Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Scarpa ZG 65 GTX > David Sowards-Emmerd > Initial Report

Initial Report - Scarpa Zero Gravity (ZG) 65 GTX
Date: 16 March 2005

Backpacking Background:
I began backpacking semi-frequently about four years ago, soon after moving to California. I generally take weekend (1 night) trips, and occasionally take 3-4 day trips. Most of my backpacking is at moderate altitude, 6,000'-12,000' (1,800-3,650 m), in conditions ranging from dry desert to hail/heavy snow in the mountains. In winter and spring, I split time between Southern California (SoCal) deserts and snowshoeing/skiing/snowcamping in the Sierra/Cascades. Summer and fall I tend to stick to the high country. I have reduced my packweight down to less than 50 lb (23 kg) over the past year - including food/water and a bear barrel. I'm trying to include more mountaineering, climbing and bouldering in my trips.

Current Shoes:
Currently most of my footwear - sandals aside - are climbing and mountaineering oriented. They include: older version of La Sportiva Boulders (badly need to be replaced), FiveTen Mountain Masters, La Sportiva Makalus, Koflach Degre plastic boots, four pairs of climbing shoes, and a pair of New Balance trailrunners (closest I've got to 'regular' shoes).

About My Feet:
First off, I've got low volume (thin depth-wise), wide, fairly flat feet. However, my feet seem to be 'trainable' to comfortably fit a range of shoes - I say trained, because after wearing my Makalus for a few weeks, suddenly my feet no longer hang over the sides of my sandals. Second, my feet sweat a lot. In winter, I typically wear waterproof socks to keep my boots from soaking and freezing. In the summer, I either wear sandals, or change socks quite frequently (or at least mean to), even with well ventilated shoes.

The boots arrived 11 March 2005.

Product description:

Manufacturer's website:www.scarpa-us.com
MSRP: $139.95

''The ZG 65 is the lightest and most breathable boot in the new collection. With a highly breathable Gore XCR liner, this boot provides ample protection from the elements, while allowing moisture to escape and the foot to remain dry. In fact, the ZG 65 is one of the first mid-height trekking boots that's breathable enough to incorporate Gore XCR. Leather and fabric uppers are paired with an ultra-light exclusive Vibram trekking sole to keep things as light as possible. A trim, trainer-like design provides out-of-the-box comfort, while a speed lacing system allows for quick and easy in-field lace ups and adjustments. Hikers and backpackers who are concerned with breathability will want to get their feet in the new ZG 65.''

UPPER: Cordura
SOLE: Vibram Hi-Trail
LINING: Gore XCR
WEIGHT: 1.25 kg (2 lb 12 oz) size 42 pair
MIDSOLE: Nylon
SIZES: 39-46, 47, 48

Specifications(as measured by tester):

Size: 42
Color: See photos - no color is listed on the manufacturer's page.
Weight - left boot: 1 lb 6.4 oz / 634 g
Weight - right boot: 1 lb 6.4 oz / 634 g
Weight - pair: 2 lb 12.7 oz / 1,268 g

Initial Impressions:

Since I was not able to try on a pair locally, I was concerned about getting the correct size boot. I faxed in a trace of both of my feet and let the manufacturer suggest a size for me (my initial guess was a size 42.5). The manufacturer shipped me a size 42 pair, and they fit great! The quality of these boots appears to be top notch, and I wasn't able to find any obvious flaws in the construction.

Product Description:

I'd describe these boots as 'mid-tops'. The top of the boot reaches just above my ankle, but not as high as my full-on mountaineering boots. Starting from the bottom and working up, the boots begin with a fairly aggressive Vibram sole (see photo). The toe seems to be reinforced and the stiffness is comparable to the heel cup. The toe is covered with a black, rubbery protective layer, and this material also covers the rear and a bit of the side of the boot. Aside from this, the outer material consists of Cordura and what I assume to be suede (see photo). The lacing setup is interesting, consisting of (from toe to shin) a centered toe loop, four suede loops (per side), one nylon loop, and 2 riveted metal hooks (see photo). The padded tongue is gusseted up to the nylon lace, helping to keep rocks out of the boots. The tongue can be pulled forward quite a bit and this provides a nice position for drying the inside of the boots (see photo). Inside the boots, a gray GoreTex XCR liner covers everything but the bottom and very top. The lower rivet on each side is covered by this lining, but the upper rivet is exposed. I have had problems with other boots where the tongue slides to the side and my foot rubs on a similar rivet - I will comment on whether this happens or not during the testing period. The insoles are removable.

Specific Things to Test/Investigate:

• Will I need to replace insoles with ones with arches? Is there room to replace them with thicker insoles? Is there a break in period?
• Breathability: Will they 'wet out' early, or do these boots really breathe enough for my feet?
• Is there sufficient padding/cushioning?
• How's the performance on rock (edging/slabs)? I'll also give them a try in the climbing gym.
• I'll try to describe the details of fit - width, toebox etc.
• How's the traction on snow, ice, mud, sand, etc.?
• Are these boots really waterproof?
• Wear and tear: Which will last longer, the soles or fabric?
• I'll comment on the presence of any hot spots/abrasion points in the shoes.
• Will my toes bang into the front of the shoe on downhills?
• With heavy boots, I've had a problem with rubbing the skin off the rear of my foot (behind the achilles) on uphill climbs. Will this be a problem with these boots?
• Are they comfortable with snowshoes, and are they supportive enough for use with strap-on crampons?
• What's the drying time when the insides are damp? Will this lead to them freezing overnight? How much extra moisture weight is typical on a dayhike and with a heavy pack?
• Cleaning - will a rinse with a hose clean them or will I need to scrub to get mud and dust off?
• How stiff are the soles and do the boots provide enough stability and protection for scree/talus slogs?
• Lacing and Stretch: What's the range of tightening? Will the boots stretch noticeably, or will they maintain their size?

Testing locations:

Testing will range across CA - mainly the San Francisco Bay area, Sierra, Southern Cascades - including hiking, snowshoeing, crampons use, mountaineering, scrambling and boulder hopping, and I'll even give them a try for some technical climbing - both outdoors and indoors. 'Trail' conditions will include snow and ice this winter in the high country and mud around Bay area, maybe a bit of sand on the beach, scree and talus in the mountains this summer, and the dusty horse traveled trails, and of course granite and sandstone! Overall, I plan to give these boots a good run in a wide range of conditions. Since receiving them, I've already had a chance to try them out with crampons and snowshoes, biking, hiking around town, and on some exposed rock slabs, all of which will be written up in my Field Report.

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Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Scarpa ZG 65 GTX > David Sowards-Emmerd > Initial Report