Product · Scarpa
Scarpa Mescalito: lacing to the toe, Vibram Dynamis LB
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The Mescalito is Scarpa's answer for people whose approach often turns into a scramble or a via ferrata. The bullets on Amazon describe a water-repellent suede upper, lacing that extends to the toe for fine adjustment, a midsole of two EVA densities with an anti-twist TPU insert, and a Vibram Dynamis LB outsole. Of all the shoes in our approach guide, it is the one that leans hardest on precision footwork.
- Upper
- Water-repellent suede
- Outsole
- Vibram Dynamis LB
- Membrane
- None stated
- Listed use
- Technical approach, via ferrata, hiking
In its favour
- The listing says the lacing extends to the climbing zone, letting you snug the fit for scrambling.
- A Vibram Dynamis LB sole is named, which Scarpa says keeps grip while cutting sole weight.
- An asymmetrical rubber toe cap and TPU heel support are described in the listing.
Good to know
- No membrane is listed, so feet will get wet on boggy approaches.
- The specs field lists the sole as leather, which conflicts with the bullets, so check the maker's page.
Our take
How it is built, according to Scarpa
The upper is suede treated to repel water, with an elastic tongue and collar for comfort. A light TPU frame holds the heel and adds support, and an asymmetric rubber toe cap gives wider protection on the inside edge, which is the side most often jammed against rock.
Underneath, the twin-density EVA midsole is paired with a TPU insert meant to stop the shoe twisting on small holds. The Dynamis LB sole uses Vibram's Lite Base approach, which the listing says cuts sole weight by about 30 percent by halving its thickness while keeping grip and durability.
Lacing to the toe in practice
Climbing-style lacing lets you snug the forefoot down for a scramble and then ease it off for the walk out. For people with low-volume feet, that can be the difference between a shoe that rolls on edges and one that stays put. It also helps on descents, where a well-locked heel stops toes bashing the front.
A note on the listing details
Some spec fields on the Amazon page look wrong for this shoe. The model name field reads WFS Active and the sole material field says leather, which does not match the bullet text about the Vibram sole. A 328 g weight is given. Treat the bullets as the more reliable description and check the size and colour you are ordering carefully.
Against the Crux and TX Guide Leather
The Mescalito's listed 328 g is a touch under the 358 g given for Scarpa's own Crux, though neither listing says whether that is one shoe or a pair, so do not choose on weight alone. The bigger difference is purpose: the Crux is an easy-going approach shoe with Megagrip, while the Mescalito is built for edging and via ferrata.
The La Sportiva TX Guide Leather is the other technical choice, with a leather upper and leather lining. It may suit people who prefer leather's moulding over time. Neither the Mescalito nor the TX Guide Leather lists a waterproof membrane.
Verdict
Buy the Mescalito if your approaches end on rock, ladders or via ferrata cables and you want lacing to the toe for a precise fit. If you mostly walk on paths with the odd easy scramble, the Scarpa Crux is simpler, and the La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX is the better pick for wet weather.
Compared with alternatives in: Best approach shoes for scrambling
Amazon listing title: SCARPA Mescalito