Scarpa Mescalito Planet Review

The Scarpa Mescalito Planet excels on technical approaches and low 5th-class terrain, and features excellent construction quality for added reliability in remote terrain. Despite our praise for their performance, the wider-than-usual last for approach shoes means that the Mescalito Planet is best for users with average or wider-than-average feet.

Performance Comparison

Climbing Ability

The Mescalito Planet is a reliable companion in technical terrain. The shoe's stiff toe allows edging on small holds with high confidence, and the rubber is sticky enough for smearing on slabs. The rubber rand around the toe box allows for good purchase when jamming into cracks.

The rubber on these shoes isn't as sticky as other rubber we've tested. As a result, slab climbing is the arena where we are less confident in these shoes than others. That said, these climb granite cracks like a dream and do well on low 5th-class face climbs. If you want a shoe that can crush the long approach and style the easy approach pitches, then the Mescalito Planet is perfect for you.

Hiking Comfort

These shoes are built for long days on the trail. Their stiff construction provides good support for long days walking across rugged terrain while carrying a climbing pack or heavier loads. The cushioned sole absorbs small rocks and other trail inconsistencies, and the tall ankle cuff provides solid ankle support for off-trail travel. The lacing pattern is tight enough to provide a customized fit, and the aggressive tread pattern effectively bites into mud, dirt, loose gravel, and roots.

Stiff shoes are great for uneven terrain, but this stiffness can also lead to sore feet after a long day. We noticed this a bit with the stiff Mescalito Planet, which is particularly noticeable when you start to feel the weight of this heavy shoe after a long day hike. Still, these shoes are more comfortable for long hikes and cross-country approaches than most other options on the market.

Weight and Packability

The Mescalito Planet is heavy, weighing more than most other approach shoes. This weight comes from the stiff construction, thick sole, and burly polyester upper. These shoes are best for days when they'll be on your feet rather than in your pack. Their weight is particularly noticeable when carried in a small pack on multi-pitch climbs, and their weight and bulk don't make them the best choice for carrying up a route attached to a harness.

In general, we notice a direct correlation between weight and hiking comfort. The more a shoe weighs, the more comfortable it is for hiking since comfortable features like cushioned soles and a stiff shank reasonably add weight to a shoe. If you anticipate using these shoes for rugged approaches and cross-country use, these are a great choice. But there are lighter options out there for shorter approaches to multi-pitch climbs.

Support

With a stiff build and plenty of cushioning in the sole, the Scarpa Mescalito Planet provides excellent support. When standing in aiders, it's hard to notice the sling under the arch of the foot. The lace pattern allows a secure fit along the length of the foot, and the cushioned polyester upper adds some stiffness.

The ankle cuff provides more support than most other shoes on the market, thanks to a rubber rand extension through the back of the heel and reinforcements in the polyester upper around the sides of the heel. The Mescalito Planet offers a lot more ankle support than other approach shoes, making them a good choice for climbers who carry heavier loads through rough terrain. While the ankle protection is robust, the toe protection is also impressive, thanks to a stiff rubber rand around the toe box.

Construction Quality

We're seriously impressed by the construction quality of the Mescalito Planet. The sole features Vibram's newer LiteBase design, which minimizes sole thickness above the lugs. The result is a lighter shoe without any durability compromises. The rubber in the toe and heel is thick, so you'll enjoy many days of climbing and hiking before wearing these shoes anywhere close to the sole.

The polyester upper is thick and durable, and a rubber rand extends around the entire forefoot, protecting the lower part of the upper from premature wear and tear. The same rubber rand protects the back of the foot. All the lace holes are reinforced with metal eyelets, and the rear pull-tab is stitched tightly to the back of the shoe. The only weakness in this shoe's armor is the exposed yellow foam above the sole. We noticed a small amount of wear in this area during our testing, and we are confident that this will be the first area of the shoe to deteriorate if the shoe is used in rugged terrain like talus.

Should You Buy the Scarpa Mescalito Planet?

If you have wide or high-volume feet and need a shoe that excels on long approaches, cross-country hikes, big walls, and low 5th-class climbs, the Mescalito Planet is an excellent choice. However, if you have narrow feet, these shoes will likely be too wide, and their climbing ability will be lost as your foot slides around the inside. Because of their weight, they are also not the best shoe for carrying up multi-pitch climbs. That said, for their ability to climb well, hike comfortably, and provide ample support for heavy days, these shoes are excellent all-around performers. They cost a lot, but they are worth the investment – again, if you have the right foot for the fit.

What Other Approach Shoes Should You Consider?