The Scarpa Zodiac Mid is based on the Zodiac shoe and features the same lower half with the addition of some extra height for support and comfort. It also gives you a further few inches of waterproofing while trudging through bogs and streams. The Vibram Drumlin sole features deep lugs and a defined heel for grip during muddier and rockier conditions, while still providing a surprisingly stiff and supportive platform for the rest of the boot.
Scarpa use what they call their "sock fit" inside the Zodiac, meaning the construction system they use mimics the feel of a sock to offer a snug, supportive fit. The idea behind it is to feel at one with the boot without excess movement or space inside.
Sandwiched between the sole and the footbed is Scarpa's ACTIV Impact Technology. This system used for sole construction uses materials with physical and chemical characteristics, meaning it's able to absorb negative impact with the ground, increasing shock absorption and maximising the energy used in the movement. On the front of the Vibram sole is a flatter, thinner region appropriately named "climbing zone". This allows more feel underfoot and increases the practicality while climbing or during approach.
Using Cocona's 37.5 technology, Scarpa have lined the inner of the Zodiac with this innovative material to enhance the breathability and to remove moisture around 25% faster. This also allows the inner of the shoe to dry 250% faster as the surface area is much denser; allowing less moisture to enter into the fabric. Increasing comfort even further is a thick lining of memory foam around your ankle to the top of the boot, therefore creating a more snug, supportive and comfortable fit. The natural heat of your foot warms this memory foam up each time, meaning the foam goes back to it's original state each time you slip them on.
A thick 1.8mm suede material encompasses the Zodiac and provides a high level of resistance towards rocks and technical paths. Rubber reinforcements around the front and back of the boot increase the durability even further. This suede is coated in a DWR (durable water repellancy) to protect the shoe against light moisture and to maintain a high level of breathability. When the water does eventually seep through the DWR, a Gore-Tex lining provides total waterproofing.
The extra height of this boot coupled with the bombproof (not literally) materials, a super grippy sole and Scarpa's technical knowledge mean the Zodiac is perfect for via ferrata, hill walking, scrambing and approach use.
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Thick and durable 1.8mm water resistant suede
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Cocona 37.5 lining
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Memory foam
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ACTIV Impact Technology
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Vibram Drumlin sole
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Stiff and supportive
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Gore-Tex lining for complete waterproofing