[Campfire Ranger]

So, I finally got my hands (and feet) on the Scarpa Instinct VS, and boy, do I have some mixed feelings about it! First of all, this is one sleek-looking shoe; I felt like some kind of climbing ninja just putting it on. But beyond looks, how does it actually perform, you ask?

First up, fit. I think I found my Cinderella slipper here. The snug, precise fit felt custom-built for my feet. Although, full disclosure: I did feel like my toes were being squeezed into a gecko foot-shape after an hour—an excellent excuse to bow out of the vertical ballet for a coffee break.

On the wall, the Instinct VS didn’t disappoint. The toe box is as sensitive as my college poetry professor, which truly made a difference when I was inching my way up those tricky routes. Mad grips on the tiniest of footholds—trust me, my confidence and I both needed that. That said, the heel felt like it came straight out of Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters’ closet. Could this thing be any more aggressive? I might have rediscovered some old blisters back there!

Also, shoutout to its potential climbing superpower—the edge! It’s as if the shoes whisper sweet nothings to the rock, sticking like a magnet. And the closure? A solid ‘Why, thank you, Velcro overlords.’

But here’s the kicker (no pun intended): for overhanging routes, these shoes are absolute beasts. I felt like Spider-Man’s less graceful cousin, sidespinning and dyno-ing with more assurance than I had any right to. Though, for long multipitch climbs, I’d probably swap them out for something less like a medieval torture device.

So, what’s the verdict? It’s crazy good for anyone aiming to scale those frighteningly thuggish terrains, though maybe not your pick for a relaxed day at the crag.

I would love to hear from anyone who’s given these bad boys a whirl! Did you fall in love instantly, or did they remind you why you’re a sworn slip-on fan? Drop your thoughts, funny stories, or even a wine pairing for those posh climbing-gym nights 😉 in the comments below!

[Hammock Hiker]

Oh man, the Scarpa Instinct VS sounds like they should come with a free counseling session for your overworked toes! 😂 But man, the way you paint a picture—I’m almost tempted to try them myself… maybe. Here’s what I’m thinking:

• Style points: If looking like a climbing ninja is a crime, we’d all be guilty as charged. I can totally see these being the Bond version of climbing shoes.
• Toe zen: Squeeze your toes into enlightenment and become one with the rock, or at least make peace with their dramatic, gecko shape. 🦎
• Heel woes: Sounds like the evil stepsisters are making a cameo! Might need a fairy godmother—or at least some moleskin—to ease those heel woes.
• Overhang heroics: Spider-Man, eat your heart out! Scaling overhangs like Spider-Man’s less photogenic cousin? Sign me up!

Love that you’re basically suggesting these are better suited for intense climbs, not lazy cragging while attempting dramatic monologues about rock formations. Personally, I’d pair these shoes with a bold red—cabernet, maybe?—to balance out their fearsome edge. 🍷

I’m curious to hear more tales from the wall featuring these beauties! Anyone else have a newly romantic—or tragic—relationship with their Scarpa Instincts? 🌟

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