Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX Approach Boot

4.5 out of 5 stars 47 ratings
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Color: Shark
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Size Chart
US Shoe size
Brand SizeEurope
3.5 Women/2.5 Men34
4 Women/3 Men34.5
4-4.5 Women/3-3.5 Men35
4.5-5 Women/3.5-4 Men35.5
5-5.5 Women/4-4.5 Men36
5.5 Women/4.5 Men36.5
6 Women/5 Men37
6-6.5 Women/5-5.5 Men37.5
6.5-7 Women/5.5-6 Men38
7-7.5 Women/6-6.5 Men38.5
7.5 Women/6.5 Men39
8 Women/7 Men39.5
8-8.5 Women/7-7.5 Men40
8.5-9 Women/7.5-8 Men40.5
9-9.5 Women/8-8.5 Men41
9.5 Women/8.5 Men41.5
10 Women/9 Men42
10-10.5 Women/9-9.5 Men42.5
10.5-11 Women/9.5-10 Men43
11-11.5 Women/10-10.5 Men43.5
US Shoe size
Brand SizeEurope
11.5 Women/10.5 Men44
12 Women/11 Men44.5
12-12.5 Women/11-11.5 Men45
12.5-13 Women/11.5-12 Men45.5
13-13.5 Women/12-12.5 Men46
13.5 Women/12.5 Men46.5
14 Women/13 Men47
14-14.5 Women/13-13.5 Men47.5
14.5-15 Women/13.5-14 Men48
15.5 Women/14.5 Men49
16-16.5 Women/15-15.5 Men50

Product details

  • Fabric type
    100% Suede
  • Sole material
    Vibram
  • Outer material
    Suede
  • Closure type
    Lace-Up

About this item

  • Gore-Tex extended comfort technology.
  • New Vibram Vertical Approach sole
  • Overlasted rubber toe rand
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Product details

  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14 x 11 x 5 inches; 1.13 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ TECH ASCENT GTX-U
  • Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 28, 2012
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Scarpa
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007GN1Z9O
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

Product Description

This mid-cut approach shoe is inspired by the very specific demands of mountain guides. More supportive than a traditional low top approach shoe, the Tech Ascent is surprisingly light and nimble on technical terrain, which is critical when shouldering a heavy load on fifth-class terrain. The dual-density polyurethane midsole provides substantial shock absorption but still retains its sensitivity to climb well. Asymmetrical lacing to the toe provides precise fit and enhances stability when climbing. Abrasion resistant suede uppers, Gore-Tex waterproof breathability, and sticky rubber round out the Tech Ascent’s attributes.

Innovation and tradition share equally deep roots at SCARPA, a muti-generational, family-owned business whose headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in the same region of northern Italy where it was founded in 1938. SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail-running and other outdoor pursuits. Aside from being the Italian word for "shoe," SCARPA is an acronym for Societa Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima (Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area).

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
47 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find these hiking boots comfortable with good ankle support and appreciate their style, with one noting the improved scree guard design. They are well-built, with one customer mentioning they handle long hikes under heavy loads, and customers praise their excellent grip on rock and super sticky soles. Customers describe them as lightweight and warmer than expected, making them suitable for mixed trail and terrain. The fit receives mixed feedback, with several customers reporting they run half a size too small.

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18 customers mention "Comfort"18 positive0 negative

Customers find these boots comfortable and supportive, with one mentioning they can climb all day in them, and another noting their nimble feel in rough terrain.

"...is a STANDOUT in this category, being of the highest quality, fit and comfort...." Read more

"...moldable footbeds and can scramble rocks, hike granite and climb all day in comfort. Remarkably light for the support they offer...." Read more

"...The midsole is stiff and supportive enough for a 40 lb. pack...." Read more

"...mountainous terrain for up to 15 miles & he says these give him GREAT ankle support and NO blisters...." Read more

18 customers mention "Style"18 positive0 negative

Customers find these boots stylish and nice, with one customer noting improvements in the scree guard design.

"...Supple and close fitting toe region like a well padded climbing shoe, reminds me so much of a SCARPA climbing slipper...." Read more

"...LaSportiva Ganda Guide boots, these are nearly as light, offer better rand design, much improved scree guard and much better ankle support with..." Read more

"...These shoes look GREAT. They look like a late 80s classic Nike basketball shoe mated with a good boot...." Read more

"They are nice boots and I've owned 3 pairs of Scarpa shoes in the past but these were about a half size too small. I had to return them." Read more

14 customers mention "Build quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find these boots well-made, with one customer noting they handle long hikes under a heavy load and another mentioning the solid heel region.

