There are a few things you should know before reading any further. Number one is that we are huge fans of the Scarpa Mescalito approach shoes. Both the low-cut shoes and the boot-height mids have found favour on the feet of various members of Team Trail, and have been tested extensively across the UK, on the via ferrata routes of the Dolomites, and even on the dizzying dusty heights of Kilimanjaro.
The next thing to note is that these existing models haven’t gone anywhere. If you want a comfortable and easy-going shoe that can handle a bit of scrambling or via ferrata, the Mescalito and Mescalito GTX are still on the Scarpa website, as are the Mescalito Mid GTX which add a little more ankle protection into the offering. So we can breathe a sigh of relief. Scarpa hasn’t tinkered with the Mescalito so much as taken what it has learned from developing this hugely popular line and transferred that knowledge and experience into another Mescalito incarnation: the Mescalito TRK GTX.
Whereas previous models have focused on approach shoe terrain, this latest version is an unashamed mountain boot. Created for rough hill terrain where paths are an option, not an essential, the Mescalito TRK GTX looks very much like the Mescalito Mid – unsurprising seeing as this is the boot it was based on, and the two models share a lot of the same DNA. But the new Mescalito has been beefed up to make it better suited to long hikes, demanding conditions, tough terrain, and heavy packs. Let’s check it out...
Six things you need to know about Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX
Lasting fit
The Mescalito TRK has been built around the BNT last, which makes the size and fit of the shoe very similar to the Mescalito approach shoes and mids which shared the BN last. What this means in practice is that if the approach shoes fitted you, this more trekking focused boot will be similarly suited to your feet.
Precision lacing
Like the Mescalito approach shoes and more climbing focused footwear, the lacing on the TRK extends almost all the way to the toe. This, in combination with Scarpa’s ‘Speed Lacing System’, allows the volume of the shoe to be adjusted for the perfect secure fit.
Boot got sole
Unlike the fairly gentle sole on the approach shoes, the TRK features much more rugged rubber underneath, with a heel-step and chunkier lugs giving the boots greater grip on a range of terrain.
Comfortable collar
Although not as high as heavier weight winter trekking boots, the padded ankle collar offers some support and reduces stress on the Achilles part of the heel.
Rugged protection
The rubber rand on the TRK extends around the toe to the midfoot, where TPU offers abrasion resistance around the rear and heel. This use of TPU helps reduce weight while maintaining protection.
Light weight
The Mescalito TRK is surprisingly lightweight. It only a little heavier than the Mescalito Mid, weighing 600g (size 42) compared to 515g for the more svelte model. It's also about the same as Aku's full leather Tribute II GTX.
Specs
Weight 600g per boot (size 42) | Upper material Water resistant 1.8mm suede | Lining bluesign-approved Gore-Tex
www.ellis-brigham.com
www.sportsshoes.com
Trail verdict
For long-distance treks, backpacking adventures, and any terrain where the lightweight Mescalitos won’t quite cut it, these are a superb robust alternative.
More boots for big miles
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www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Description
Despite offering an impressive amount of support and underfoot cushioning, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid manages to be both lightweight (sub 600g per boot) and nimble, thanks in part to the supple nubuck leather upper. They’re also available in wide, regular, and narrow fits for both men and women, meaning they’ll fit almost any foot.
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www.alpinetrek.co.uk
Description
Another boot that’s been built to be tough, capable, and yet relatively easy on the feet is the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid. As the name informs, this is the second generation of Salewa’s excellent Mountain Trainer boot (which is also available as a shoe) – footwear we’ve used, abused and become greats fans of.
Quest for adventure
www.ellis-brigham.com
Description
With its high level of support and protection combined with Salomon’s reliably grippy All Terrain Contagrip sole, it’s no surprise that the Salomon Quest 4 is so popular. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it can provide mile after mile of comfortable trekking while still only weighing around 650g per boot.