Definitely one of the better looking shoes on test, the Mystic could easily pass as a casual shoe. It has been designed as more of an approach shoe, for climbers to access rocky routes, which means it has a fairly stiff sole unit, great grip on rock and a slightly asymmetrical pointy shape. They have been used abseiling and worked admirably – even if the wearer was decidedly jelly-legged! Even though the grip pattern on the sole isn’t exactly the most aggressive, the shoes did handle most conditions well – the stiff midsole making the difference on longer trips. In warm conditions they are a little ‘cosy’ inside, where the membrane and absence of mesh panels slow the air flow. But the Gore-Tex lining does mean that they at least stay dry inside.
VITAL STATS
Sizes: 41-48
Materials: Suede, Gore-Tex
Sole: Vibram
Weight: 1,060g
Women’s version: Yes
Contact: 0191 296 0212; www.scarpa.co.uk
• Review from Country Walking magazine, June ’11