As ski season began winding down and climbing season winding up, I told myself I would finally buy a pair of approach shoes, instead of using my chacos for most approaches to climbs. I ended up settling on the Scarpa Women’s Quest Shoes.
The Quest Lady (women’s specific version of the Quest), is a great all around approach shoe. Similar to Scarpa’s Expresso and Zen shoes, the Quest is intended for slightly more technical needs than the Zen and is all leather, unlike the Expresso.
The Quest’s sole is a “climbing dot” sole, and looks very similar to those on other comparable approach shoes (La Sportiva Cirque Pros or B5s, for example). This climbing dot sole provides great traction, but unfortunately, not great durability. As with any approach shoe with this sole, it’s not going to last long if you’re wearing it as an every day shoe. Save it for when you really need the traction, and your rubber will perform the way you want it to.
Scarpa Quest Approach Shoes
- Solid leather upper. The Quest is all leather, unlike the Expresso, with has some synthetic material mixed in as well.
- Rubber toe randing. The randing on the Quest comes up higher than on the Zen, and the toe has a more defined edge. Perfect for edging your way up on a mellow climb.
- Rock shoe last- The Quest is built on a modified rock climbing shoe last, giving you that forward propulsion you feel when you put these shoes on. This lasting makes it easy to get on your toes and edge in these shoes.
- Climbing dot sole- Grippy grippy! I’ve been traipsing all over Little Cottonwood Canyon Granite in these guys, and I’m really impressed with how much traction they provide.
Overall, I’ve been very impressed with my Quests so far. Check back later for a report on season-long durability.
