SCARPA Men's Gecko Hiking and Approach Shoes

This is the best shoe I've ever returned. I've got a high arch that just won't abide these feet for more than a mile or so, but I was able to work through 5.10d in them (downsized from a size 8 street shoe to a size 7 where my toes just touched the tips). Warm, very warm when downsized so much, but that would be a huge advantage on a windy wall in the winter. Give them a shot; if your feet aren't the right shape you can always return them.Edit April 24th 2013:Found out that they were selling these for $85 plus shipping (~$13) on Scarpa's online outlet. Got em again, this time with a pair of Scarpa high arch support insoles ($20). With the high arch support they fit perfectly (one size down) and still let me climb 5.7 outdoors, 5.10d on a man-made traverse, plus of course gave a secure and comfortable approach.

My husband *loves* these shoes. Hasn't taken them off since I bought them. He normally wears an 8.5 and they are true to size. I should mention that some reviews noted that the shoes "run a little small" so at first I got him a size 9 and had to exchange them for his normal size (I thought he'd want them on the larger side rather than the smaller side but I was wrong). The orange is bright, but not offensive if anyone was concerned.

professional chimney sweep, these shoes are impressive on pro-panel metal roofs.solid investment- very comfortable and flexible.

I really like the style. The toebox is just a little narrow it’s not uncomfortable and I do wear pretty cushion sock so I’d say they’re fine with a regular sock. I know these are sold his approach shoes but I wear them mostly in urban environments and I have to say I feel like the four soul is probably going to wear out before the rest of the shoe. The tread pattern a couple a few years ago like in the hiking Zen pro was excellent and they lasted me a long time. The vibrant sole’s on these are soft and will wear quicker than average in an urban environment.

Awesome approach shoes, the rare blend of something that hikes reasonably well and can still climb rock. Not as cushioned as a 5.10, but I feel these climb way better! Wore them for both the approach and the technical climbing when I solo'd up the Grand Teton (half a day round trip from the trail-head with a medium pack - I carried a 70m rap cord, very light light rack, a few extra layers, food/water) and they were plenty capable for the hike and the solo climbing. Also carried a monster pack into the Cirque of the Towers (too stubborn to carry an extra set of footwear)...they did the job there as well, unsurprisingly they were not as comfy as a real pair of boots with a large pack. Bought them a half size down from my normal trail running shoe size, that made them small enough to climb reasonably well, but still able to hike downhill with a pack. If I was buying them as a "guides climbing shoe" - meaning I wanted maximum climbing performance and was willing to take a hit in the hiking/comfort department I would have went down a full size.

Best shoe purchase for fit, comfort and looks. Priced a little on the high side.

Size 8.5 is too small.

After reading so many positive reviews I bought these for light duty trail use. They are very attractive and appear well made but the problem was fit. At first they seemed fine worn around the house on carpet and level ground but on uneven trails and downhill the toe box is just too cramped. The shoes ended up feeling lousy no matter how I varied the lacing, changed insoles, and tried different socks. I persisted for a couple of months when I should have just returned them right away. They finally went in a donation bin.I hated to give up on these shoes but I'd say if you frequently have trouble getting a good fit like many of us over 55 it's a good idea to try several sizes and be very critical before buying.I'd consider buying Scarpa again but only if I could try them in a store and not have to mess with returns.