This post may contain affiliate links.

Scarpa Omega Mountaineering Boots Review

Scarpa Omega Mountaineering Boots are lightweight plastic mountaineering boots that weighs just 5.2 lbs per pair in a size 9.5 US. They retail for $360/pair.

Scarpa Omega Mountaineering Boots
Scarpa Omega Mountaineering Boots

The level of ankle flex in the boot is fantastic: almost like a leather boot instead of a cinder block. Heel rocker was good, making them easy to walk on a flat surface and the sole was very stiff, due to a carbon fiber shank, which makes them good boots for ice climbing.

The Inner boot in the Omega is made with a synthetic material that feels a little like felt and seals at the top with a velcro strap instead of a bootlace system, like some other Scarpa boots. It is not sturdy enough to use as a camp bootie, but provides good insulation. The inner boot is also heat-moldable like good ski boots, which is a huge benefit if you want an ultra-personal fit.

Scarpa Omega Inner Boot
Scarpa Omega Inner Boot

Plastic mountaineering boots, like the Omega are compatible with all grades of crampons, but especially step-ins which lock over the front and rear boot welts. Ankle flex in the Omega’s is really good, particularly when side stepping up steep icy slopes using French Technique where you need to keep the base of your foot completely flat. I’ve never felt like I was fighting the boots to maintain safe purchase. I’ve also never experience any shin bang during the weekend which I attribute to the softness of the plastic in the Omega’s tongue and the cushioning of the inner bootie.

I am very pleased with these boots and glad that I held out until I found a pair available. The excellent comfort and fit that they provide is worth their premium price.

Disclosure: The author owns this product and purchased it using their own funds.

Written 2009.

SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.

7 comments

  1. I'm in the market for a pair of mountaineering boots for SAR, but I'm not sure I'd go for the bright color (it'd clash with my bright yellow SAR jacket :) ) or the price. Eek!

  2. If you're willing to live with a guy who has a $100 car, you can't be to choosy about colors! :-) Since when does outdoor gear have to be color coordinated?

  3. Nice review. Any word on how these fit different sized feet and should be sized (looks like you got a pair a bit smaller than your other reviews)? I've got a bit of of a wider foot with little taper.

    Thx.

  4. They fit true to size. I wear a 9.5 (US) boot and got a 9.5 (US) Omega. I was astonished by this. The inner liner is heat-moldable so the best way to fit your feet exactly is to use this feature. Since, I bought these boots I've been on numerous hikes with them and just love them. They are nothing like the giant cement-brick Koflachs that you see people wearing. I think they're a really great plastic boot that doesn't feel like a plastic boot, if you know what I mean.

  5. I know that this is not about the boots, but I can not find where to post this. I have been doing winter backpacking for 2 winters and always end up with cold feet. Do you have any solutions for this problem that I have?

  6. I was out last week with a guy who'd gotten frostbit toes at a young age. His solution is to use chemical warmers under the balls of his feet, under socks, in a pair of Koflach winter boots. Another thing to try is to wear gaiters, and to change out of your damp socks if you do any winter camping, as soon as you get to camp. The last option is just to keep moving…don't stop.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Solve *