Scarpa Eclipse, $99
Summary: Another entry in the sub-$100 category, the unlined Eclipse is designed as an all-around offering for both sport and trad. The shoe smears well but comes up short in the edging department, despite its midsole. And those looking for long-term durability, check elsewhere — the thin (for an all-around model) sole will not withstand much abuse.
Pros: Inexpensive. Smears well.
Cons: Poor edging.
Overall grade: C

Scarpa/Black Diamond: (801) 278-5552,
www.bdel.com

Scarpa Marathon, $142
Summary: The Marathon almost caused a few same-size-foot folks in the office to come to blows over who would use these comfortable, all-around high-performance beauties. A molded-polyurethane wedge covered with sticky, treaded rubber provides heel comfort, while a moderately stiff midsole provides solid edging without compromising smearing ability. The unlined Marathon also jams well in all sizes of cracks, and even takes steep sport-trickery in stride.
Pros: Very comfortable all-around performance. Padded heel.
Cons: Expensive.
Overall grade: A

Scarpa/Black Diamond: (801) 278-5552,
www.bdel.com

The test results
Click on the manufacturers listed below for the review

Boreal
FiveTen
La Sportiva
Mad Rock
Mammut
Red Chili
Roc’terra
Rock Pillars
Saltic
Scarpa
Triop

Scarpa Eclipse, $99
Summary: Another entry in the sub-$100 category, the unlined Eclipse is designed as an all-around offering for both sport and trad. The shoe smears well but comes up short in the edging department, despite its midsole. And those looking for long-term durability, check elsewhere — the thin (for an all-around model) sole will not withstand much abuse.
Pros: Inexpensive. Smears well.
Cons: Poor edging.
Overall grade: C

Scarpa/Black Diamond: (801) 278-5552,
www.bdel.com

Scarpa Marathon, $142
Summary: The Marathon almost caused a few same-size-foot folks in the office to come to blows over who would use these comfortable, all-around high-performance beauties. A molded-polyurethane wedge covered with sticky, treaded rubber provides heel comfort, while a moderately stiff midsole provides solid edging without compromising smearing ability. The unlined Marathon also jams well in all sizes of cracks, and even takes steep sport-trickery in stride.
Pros: Very comfortable all-around performance. Padded heel.
Cons: Expensive.
Overall grade: A

Scarpa/Black Diamond: (801) 278-5552,
www.bdel.com

The test results
Click on the manufacturers listed below for the review

Boreal
FiveTen
La Sportiva
Mad Rock
Mammut
Red Chili
Roc’terra
Rock Pillars
Saltic
Scarpa
Triop