great attention to detail: on the inside there is no errant stitching, fabric, rubber or leather to irritate my foot. After 100 miles(+) they still fit and look great. The leather is quality, thick, stiff and supportive for carrying a very heavy backpack. There is a removable inner sole to help with drying out overnight (I need a couple more of these). The eyelets and lace hooks are well secured and polished so that the laces do not fray. I'm not sure what the design intent is of the unique extra-material tongue. However, functionally it keeps the lacing pressure off the top of my foot. These are as water-tight as any boot I have ever worn in the rain or swamp. My feet sweat profusely in hot weather but, no more in these than any other boot and my foot is still comfortable. The Gortex upper cuff is nice whether the boot is laced tight or loose. I did not and never will receive any product in exchange for an honest review. That system is inherently wrong and flawed. Would I buy this product again? Absolutely!

I bought a pair of these to replace my Fabiano's for a week of heavy packing on Isle Royale National Park. I put about 10 miles on them prior to the trip to break them in. We got stranded on the island due to ferry trouble and ended up being there for eight days. We did about 50 miles on extremely technical trails with full packs (45 lbs, in my case). On smooth rocks the size of a house, often tilted as much as a 45 degree angle that you had to walk along: flawless grip and good ankle support on the angle. Feet stayed put very well side-to-side, slight movement inside the boot when going down the rock face. On trails FILLED with basketball-sized rocks that you had to walk on for miles, or solid roots for miles: flawless grip, not one slip until it rained, then less traction on the wet rocks, but not one turned ankle. On stairstep inclines or very steep solid rock inclines: This is where the boot proved to be the perfect Isle Royale piece of gear. The toe of the boots grabbed the rock tightly and the stiffness of the sole made it easy, safe, and comfortable to push hard as you climbed. On the few level, dirt trails: seemed to be a bit heavy and stiff-soled. No blisters, though by day eight, I started to have some of my big-toe callouses get hot. The fit is great for my size 41.5, standard-shaped feet. The materials and workmanship are the highest quality. The only downside is that the weight and the stiffness of the sole/ankle support make them a bit too much for daily hikes or where the terrain is civilized. These are big, heavy boots, ideal for technical trails with a heavy pack where you can't afford any kind of injury. Today, they fit like slippers and I wear them for all my packing.

I’m married to the legendary Widefoot; Bigfoots long lost cousin. Finding shoes that are wide enough, offer ankle support and fit his shoe size in general prove to be a Cinderella challenge most of the time. After some research he took a chance with these and they fit perfectly!! He wore them all day just to get them broke in before the season and he’s had zero issues. Highly recommend these; take comfort in knowing investing into your feet is absolutely worth it; every time.

Exactly as order and shipped fast Would recommend