Gear Review: Scarpa Instinct VS and Scarpa Instinct Lace-up

Overall, the Scarpa Instinct VS and Lace up can both be described as all around high performance downturned climbing shoes. With the ability to handle a variety of terrains, the Scarpa Instinct can act as an everyday base shoe for anyone serious about climbing. With a similar look and feel, both models feature power and precision in the toe box and one of the best heels on the market. If we had to make the distinction between the two models, the VS version is much better suited for overhanging terrain and bouldering while the lace up performs stronger on vertical terrain due to its stiffer sole. If we had to find a negative of these shoes, it would be that they both have a longer than usual breaking in period, with the lace-up fitting slightly tighter and having a longer break in period than the velco version and that the rand may be somewhat thick for those looking for sensitivity.