REASONS TO BUY
Waterproof
Beefy sole
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most comfortable
Scarpa Kailash GTX - Women's Review
Scarpa Kailash GTX - Women's
Credit: Scarpa
RELATED: Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
As the least expensive mid-weight hiking boot, the Kailash is just so-so. It delivers stability and support, great traction, and a waterproof membrane, but lacks comfort, sleekness, and the ability to impress. Our favorite all-around boot that could function just as well as the Kailash in most situations even though it is of lighter weight, is the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Women's.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Hands-On Review
The most recent version of the classic Scarpa Kailash has a new midsole and sole design that strives to add more support. We still prefer lighter boots like the Lowa Renegade or the La Sportiva FC Eco 3.0 GTX - Women's for most applications.
Performance Comparison
Taking a snack break near an old mine while wearing the Scarpa Kailash.
Credit: Veronica Long
Support
The Kailash offers decent support, and would work better with heavy loads than the lighter boots such as the Keen Voyageur, but at 1.2 lbs, each one weighs almost as much as the Voyageur's do for an entire pair! It has a firmer heel cup than many of the lighter hikers, a higher rise on the ankle, and offers more stability for a heavy pack.
Traction
The Vibram sole on the Kailash is beefier than most of the boots in this review, providing excellent traction and allowing itto perform well on more types of rough terrain. This sole does contribute to additional weight, making this a medium weight boot rather than a light hiker.
Comfort
The upper of the Kailash feels a bit lumpy. Rather than fitting smoothly around the foot like many others, it bunches when tied tightly. While hiking, when the foot bends it often creates a pressure on the top of the foot. For a sleeker fit that could be worn for miles, try either the Lowa Renegade, the Keen Targhee II, or the La Sportiva Eco 3.0.
Durability
The toe rand adds extra protection to the front, and the beefy sole seems as if it will last forever. Some of the seams appear suspect, but so far in our usage we have not had any problems with the boot holding up.
Style
The Kailash has a very traditional techy look to it. For a more interesting look, it also comes in Ginko Green.
Water Resistance / Breathability
After a spring hike through snow patches and sloppy mud, feet stayed completely dry. The Gore-Tex Performance Footwear lining works its magic.
Best Application
Because of its beefier sole and solid heel cup, the Kailash is more ideally suited to backpacking with weight than to day hiking.
Value
The Kailash is mid-range in price for a medium weight hiking boot. Our overall opinion of it is equally lukewarm.
—
McKenzie Long
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