"...No Gimmicks here...just solid old world construction. Somewhere between a SCARPA climbing slipper and an ankle high hiking boot...." Read more

"Super sticky soles. Great snug fit. A proper approach and moderate technical climbing shoe...." Read more

"...The midsole is stiff and supportive enough for a 40 lb. pack. The upper is well made but I feel the absence of a rubber rand on the sides when I'm..." Read more

"...Well made shoe, no complaints." Read more

10 customers mention "Hiking boot"10 positive0 negative

Customers find these boots excellent for hiking, with one customer noting they are particularly suitable for mixed trail and terrain, while another mentions they perform well on steep downhill sections.

"...More supple and nimble than your average hiking boot. Not really intended to be a hiking boot, but like the new R Evo,..." Read more

"...pretty poor, added Sole moldable footbeds and can scramble rocks, hike granite and climb all day in comfort...." Read more

"...sure u would call them mountaineering boots, but likely the best year-round hiking bootsi've ever owned." Read more

"Great hiking boots!!!! Very comfortable!!!! I hiked 10 miles and my feet felt wonderful. I'm glad I took a friends advice and ordered a pair." Read more

5 customers mention "Traction"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the boot's traction, noting its excellent grip on rock and super sticky soles, with one customer mentioning it performs well on boulder scrambles.

"Super sticky soles. Great snug fit. A proper approach and moderate technical climbing shoe...." Read more

"...The outsoles are appropriately grippy for an approach shoe. The midsole is stiff and supportive enough for a 40 lb. pack...." Read more

"...They also provide good traction on boulder scrambles...." Read more

"...Yet the construction is solid, strong eyelets, nice, sticky sole - Vibram Vertical Approach Sole - comparable to C-1 rubber...." Read more

4 customers mention "Weight"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that these boots are lightweight.

"...Compared to my LaSportiva Ganda Guide boots, these are nearly as light, offer better rand design, much improved scree guard and much better ankle..." Read more

"...No bulk and perfectly comfortable. This pair is perfectly adaptable easily handling long hikes under a heavy load, or just a day hike...." Read more

"There a real light boot got very comfortable after wearing a little mainly on top of my toes where the shoe bends...." Read more

"Simply the best shoes I've ever owned. Extremely comfortable, light weight, durable and suitable for any environment...." Read more

3 customers mention "Warmth"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the boots warmer than expected.

"...but definitely a shoe for warmer weather. Gore-Tex...Might be able to step in three inches of water with this shoe and remain dry...." Read more

"...Good support and thoughtful selection of materials ensures feet stay warm and dry." Read more

"they are warmer than expected used on the snow no problem" Read more

18 customers mention "Fit"12 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the boot's fit, with some finding it comfortable while others report it being half a size too small.

"...Supple and close fitting toe region like a well padded climbing shoe, reminds me so much of a SCARPA climbing slipper...." Read more

"...Remarkably light for the support they offer. Very roomy fit but the lacing to toe allows me to synch up nicely for great fit versatility...." Read more

"...This shoe is wider than other scarpas. If you have low volume feet I recommend La Sportiva instead...." Read more

"...These don't pinch in the toe area, but are snug enough that his heel isn't slipping out either...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Craig Thomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Alpine Summer Approach Boot.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2016
    Size: 10.5Color: SharkVerified Purchase
    This boot was reissued with the orange color and stitching last year,
    but there is nothing different other than some color.

    This shoe is a STANDOUT in this category, being of the highest quality, fit and comfort.

    No Gimmicks here...just solid old world construction.

    Somewhere between a SCARPA climbing slipper and an ankle high hiking boot.
    More supple and nimble than your average hiking boot.
    Not really intended to be a hiking boot, but like the new R Evo,
    people will use it for all sorts of hiking.

    These are perfect for mixed trail and terrain with some climbing before you have to put on your
    technical slippers. You could wear a traditional hiker to approach, but as you get closer, these will
    fit in some really tight spaces. Great feel of what is underfoot.

    These would be perfect anywhere there are canyons and narrow footholds.
    Badlands, Black Hills, Red Rock to Death valley come to mind.

    If I wore these all day, my feet might ask for something stiffer but most feet won't notice.

    Supple and close fitting toe region like a well padded climbing shoe,
    reminds me so much of a SCARPA climbing slipper.
    I can slip this toe into some tight, rocky spots.

    Solid heal region, yet not as stiff/solid on the bottom as the typical SCARPA boots.
    which get more and more firm as you move up the line.

    So this boot is somewhere in between a climbing shoe and a heavy hiking boot,
    landing very close to the new R Evo, hence the "Approach" shoe name.

