What are Scarpa Drago XT Climbing Shoes?
The Drago XT is the newest addition to the Drago family, offering a more secure fit and precision-focused performance. They feature a refined double jacket closure system that improves foot containment without compromising sensitivity, making them ideal for steep sport climbs, technical bouldering, and indoor training.
What are they made of?
Upper
Constructed from premium microfiber, the Drago XT's upper provides a glove-like fit that moulds naturally to the shape of the foot. Unlike natural leather, microfiber resists excessive stretching over time, maintaining its structural integrity and fit precision even after months of heavy use. This material ensures consistent performance session after session, without the need to size down excessively.
The material is lightweight, breathable, and smooth against the skin, reducing hotspots and pressure points during prolonged wear — ideal for intensive bouldering or long training sessions.
Suede Insole
Inside, a suede insole adds an extra layer of comfort and tactile stability underfoot. It offers subtle cushioning while improving contact sensitivity, giving you a more connected feel when edging, smearing, or micro-placing on small holds.
Sole
The Drago XT is equipped with a Vibram XS Grip2 3.5 mm sole, one of the stickiest and most adaptive climbing rubbers available. Developed specifically for technical performance, this compound delivers outstanding friction and consistency across a wide range of surfaces — from smooth indoor volumes to sharp outdoor limestone and granite.
Its 3.5 mm profile provides the ideal balance between flexibility and durability: thin enough to maintain excellent sensitivity for smearing and toe-hooking, yet substantial enough to resist wear from repeated high-friction moves.
What are their features?
Double Jacket Closure System
The new “double jacket” closure system enhances precision and containment by wrapping the upper more evenly around the foot, eliminating dead space and increasing lateral support during powerful movements. This dual-layer design distributes pressure smoothly across the instep, providing a secure yet comfortable lock-in that prevents the foot from shifting on dynamic toe placements or when driving through small edges.
Integrated Heel Cup
Working in harmony with this, the IHC (Integrated Heel Cup) construction wraps the heel in a continuous layer of high-friction rubber, optimising contact and stability during aggressive heel hooks. It not only boosts friction on textured surfaces but also anchors the foot firmly within the shoe, improving control and confidence when applying torsion or tension through the heel on overhanging routes and steep boulders.
Soft and Sensitive Performance
Built for those who prioritise feedback and connection to the rock, the Drago XT maintains the ultra-soft profile of its predecessors. This profile ensures a highly sensitive toe box for micro-placements and smearing while still retaining the responsiveness needed for powerful overhangs.
Superior Hooking Strength
A redesigned heel with high-friction rubber maximises contact and grip, increasing hooking power during dynamic sequences and steep climbing.
PBC Tension System
The Power Bi-Tension System (PCB) transfers power efficiently from the toes through the arch, maintaining the shoe’s downturned profile without excess stiffness. This system creates a perfect balance between support and flexibility.
SRT Surround Rubber Technology
The SRT (Surround Rubber Tension) system is a defining feature of the Drago XT’s performance. This strategically wrapped rubber layer extends seamlessly around the forefoot, enhancing precision, structure, and tactile feedback where it matters most. By encasing the toe box in ultra-soft M50 rubber, the SRT ensures optimal sensitivity and grip during complex toe-hooks, bicycle moves, and scums on overhanging terrain.
Unlike traditional glued-on toe patches, the SRT layer is tensioned and integrated into the shoe’s overall structure. This creates a continuous power connection from the toes through the midfoot, allowing climbers to feel and adjust micro-pressure changes on the rock or wall. The result is a smooth, glove-like fit that conforms naturally to every movement while delivering superior control, especially when working technical sequences that rely on precise toe engagement and minimal slippage.
Resoleable Design
Like many of Scarpa’s performance climbing shoes, the Drago XT can be resoled, extending its lifespan and reducing waste. This feature allows dedicated climbers to preserve the shoe’s customised fit and performance feel even after extensive use. By replacing the worn-out outsole rather than discarding the entire shoe, you not only reduce environmental impact but also maintain consistent precision and comfort across multiple seasons of climbing.
Features
- Premium microfiber upper with suede insole for comfort and fit retention
- Vibram XS Grip2 3.5 mm outsole for maximum friction and control
- Double jacket closure system for precise, pressure-free containment
- IHC (Integrated Heel Cup) for stability and hooking strength
- SRT (Surround Rubber Tension) with M50 rubber for superior toe-hooking
- PCB (Power Bi-Tension System) for power transfer and arch tension
- Soft, sensitive construction for ultimate feedback and flexibility
- Downturned profile for steep and technical climbing
- Resoleable design for extended lifespan and sustainability