Our verdict
Despite its lofty price, the Top 27% in is a highly sought-after backpacking boot due largely to its amazing lightness and dependable waterproofing. Furthermore, it is exceptionally durable, grippy, and supportive. Its ground stability is also nothing short of brilliant. However, some owners lambasted it for having a gravely restrictive toe box and seemingly unreliable laces. Its unwieldy build and bleeding tongue also caused a few users unnecessary headaches.
Pros
- Great ankle support
- Excellent stability
- Amazing traction
- Lasting durability
- Lightweight
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Worthy investment
- Super-protective toe cap
Cons
- Thin laces
- Clunky design
- Who should buy Scarpa R-Evolution GTX
- Will tackle some wet trails
Who should buy Top 27% in
A good value for money for users who need a multi-purpose boot. It is ideal for people who:
- Lean towards leather boots
- Will tackle some wet trails
- Require support from a high-cut boot
Scarpas durable leather upper
Thanks to its Vibram-powered outsole, backpackers can get and maintain a secure footing on unpredictable terrain with the Top 27% in. Tread patterns and multi-directional lugs are strategically placed all around the outsole, improving the boot’s grip performance. The tip of the sole’s forefoot zone also has ridges that give extra precision, especially during ascents and forefoot maneuvers.
Forefoot protection of the R-Evolution
The rubber tip of the boot is the outsole’s extension. This extended part serves as a toe bumper which lessens collision shocks and further reinforces the footwear’s toe box.
Shock-absorbing midsole
The Top 27% in provides backpacking folks ample shock absorption, stability, and comfort with its rubber midsole. This thick yet cushy layer can bear considerable weight and stay resilient as it is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA—a copolymer that is sturdy and elastic at the same time. It has a contoured arch section that disperses shock by helping the boot flex as the user’s foot rolls forward.
Extra cushioning is provided by the boot’s stock insole. This removable footbed has slightly raised hindfoot borders for added heel support, as well as a perforated upper half for extra breathability.
Forefoot features
It also has a slightly curved forefoot zone which gives the R-Evolution GTX a rockered toe. A boot with a rockered toe, also called toe rocker, aids wearers during transitions and makes walking relatively easy, particularly on level terrain. The women’s version has a midsole that's marginally thicker than the men's pair, especially around the heel and forefoot zones.
Scarpa's durable leather upper
With its layered upper that is part suede leather and part Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner, the R-Evolution GTX has strong defenses against abrasive elements and invasive water. The leather overlay around the ankle section has a cut-out design that exposes a portion of the soft liner. This exposed part allows the upper shaft to flex with ease, thereby improving the wearer’s mobility. The boot’s ankle cuff has a padded lining, providing extra cushioning.
Granting backpackers secure lockdown is the R-Evolution GTX’s closure system which features a combination of open hooks and lace loops. These riveted lace hooks and loops are made of a metallic material that enables the rounded laces to slide right through. They make lace-ups speedy and unhindered.
The boot’s Sock-Fit tongue uses a stretchable and breathable Schoeller fabric. Aside from putting up strict fortification against debris, thanks to its seamless design, this tongue also reduces pressure and prevents rubbing around the user's instep.
The front end of the upper is reinforced with a rubber rand. This toe rand and the outsole’s extension (rubber tip) team up to double down on forefoot protection and prevent toe injuries. The base of the heel, on the other hand, has a sturdy leather covering which adds to the boot’s durability and gives extra heel support.
