Scarpa SL-M3

I've had 2 pairs of Scarpa SL's now, and find them comfortable for my type of feet and completely waterproof. The first pair bought in 2002 lasted 7 years before the tread had almost worn away. Some time after 2002, Scarpa made some modifications, which involved the introduction of an articulated heel area. Unfortunately the second pair with the modifications have lasted less than 2 years. The fabric in the articulated part of the heel area of the boots has completely worn away rendering the boots unusable as the bare parts of the boots cause blistering on the back of the heels.

It's a shame that Scarpa decided to tinker with the original design at all. I presume that it is part of the compromise between making a boot that instantly feels comfortable to the customer in the shop, and making a boot that lasts.

I am now onto my second pair of Scarpa SL boots after 12 years of reliable service over the most inhospitable terrain imaginable. At first they were very uncomfortable. However, five 4 km runs after being filled with warm bath water over a week. With time to dry out with the aid of balled up newspaper, and they fitted like a glove. No blisters in all the time that I used them. They were so comfortable that I even gave them a resole after 10 years of bliss.

Make sure that you buy your boots from a reputable retailer who are experts at fitting to your feet.

These have been my best value purchase out of all my hiking kit. You can't go wrong.

Wonderful boots for all year round use. B1 crampon rating. The lack of a Goretex liner has not been a problem - they have been flawlessly waterproof when occasionally treated with Nikwax cream onto warmed leather.

The reasonably stiff sole is a little clumpy on hard flat surfaces, but on all other surfaces is brilliant - a good compromise.

Three width fittings - the M3 Lady BXD up to size 42 is the narrowest, the M3 BX for 'normal' feet, and the M3 BXX for wide feet.

Doesn't require much breaking in due to the flexible design around the ankle and the reasonably stiff soles.

Should last for years - my Scarpa SL boots (which the SL-M3 replaced) did about 3000 miles, latterly being relegated to dog walking. They wore out gradually in a very balanced way, with heel wear, leather cracking over the toe and the rear ankle cuff wearing through. This is not a criticism - they lasted far longer than I expected.

I like them so much I've got another pair in a box for when my current pair wear out.

These are great boots, I have been wearing Scarpa sl-m3s for Alpine hut to hut walking holidays for 15 years and am now on my fourth pair. The problem is in the UK outdoor shops do not sell half sizes, so only half the population can get a decent fit with these boots. I find it appalling that "experts" in all the well know outdoor shops recommend insoles rather than a boot that fits.

In the US shops stock half sizes, they seem to be more customer oriented there.

The best place to buy these boots if you are not a half size is on ebay as half the people buying them get sore feet after their first long walk, then resell them. I have managed to get a half size by ordering in a pair from Taunton Leisure, but not sure if that is still possible. You should try them on with a pair of walking socks and wear them round the house for a day. Even then you can't be 100% certain of a good fit as only a walk in the mountains will test them. Don't let a couple of blisters put you off, often persevering over a long walking holiday will mellow them and toughen your feet. They are great for trudging through snowfields and still having dry feet. You can also use flexible crampons with them. Good in the summer too, even if they look a bit heavyweight, they are quite breathable and good for crossing streams.

You have plenty to contend with when in the mountains without worrying about whether your feet can hack it. The Scarpa boot deals with that worry leaving you to focus on the walk ahead. Come sun, rain, mud, snow these boots will not let you down.

They are not Goretex lined but leather is a very waterproof material... and its natural. The tongue is part of the main boot leather so water cannot enter which nis a common problem with many boots. Seriously buy a pair they will not let you down.

I've had a pair of Scarpa SL boots for two years now and they're still going strong without failing me.

These boots were recommended by a number of friends and assistants at various retailers - I was told by one sales assistant at a local store that he'd owned a pair for nearly twenty years and still used them (but they'd been re-soled more than once). This sold it for me and the SL boots joined my outdoor footwear selection.

Although bought for my first winter mountain climb (to Snowdon in North Wales), these boots have been on plenty of mixed-grade routes and have never failed to impress. They've seen me through summer walks along the Lleyn Peninsula and in the Lake District, early Spring treks through easy countryside, and muddy trudges over Bleaklow and Kinder Scout (including ankle-deep streams and jagged rocks).

Have to say these boots are the best I've owned. For someone who only went for fabric boots, these have convinced me that full-grain leather is by far the best for support and longevity. Plus, despite the uppers having suffered a beating over many a jagged rocky outcrop, the surface has never been compromised and not once have these leaked!

The SL seem to have been part of the Scarpa range for a while now, and long may they remain!