Are Scarpa boots true to size?

How Scarpa sizes its boots

Scarpa's main scale is EU sizing, which steps about 6.7 mm per size compared with about 8.5 mm per UK size. Scarpa publishes a chart that maps its EU sizes to UK and US sizes, and many listings on amazon.co.uk show both numbers. Some Scarpa listings show only EU sizes, so check before ordering.

Because the two systems step differently, an EU half size can fall between two UK half sizes. That is why some walkers find a Scarpa feels slightly long or short compared with a British or German brand in the same UK number.

Is Scarpa true to size?

Many walkers report that Scarpa boots are true to length when they measure their feet and use Scarpa's chart. Others prefer half a size up, especially in winter boots worn with thicker socks, or if they like more toe room on long descents. Very few find they need to size down.

The best approach is to measure your foot in millimetres in the evening with walking socks, then check the toe room with the thumb's-width test described in what size walking boots. Our boot size converter gives a starting point.

Convert your size →

How Scarpa models fit

Scarpa's classic leather walking boots, such as the Terra and Ranger, are often described as having a comfortable, medium-volume fit that suits many British feet. Lighter models such as the Rush and Ribelle Cross are more athletic and can feel snugger. Technical and approach models, such as the Mescalito and Zodiac, tend to fit more precisely for scrambling.

Women's Scarpa models are built on women's lasts. If you have wide feet, try Scarpa's roomier walking models, or look at our walking boots for wide feet guide for brands with defined wide fits.

Our Scarpa walking boots compared guide sets eight models side by side using listing facts.

See Scarpa boots compared →

Scarpa compared with Meindl and Lowa

German brands Meindl and Lowa usually list UK sizes in Britain. Meindl is often described as roomy, and Lowa as precise with a held heel. Scarpa sits somewhere between for its classic walking boots, and narrower for technical ones. These are general impressions; the only reliable test is your own foot.

Compared with La Sportiva, Scarpa is often found slightly roomier. See Scarpa vs La Sportiva boots for more.

Socks, insoles and break-in

Your sock choice changes the fit more than you might expect. A thick winter sock can take up close to half a size compared with a thin summer sock, so try Scarpa boots with the socks you will actually wear. If you plan to swap the stock footbed for an aftermarket insole, take it with you, because a thicker insole raises the foot and reduces room over the instep and toes.

Leather Scarpa boots such as the Terra, Ranger and SL Active mould a little to the foot over the first few walks, which can ease pressure points. They will not gain length, though, so a boot that is too short in the shop will stay too short. See how to break in walking boots for a staged plan and walking boot insoles explained for insole choices.

Tips for ordering Scarpa online

If a Scarpa feels too narrow whatever the length, the last may not suit you. Changing size will not fix width.

1. 1

   Measure both feet in millimetres in the evening with walking socks.

2. 2

   Find your size on Scarpa's chart, not just your usual UK size.

3. 3

   If you are between sizes, choose the larger one for walking boots, or order both to compare.

4. 4

   Try the boots indoors, test toe room on stairs and check for heel lift.

5. 5

   Keep the pair that passes and return the other unworn.

Frequently asked questions

Do Scarpa boots run small? Some walkers find them slightly small and go up half a size, but many find them true to length using Scarpa's chart.

What size Scarpa is a UK 9? Usually around EU 43, but check Scarpa's chart for the specific model.

Are Scarpa boots narrow? Technical models fit more precisely; classic walking boots such as the Terra are often described as medium width.

Do Scarpa boots stretch? Leather boots mould slightly to the foot during break-in, but they do not stretch enough to fix a boot that is too small.