Founded in 1938, it’s remarkable to think that almost 80 years later Scarpa is still family owned and still based in the same region of northern Italy where it all began. This sense that Scarpa are a brand who still know who they are, still know what they’re about, and still know how to implement the processes that made them a success in the first place shines through in the gear they produce. The Scarpa R-Evo GTX hiking boot, we’re happy to report, is no exception in this regard.

Featuring Scarpa’s Sock Fit technology, the R-Evo GTX is taking the world of trekking footwear to bold new places with unsurpassed levels of comfort, agility, and performance. What is Sock Fit technology exactly? Well, it provides a constantly adapting fit with the truly unique Scholler S-tech fabric. This fabric links together the ankle flex zone and collar with an elastic action which replicates, you guessed it, the feeling of wearing a sock.

“The water-resistant suede upper and Gore-Tex lining act like a well-drilled centre back pairing in football.”

This boot, however, is packing far more protection than your average pair of socks (Disclaimer: Testing this by walking the trails in a pair of socks, and nothing else, is not something we’d ever recommend). But with its durable toe rand on the upper and a Vibram Fagus Lite sole for optimum shock absorption and stability underfoot – the R-Evo GTX will keep your feet protected and comfortable in equal measure.

If you’re a fan of having dry feet, you’ll no doubt be pleased to hear that the water-resistant suede upper on these things is backed with a Gore-Tex lining. Like a well-drilled centre back pairing in football, this combination acts as a superb defensive unit. Or to put it another way, the R-Evo GTX offers users impressive weather protection.