FHL –Flexor Hallucis Longus
Support ribbon – the most minimalistic midsole ever.
Booster S
Description
This is the superlative steep rock shoe.
The light weight construction is sensitive with its power focused over the toe. Supportive enough to ensure the poorest edge is trusted completely and the slickest smear is fully believed. The Booster S expresses precision with intelligence.
Retail price
US$ 180.00
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| Weight | 400 g Single : 200 g / 7.05 oz (Size 40) |
| Closure Type | 2 Velcro closures |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Volume | |
| Sizing Information |
European sizes 35-45, including half sizes. From your measured size, you'll want to consider downsizing .5 - 2 full sizes. The flatter the shoe, the closer to your measured size; the more downturned / aggressive the shoe, the more you'll want to downsize.  Scarpa-Shoe-Size-Chart_0.pdf |
| Best Use (Highest Performance) |
Sport / Face Bouldering |
| Asymmetry | Aggressive |
| Tongue Details | not provided by the brand |
| Last Details | Shape: Downturned (performance) Construction: not provided by the brand Last : FZ Scarpa considers last information super top secret so we can’t define the last types further than the initials FZ. But, if you find a Scarpa shoe that fits, any Scarpa shoes with the same last initials will fit your foot in a very similar way. |
| Upper Material | not provided by the brand Microfiber |
| Midsole Material | 1.0 mm Flexan FHL |
| Sole Material | 3.5 mm
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
Rand: Tri-Tension |
| Footbed Lining | not provided by the brand |
Tri-Tension System
Tri-TENSION is especially designed for the use of minimalistic outsoles (1/3 and less). In simple words: It holds the foot from below like a big hand and acts like a power transfer from the toes to the heel.
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
Represents the natural evolution of VIBRAM® XS Grip, the new XS Grip2 delivers highly improved grip, while maintaining consistent performance in all temperatures. XS Grip 2 is the best solution in pure friction situations while remaining durable and even-wearing.
Overall, the Scarpa Booster S is an impressive shoe that excels when climbing both overhanging and vertical terrain. The sensitivity of the rubber combined with strong design features in the toebox create a shoe that is very precise. The downturned shape of the shoe is perfect for creating power on small holds and provided a strong foundation for toe-hooking. Although relatively comfortable, the shoe does have some hot spots on the top buckle and the top of toes after climbing, however, the shoe more than makes up for it when it comes to performance.
“These are like a decked-out Formula 1 race car—they just scream performance,” one tester said after using the Booster S on roofs in Wild Iris, Wyoming, and American Fork Canyon, Utah. “The ultra-downturned platform and perfectly chiseled toe combined with ample rubber on the top of the forefoot and a suction-cup heel make this a masterpiece of a rock shoe. It has ruined me for all other shoes.” Testers found the toe to be very sensitive (especially compared to the manufacturer’s other high-performance shoes, which are stiffer) and the midsole incredibly flexible, which together made finding the sweet spot on the tiniest nubs and toeing in hard on steeps quite easy. Proprietary Tri-Tension Active Randing places a piece of rubber on the midsole that funnels power and precision from the sides and the back of the foot to the forefoot and toe, without sacrificing any flex or sensitivity. “The amount of power my toes get is unbelievable, considering how lightweight and minimalist this shoe is,” another tester said. The two Velcro straps dialed in a great fit—better than other Velcro shoes in the test—thanks to the design that places one strap low over the top of the foot and one high, with opposite tightening directions, meaning one closes on the right and one closes on the left. Con: Price is high.
Despite being a very sensitive, flexible shoe, they took a little breaking in. But after just two gym sessions in them, they crushed at the crag and maintained their sensitivity and flexibility. As I worked my overhanging project this past weekend involving smears, small foot chips, heel hooks, and more, I trusted the Booster S in every moment. What I liked most of all was the ability to feel the foot holds and thereby be able to absolutely commit. The Booster S is modeled after Scarpa’s Boostic, with an emphasis on softer sensitivity. I prefer overhanging climbs, so this shoe is great for me. It should be noted that these are very aggressive shoes and therefore may not be the perfect shoes for someone climbing mostly slab. (In fact, I think your feet would hate you climbing in these on slab).
The sole of the shoe has a few ripples on the heel which helps when your walking around on slabs but the photo is to show the band that pulls the toe down in an arch and gives you foot power on the small holds. The heel is better than on the Scarpa Stix, and won't come off your foot due to the velcro straps. These two straps really crank the fit down, completely eliminating any internal slipping or turning. The internal sole is supposed to be the lightest on the market but I don't think that is as important as it's doing its job so well.
The Booster S is best for really steep climbs. As the angle gets less steep on walls with lots of edging, the hyper sensitivity of the Booster S becomes more of a negative. In those situations, my feet would get really tired, nearly to the point of cramping, by the time I was done with a pitch. If you climb at areas with lots of edging, you might want to stick with the Boostic, or even consider something more robust like the Instinct lace up.
In terms of fit, I found the Booster S to be slightly lower volume than the Boostic, but only in the toe box. When I get my next pair, I might try going up a half size to see if that provides more room for my toes. After all, we now know that wearing shoes that are too tight is not the way to go.
The Booster S climbs like a slipper and exhibits similar traits to Scarpa’s high-end slipper, the Stix. The major difference in performance between the Stix and the Booster S comes in the secure closure found on the Booster S. Two Velcro straps lock the shoe in place around the arch of the foot making for secure heel hooks and a locked in forefoot. The result is a slipper/shoe hybrid with the benefits of each—the sensitivity of a slipper and the security and precision of a tightly-laced shoe.
The latest shoe from mastermind Heinz Mariacher, the Scarpa Booster S is a steep climbing weapon. My initial impression when putting them on was that I got them too big. Even though it took a little effort to squeeze my foot in, they weren’t uncomfortable at all, and the longer my foot was in them, the more they seemed to stretch and conform. Many shoes don’t feel great at first, especially when you are sizing for performance, but this was different. I actually hesitated climbing in them for a few days, as I absolutely despise shoes that are too big.
I gave this shoe five stars because it is a superlative steep-rock, bouldering and gym climbing shoe, with great feel and sensitivity, and with just enough support to allow you to edge when you need to. It’s expensive, but this is justified by its quality construction, durability and performance.
Scarpa Specialized Performance 2016 Rock Shoe Line
All the Details of Booster S Shoe
Techno X and Booster S Shoe
Booster S Shoe All Around View
No voice explanation but the video shows close all around views and highlights the key features of Booster S shoe.
Choosing the Right Shoe
Wearing Scarpa Shoes Correctly
Manufacturing of Scarpa Shoes
Video shows how and where Scarpa shoes are made.