The Scarpa Moraine got a makeover in 2024. This new hiking boot features a mid-cut build that might appeal to the average day hiker and backpacker. It's also been updated with recycled materials, PFAS-free waterproofing, and a RECCO reflector to aid in search and recovery efforts. The Moraine is similar to other hiking boots I recommend, such as the KEEN Targhee IV and Oboz Bridger. But it's not nearly as well known. So I reached out to Scarpa to request a demo pair to test and review. I've been wearing this hiking boot off and on for almost a year now. Here's my Scarpa Moraine review:
Scarpa Moraine Review
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are 100% independent and based on a minimum of 50 miles of first-hand hiking experience. My test hikes included several Spring day hikes in Pennsylvania's Rothrock State Forest followed by late Summer, Fall, and Winter day hikes in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains. By design, I chose trails that would help me evaluate the Moraine's support, weight savings, comfort, fit, weather protection, traction, and overall value. For example, I tested its support on the ankle-breaking terrain of Pennsylvania's Mid-State trail, weighed the boots on a kitchen scale, wore them in summer and in snow, and tested their tread on solid rock in Embudo Canyon, slick scree switchbacks in the Sandias, and muddy banks along the Rio Grande.
This review is NOT a sponsored post, and Scarpa did not influence my content in any way. Here are notes from my personal experience testing the Scarpa Moraine.
Testing the Scarpa Moraine in New Mexico's Embudo Canyon
Support
The Moraine Mid provides hikers with good foot support and moderate ankle support. It's not as burly as Scarpa's old-school backpacking and trekking boots, but it's more supportive than the Scarpa Rush, budget hiking boots, and other lightweight hiking boots I recommend. This is a mid-duty boot with plenty of support for the typical hiker.
The mid-cut ankle collars don't extend all that high up the ankle—that's the only limitation. However, a nylon stability shank makes this boot stiffer (and thus, more supportive) than similar-looking boots from KEEN and Oboz. I inherited bad ankles from my Dad, but they've felt reasonably well supported as I hiked through "Rocksylvania" and eroded New Mexico trails that put plenty of pressure on my lower body. I haven't twisted or turned an ankle so far when wearing this boot. In short, support is a strength of the Scarpa Moraine.
Weight
My pair of men's size 13 weighs two pounds 14 ounces—a typical midweight hiking boot. The Moraine may be lighter than a traditional European trekking boot, but it's not a lightweight hiking boot by North American standards. For comparison, it's two ounces heavier than my Oboz Bridgers and two ounces lighter than my sturdy LOWA Renegades. For more weight savings, hikers should consider the lightweight Scarpa Rush hiking boot. However, this is a nice build for the average hiker who wants one boot for both day hiking and backpacking.
Fit
Scarpa's fit isn't as narrow as other Italian brands. The Scarpa Moraine has a regular width but runs a little small by US standards. Most hikers will want to size up a full-size to get a good fit in the Scarpa Moraine. My everyday shoe size is a 11.5, but I need a size 13 to get a decent fit for my moderately wide feet. Hikers after a wide fit may prefer KEENs to Scarpas. If you find KEENs too wide, the Scarpa Moraine may be a good alternative.
Women's Moraine Mid
Comfort
Comfort is not only a matter of personal preference. It has a lot to do with fit and choosing footwear that matches your hiking style. The Moraine's dual-density cushioning adds softness in the heel while keeping things relatively stiff underfoot. Newbies and casual walkers might find its build too sturdy. However, that blend of cushioning and support can add considerable comfort over moderate to tough terrain by limiting how much your feet flex over rocks, roots, and uneven ground. I've personally found this to be a comfortable hiking boot as I've hiked rocky trails and trudged through the elements. However, I'll probably add Superfeet insoles for a bit more midfoot support and cushioning.
Testing traction and weather protection in the Sandia Mountains
Weather Protection
Scarpa uses its own proprietary waterproofing (not GORE-TEX) in the updated Moraine Mid. That keeps the boot's cost down but might cost hikers a little reliability and breathability in the waterproofing department. Then again, combining leather uppers with waterproof-breathable membranes usually provides plenty of weather protection in my personal experience. About half of my test hikes have involved snow or snow melt, and I've had no issues with moisture seeping through my Moraines. I'll update this post down the line if I detect any problems here, but so far, so good.
Traction
Overall, the Scarpa Moraine offers moderate traction. Personally, I'm a fan of the Presa SuperGum outsoles. It's soft but durable rubber that offers good grip on rocks. The boot's heel brake has helped me on some steep descents on weathered granite scree, and the wide gaps between lugs have dug into snowpack pretty well. I have found that this tread pattern collects caked mud, which had me slipping a bit on the Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande river bottom in Albuquerque. However, it's a versatile outsole with moderate lugs that have provided me good, multi-surface traction on a range of trails in Pennsylvania and New Mexico.
Autumn test hike in 4th of July Canyon, Manzano Mountains
Value
Less expensive the most Scarpa hiking boots, the Moraine has a MSRP of $179. Compared to similar hiking boots, that price is $20 less than the Oboz Bridger and $9 more than the KEEN Targhee IV (which is not as sturdy as the Moraine). That's a fair price—if not a good value—for a midweight leather hiking boot in today's market.
Scarpa Moraine: Pros vs Cons
Overall, the Scarpa Moraine grades out as an average midweight hiking boot. After 60 miles of test hikes, I can't give a shout out to any standout feature or call out any big concerns. It's just a pretty good boot across the board:
Conclusion:
The Scarpa Moraine may be a good hiking boot for the average hiker. Its moderately stiff build offers serious hikers enough support for harder hikes and would give beginners extra support as they develop hiker-specific lower body strength. It would be a nice alternative for hikers who want a midweight hiking boot with more backbone than the popular KEEN Targhee IV, Oboz Sawtooth, or Oboz Bridger. The Moraine really doesn't stand out—or fall short—in any category that I reviewed. It's an average hiking boot that's worth a look for men and women who want a good, all-around hiking boot for day hiking and occasional backpacking.
