Review Date
November 26, 1999

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Jason Cotting(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Madison MS

Summary:
I don't know how much those other people actually used their boots before they reviewed them, but it must not have been much. I am on my second pair because my first pair wore out in less than half a year. The triple stitching that goes along the heel on the outside came out (on the instep). Then when I sent them back for Fabiano to fix them, they ruined the boots. They gave me the option of a new pair for $100, all I could afford so I had to take the deal. They should have give me new ones since the screwed up. After break in and two weaks into actual backpacking use, the same thing happened. The stitching came out in the same place. Fabiano told me I was rubbing my heels when I walked. Whatever. I didn't risk asking Fabaino to restitch them since they are so incompitent, so I told them to do something else. A glue type material was applied and now holds the seem. For $300 you'd think a pair of mountaineering boots would take more than 2 weeks of use, I guess not. I've got a buddy that got the mountainmasters (the next one up) and had the same problem with his. Other than that, the boots work very well. Thank goodness Scarpa backed out on Fabiano before their name got ruined.

Customer Service:
They are a bunch of morons. The inside along the heel has no stitching whatsoever. This is obvious becuase it would cause rubbing. Upon sending them back to get repaired, they sewed a stitch right down the back and made my feet bleed within an hour of use.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 17, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John Fernandez(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago, IL

Summary:
The best boot!! These boots use the highest quality materials available. The leather is thicker than the others. The sole utilizes the Norwegian Welt (DOUBLE stich mind you!) AND waterproofs them with epoxy. You don't need Goretex with these as the leather is thick enough and breaths better than Gortex. All the tie downs are DOUBLE riveted as well. Completely leather lined also. BUT, break in is necessary but once done there is NOTHING like these boots. This boot is a little more costly but in the end these should outlast the others at LEAST twice. I cannot say enough about these. I have owned ASOLO and Vasque in the past but nothing like these. ONLY ONE PROBLEM... these are very difficult to find. I think Scarpa has bought Fabiano and discontinued making these :(

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 15, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Erik Saur(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Indianapolis, IN USA

Summary:
These are wonderful boots. Yeah, they were expensive,(MSRP $299, but I paid $200) but they feel like they'll last forever. I wasn't sure if my feet were going to break the boots in, or the boots were going to break my feet in, but now, after a year, they are perfect.
They ARE crampon compatible (NEW-MATIC type), you really can use them for mountaineering, and they even look great.

Customer Service:
I abraded some of the stitching around the velcro tongue closure tab, called Fabiano, and they said to send them back and they would restitch for free.

Similar Products Used:
Salomon Super Mountain 9 Guides
Scarpa Vegas (Invernos, in the States)

Review Date
February 11, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Matt(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from North Carolina

Summary:
These boots are the best gear investment I have ever made. I bought them for a six week backpacking/climbing trip to alaska because I needed a tough boot. Well, these fill the bill. Breaking them in almost ruined my feet, but after that they feel like velvet slippers. After the alaska trip and numerous other backcountry trips, these boots are in great condition. I think they are indestructable. The feel of the boot is so good, that I often lead 5.5 rock in them without problem. If you need a truly rugged boot that will take you anywhere, then these are for you!

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None