Scarpa Gea RS Boots

As Scarpa states, the Gea AT Boots are “Completely redesigned from the ground up, this new generation uses state-of-the-art planet-friendly materials and technology to bring you the lightest weight, most powerful version yet. The new Gea RS is the perfect blend of performance and backcountry functionality. The Gea RS is for backcountry skiers looking for versatile, uncompromising performance uphill and down.”

Having reviewed the Gea RS boots back in 2019 you would be well advised to read that review first as it will cover all the basics of the boot’s features so you can see where they have come from to better understand where they are now. In this review, we’ll touch on what has changed and how it has affected the boot’s comfort, fit and performance. You may also want to pursue our review of the new 2024 Scarpa Maestrale RS Alpine Touring Boots and find out why they won our Gear of the Year Award.

Of all the updates to the Gea RS Boots, the most important may be the new 102mm wide last. Scarpa has changed the last and moved the widest part of the boot’s shell further back on the lateral side of the foot in order to provide more comfort in those critical areas—for most people’s feet. The Gea’s toe box and heel pocket have also been reshaped to provide a better overall fit which will not only increase comfort but also foot retention which means more precision and responsiveness while skiing. In the end, this new last means that you get better overall fit, comfort, and ultimately performance.

Scarpa now uses carbon fibre in the shell and cuff of both the Maestrale and Gea RS models, this material combines Scarpa’s Carbon Core technology with Grilamid Bio for increased power transmission, stability and torsional rigidity. By doing this a stronger backbone is effectively created in the Pebax cuff and provides more integrity without adding any unwanted weight and still allows for an impressive 61° range of motion in walk mode.

On the underside of the Gea RS Boots, you'll find new Cayman LT soles from SCARPA and Vibram which are DIN ISO 9523 compatible. They have a three-piece ergonomic design that optimizes grip on a variety of terrain types. In the front of the sole you will find smooth rubber to better fit into bindings, underfoot the lug pattern is designed to shed snow, while the heel has a rubber profile for enhanced grip. Made of Durastep, Scarpa says these soles increase traction by up to 25% while maintaining overall stability.

The velcro power strap found on the previous Gea RS Boots has also seen an overhaul as it is now an adjustable hook and loop that provides a quicker, more customized fit and there is no velcro to wear out over time.

Scarpa has also redesigned the ski walk mechanism on the new Gea RS boots. They now sport a Speed Lock MLT system which is more refined, smaller and better sheds snow and ice build-up. This means a more efficient and smoother walk mode and increased security in ski mode.

The all-new Wave Lite closure system, while similar at first glance is now more adjustable and also increases the closing force over your forefoot for a more precise fit.

Scarpa has continued to use more plant-based PeBax Rnew and Grilamid Bio materials in the 2024 Gea boots giving them a smaller ecological footprint than ever before. You’ll find PeBax Rnew in the cuff and tongue and Grilamid Bio in the shell. While these materials are more eco-friendly there is no decrease in performance as you still get a very progressive 120 flex.

Shell: Grilmid Bio with Carbon Core
Cuff: Pebax Rnew
Tongue: Pebax
Liner: Pro Flex Performance (Intuition)
Outsole: Vibram Cayman LT (ISO 9523)

• Updated Last.
• Carbon Core cuff for increased torsional stability.
• Carbon Core shell for increased torsional stability.
• Wave Lite closure system is highly adjustable and increases closing force for a more precise fit.
• Intuition Liner is thermoformable and super warm.
• Speed Lock MLT.
• Redesigned HRS Strap.
• Wave Lite Closure.
• Spoiler Updates.
• Sustainable Shell and Cuff.
• ISO 9523 sole is compatible with MNC norm and all tech bindings.

Back in 2018, Scarpa released a substantial update to the Gea RS AT boots and I have been very comfortably skiing them in and out of bounds until now. While I was happy to hear of an updated version of the Gea RS Boots I was also hesitant to part ways with my trusty touring slippers. While the long list of upgrades in the 2024 Gea Boots made for a no-brainer decision to switch over to these new versions, I have to admit I was a little hesitant that they would fit as well, given the new last. After a simple liner cook, I was easily as comfy in the new 2024 Gea Boots as I was in my previous pair but I do find that they are more challenging to get into than the older version. Since I have narrow feet I did not foresee any issue with a modified last, especially if it was getting more volume in the places that mattered most. Once my feet are inside the new Gea’s they are happy as peas in a pod and all of the upgraded features really do add up to a better user experience. With Eco-Friendly materials aside, I think my favourite new feature has to be the updated Power strap. I truly appreciate the micro-adjustability that is possible with the new hook and loop design. While velcro RS is lighter, it also wears out over time and can be a bit of trial and error to get just the right amount of tension. The new Power Strap is so much more efficient and user-friendly.

With the same amount of cuff rotation (ok 61° instead of 60°) and identical flex rating, I found the new Gea RS Boots to ski very similar to the previous version, the foot comfort and hold are impressive and thanks to the improved Wave Lite closure system and redesigned HRS Strap my heel is snuggly cradled in the back of the boot without any loss of blood flow over my arch.

I have always been impressed with how well the Gea RS boots fit my feet and the performance they provide is second to none and this continues to be true with the new 2024 version.

Overall if you have never skied in the Gea RS Boots and are looking for a solid pair of touring boots that can masterful shred the resort and are heaps light enough to tour long days in the backcountry, then you own it to yourself (and your feet) to try a pair on. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how good they are.