Our verdict
The Scarpa Inverno is a double boot that has been on the market for decades. The Inverno has been extensively praised for its durability and superior insulation, however, it may not be a good choice for those who prefer lightness while summiting in colder conditions.
Pros
- Unbelievably warm
- If the hefty weight of the Inverno is a deal-breaker for you, try looking at the
- Unbeatable for snow and ice
- Rock solid durability
- Stiff for some
- Very stable platform
- Unbeatable for snow and ice
Cons
- Too heavy
- Boot Grading for Crampons
Rocker makes it more walkable
The Scarpa Inverno is a stiff mountaineering plastic boot that is ready for extreme cold and high-altitude climbs. It's a solid option if you want:
- a high-altitude liner that will keep your feet warm and dry during the hikes in the harshest weather conditions
- Lots of ankle support
- a reliable boot for activities like winter hiking, alpine climbing, snowshoeing, vertical ice climbing, glacier travel approach, backcountry skiing
almost too warm sometimes
updated Mar 13, 2023 Arc'teryx Acrux AR. It embodies all of the best features that the Scarpa Inverno has and steps them up a notch in a 25% lighter package! On the downside, it is also considerably more expensive.
Hard to find a warmer boot than Inverno
An overwhelming amount of feedback from the hikers and climbers talked about the boot's immensely warm interiors:
- "updated Mar 13, 2023"
- "Mighty stable and supportive"
- "Rocker facilitates a smoother ride"
- "almost too warm sometimes"
Even climbing for 12 hours a day in the Himalayas doesn't stop the Scarpa Inverno from keeping the feet dry and warm.
The double construction of this boot is responsible for its warm interiors even in the harshest subzero temperatures. The removable inner boot is a multi-layer High Altitude Liner that gives insulation and cushioning. As for the outer shell of this double-boot, it is made of Pebax which is durable and waterproof.
Rocker facilitates a smoother ride
"Solid as hell" and "bombproof" - this is how the reviewers describe their impression of the boot's quality construction. It has served some people anywhere from 3 years up to 10 years doing winter backpacking and other adventures in the nastiest weather.
The only detraction from the boot's overall quality is the laces. More than a few climbers recommend bringing a spare set of laces as they do tend to get shredded by the boot's metal grommets.
Jul 31, 2018
With the boot's stiff outer shell, your foot and ankle are not going anywhere. Based on the wearer's feedback, such a rigid design kept them stable and surefooted in all climbing and hiking conditions.
If the hefty weight of the Inverno is a deal-breaker for you, try looking at the
This mountaineering boot uses a Vibram Stabeler made of Mont compound, which gives rigidity and durability. It has an undercut heel for braking. The widely-spaced lugs prevent snow and muck from building up, preventing slips and falls.
Likewise, this outsole is crampon-compatible. As one hiker puts it, "they hold on to crampons like glue." The Scarpa Inverno is compatible with hybrid (semi-automatic) and step-in (automatic) crampons.
Arcteryx Acrux AR
A lot of wearers appreciated this boot's rockered bottom which helped to make it noticeably more walkable. One of them says that "the rocker sole keeps shin bang at a minimum," while another adds that it "makes walking more comfortable than other plastic boots."
Very stable platform
Tipping the scales at 1265 g per boot, it is far from being the lightest mountaineering footwear out there. The reviewers refer to it as "decently heavy" and "on the heavier side for an extended mountaineering trip." "It can get pretty tiring," - this is the general consensus among the boot owners.