    The R Evo is slightly more like a hiking boot than this Approach shoe.

    Might be able to get across moderate ice with a crampon,
    but definitely a shoe for warmer weather.

    Gore-Tex...Might be able to step in three inches of water with this shoe and remain dry.
    You can get a more waterproof boot, and this boot was made with mostly dry ascents in mind.

    I wear a size 10.5 or 44 and SCARPA's are always plenty long and slightly narrow.
    Might need some breaking in if you have a bunion on your big toe.
    This boot is made narrow to get good toe holds.

    Durability? This shoe was made to break in like a climbing slipper or a baseball glove,
    so you can feel the rocky trail with some protection. A smaller person may be able to
    wear them for a while.

    This is really not intended for continuous backpacking....just not enough underfoot.

    Amazon has a very good price on these boots.
    Thanks SCARPA and Amazon!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Michael McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super sticky soles
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Super sticky soles. Great snug fit. A proper approach and moderate technical climbing shoe. The stock sockliner is pretty poor, added Sole moldable footbeds and can scramble rocks, hike granite and climb all day in comfort. Remarkably light for the support they offer. Very roomy fit but the lacing to toe allows me to synch up nicely for great fit versatility. Compared to my LaSportiva Ganda Guide boots, these are nearly as light, offer better rand design, much improved scree guard and much better ankle support with similar traction on polished granite. The fit is much higher volume in toe box but again can be snugged as needed. The Ganda's low profile and flexibility is better for climbing but the Scarpa is so much more versatile and well rounded boot. Highly, highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • AmazonCustomer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Medium volume nice shoe
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is my fourth or fifth pair of Scarpas. I usually wear a 47 (the Kailash), but I had to buy a half size smaller in the Tech Ascent. It fits like a normal hiking boot now, but is still too large for a technical approach shoe. If you want a tech approach shoe buy a full size smaller.

    This shoe is wider than other scarpas. If you have low volume feet I recommend La Sportiva instead. I was able to cinch the forefoot tight with the lacing but the heel is still a little loose. Thicker insoles exacerbate the effect because they prevent the heel from sitting all the way back and down in the boot.

    The outsoles are appropriately grippy for an approach shoe. The midsole is stiff and supportive enough for a 40 lb. pack. The upper is well made but I feel the absence of a rubber rand on the sides when I'm in sharp scree. The nylon webbing eyelet second from the top concerns me a bit because I've ripped through those with lace abrasion on other shoes, but so far I've had no problem with these.

    These shoes look GREAT. They look like a late 80s classic Nike basketball shoe mated with a good boot.

    If you have a medium to high volume feet I highly recommend them. But I also suspect you may get more for your money with La Sportivas or Salewas if you have narrower feet.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Anthony R. Umrani
    3.0 out of 5 stars Half size too small
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2016
    Size: 12.5Color: SharkVerified Purchase
    They are nice boots and I've owned 3 pairs of Scarpa shoes in the past but these were about a half size too small. I had to return them.
    One person found this helpful
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  • CheetahGirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great hiking boot
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
    Size: 12Color: SharkVerified Purchase
    After quite a bit of research I settled on these for my husband for day hikes. He is crazy about these boots. We're hiking rocky, mountainous terrain for up to 15 miles & he says these give him GREAT ankle support and NO blisters. They also provide good traction on boulder scrambles. They look much better in real-life than they do online, but the bears don't give a crap what your shoes look like anyway. With regard to fit, he has the tendency to have a long foot with a wide ball, but a somewhat narrow heel. These don't pinch in the toe area, but are snug enough that his heel isn't slipping out either. He hasn't gotten them wet so I can't report on the water-proofing. So far he has used them in the summer months only so we'll see how far into the fall they go. Well made shoe, no complaints.
    One person found this helpful
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  • krb
    1.0 out of 5 stars boot shrinks...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This review is an edit. After purchasing and wearing the boot I gave it a 5/5 rating. However, after only 3 months of use the boot became smaller...it shrank a complete size. I am no longer able to wear the boots and they were unable to be fixed. Huge disappointment. Can't say that I recommend them anymore.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Joseph
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Boot
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014
    Size: 8.5Color: SharkVerified Purchase
    The Italians really out did themselves on these shoes! A perfect combination of stability in the ankle, and a rigidity in the shank for carrying loads on varying terrain. The very light weight materials break from what anyone would consider an approach shoe in the past. No bulk and perfectly comfortable. This pair is perfectly adaptable easily handling long hikes under a heavy load, or just a day hike. Don't hesitate, just buy!
    3 people found this helpful
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