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Scarpa Crux and Cosmo Shoes

We are fans of the Scarpa Crux, but it's the Cosmo that wins the Gear of the Year this time around. Italian athleisurewear style and craftsmanship come together in some very special kicks. Ben fatto Scarpa!

The Backcountry Skiing Canada Team.

Though most of our Scarpa reviews here on the site have been for backcountry ski touring boots, Scarpa also manufactures a wide range of footwear for travelling in the mountains by foot--everything from expedition-grade, super stiff and beefy boots to trail runners. They even have a "lifestyle" category which includes the Scarpa Cosmo, the subject of one half of today's review. As well as the Cosmo, we'll be talking about the Scarpa Crux, an "approach" shoe. Hey!... if you'd like to read our review of a Scarpa hiking boot, check out our thoughts in the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX boot-- a very capable backpacker that won our coveted Gear of the Year award.

As confirmed Scarpaholics, we also reviewed a bunch of their alpine touring boots. If you are curious, have a gander: Scarpa Freedom FL, Scarpa Evo F1/F1, Scarpa Maestrale RS and, the old but gold Scarpa Maestrale that we reviewed back in the 2010/11 season.

Here are the two shoes we'll be looking at. The Scarpa Crux and the Scarpa Cosmo. Shoes with the same pedigree but for slightly different uses. Be sure to click on the orange bar below the picture to see the full review.

SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

Scarpa Crux Approach Shoe

Positioned as an approach shoe, the Scarpa Crux bridges the gap between trail and rock. I'm not a huge climber (more of a hiker, really) but I have been amazed at the serious climbers who blaze by me on the way to a pitch wearing the Crux or similar approach shoes--while I am in my heavier backpacking boots. This kind of shoe is great for shorter distances, when your pack is not huge. I guess that's why they call them approach shoes.

Specs:

Price: $159CAN
Sizes: 40 – 47, 48 (half sizes)
Color: Grey/Orange, Hyper/Blue Yellow
Weight: 357g / 12.6oz (1/2 pair size 38)

If you can't tell, these shoes have been well worn. Urban assaults on a recent trip to Europe, day hikes here in the Kootenays and a lot more.

Features:

Forefoot Webbing With Kevlar
Rubber toe rand
Vibram Vertical Sole
Upper: Suede, recycled polyester airmesh
Lining: Recycled Polyester
Midsole: Dual-Density EVA
Outsole: Vibram Vertical Approach
Last: BN

Here's a close up of the kevlar webbing that let's you feel like the whole shoe is being tightened--not just above the forefoot.

With the Crux, you get rock shoe-type lacing that extends right to where the rubber rand begins. I am a huge fan of rands--they make for a bombproof shoe that'll cling to the rock if need be.

Here's the backside--reinforced to provide shape and maintain support.

The tread shot! The Vibram approach sticky sole grips well in all but the deepest mudbog. It also holds up well to abuse.

Scarpa Cosmo Shoe

Scarpa's Cosmo lives within the brand's Lifestyle category. It's a little less technical and a lot more stylish. Think of it as the Crux's little brother --workable for short walks or clubbing, but maybe not something you'd want to walk in for more than an hour.

Specs:

Price: $115USD/$165CAN
Sizes: 40 - 47, 48 (half sizes)
Colour: Blue with greeny accent sole
Weight: 332g / 11.7oz (1/2 pair size 42)

This pair has also been well loved. Worked in after about 30 seconds of wear.

Features:

Upper: 1.8mm Suede
Lining: Recycled Polyester
Midsole: Microporous EVA
Sole: SCARPA Voyager
Last: BNS

With a small rand, the Cosmo hints at its approach shoe heritage.

Not quite to the toe lacing--it's a looser fitting shoe than the Crux.

Some heel support but definitely not as beefy as the Crux.

I think I am spotting a trend here..the Cosmo sole is minorly lugged and made by Scarpa rather than Vibram. Less aggro than the Crux.

Verdict:

Having a pair of Cruxes and a pair of Cosmos in your closet is a good way to ensure you are covered for virtually every occasion. The Crux will take you on a day hike with a medium sized pack and the Cosmo will work for urban exploring and mountain town wear.

Regarding the Crux--personal preference definitely enters into the equation. I have this weird "stiff big toe" situation (hallux rigidus) so I prefer stiffer shoes/boots with a 3/4 shank for hiking. That's why I love the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX so much--it's stiff. If you are more comfortable with less stiff-soled shoes, you might be happy to take the Crux out for a multi-day backpacking trip. If you are a climber, the Crux will get you up to the pitch with little weight, good grip and all the support you need.

I am a huge fan of the Cosmo. With its bright yellow accent stitching and midsole, it turns heads. With its relaxed fit and squishy sole, it's a super comfy yet stylish lounge shoe.

PROS:

Crux is comfortable and fits close
Cosmo make me feel like an Italian film star
Both shoes are remarkably durable--and economical
Italian heritage and craftsmanship

CONS:

I would like a stiffer Crux (but that's just me)
Cosmo sole is not very durable

SPECS:

See above for individual product specification.

RATING: 8.5/10

Innovation 1.5/2
Function 1.5/2
Aesthetics/Fit 2/2
Features 1.5/2
Quality/Price 2/2

Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.