Trail (UK)

Scarpa Bora GTX

£110 / 1246g (pair, size 46)

- www.scarpa.co.uk

good price for a Gore-Tex lining and Cordura upper; sole lugs well-spaced

less supportive and less durable upper than higher-priced boots

The Bora has a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, unlike most boots at this price. You also get Cordura synthetic textile on the upper with overlays of suede. There is some stitching, but not as much as some boots of this design. The outsole has well-spaced lugs but they are not quite as aggressive as some. The toe box and upper are softer and less supportive than those found in higher-priced boots. 3/5

Men’s sizes are 41-48; women’s are 37-42. The fit was surprising­ly close, neat and precise for this price of boot, which sets it apart from others. The ankle cuff is about 1cm lower than some models, but still higher than some other low-priced boots. The ankle cuff and tongue both fitted well around the foot. 5/5

The upper softness combined with the good fit made this very comfortabl­e, and again better than many at this price. The ankle cuff was very comfy, thanks to good padding, as were the laces and the tongue. But the toe box, upper and sole are more flexible than in higher-priced boots, so on uneven ground the comfort is reduced. 3/5

For level paths the Bora is a good choice as the sole has decent lugs and there is enough support. But as the ground becomes steeper or rougher it becomes less ideal. The sole grip is not as good as others and the upper does not protect the foot as well. On rocky terrain, durability will become an issue sooner than with a leather boot with a rubber rand. But it’s great if kept to easier ground. 3/5

It’s hard to find a good boot at £110 and this is better than many. You would have to pay more to get real improvemen­ts. 5/5 A good option if your budget is £110. It performs well on easier paths; but when the going gets tough, 3.8/5 pricier boots have benefits.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom