Scarpa Instinct

It’s hard to believe, but Scarpa continues to outdo itself with quality, high-end kicks. The lace-up Instinct has a slightly asymmetric, downturned last that maintains its shape for the shoe’s life. The unlined, leather upper conforms to your foot but stretch is minimized with a grid of stitching. A 3.5mm Vibram XS Grip rubber sole and Tenoflex midsole combine to “hold a laser edge,” said one tester. The roomy forefoot accommodates wide feet while the laces ensure a vacuum fit for narrower, lower-volume feet as well. One tester called the Instinct his “top-shelf redpoint shoes” for everything vertical and steeper.