The Boostic definitly has edging capacity
As most of you already know, I've been publishing in-depth information about climbing shoes for years now (see full post list at the bottom).
Let me establish a critical point at the offset of this article:
The Scarpa Booster S climbing shoes were designed to be a softer version of the Boostic. The Boostic is a dedicated sport climbing and the Booster S for gym climbing.
This paragraph alone should have provided you with the answer you've been looking for.
At the same time, both shoes are aggressive, downturned, and highly asymmetric. So, if you're a newbie, I'd recommend you stop reading this post and visit my Scarpa Origin vs Helix or Scarpa Helix vs La Sportiva Tarantulace.
So you might still get stuck between them even after you figured out their best uses. If that's you, read on.
- I tried both same sizes, but the Booster S does feel very different because it's softer than the Boostic. This means that it's got a little more give.
- They both are a medium volume with a classical shaped toe. If you are looking for performance I'd recommend you downsizing 1.5 full sizes will be better.
- Don't worry about stretching. They'll stretch. Don't expect much.
Before comparing them in detail, you might also want to check Scarpa's Family Tree and Scarpa's Climbing Collection.
Let's dive into it.
Differences
The first time that I met my Booster S, highly asymmetric.
There're two remarkable differences between these shoes which is:
- Rubber Compounds
- Rubber Thicknesses
The Booster S is equipped with 3.5 mm Vibram XS Grip 2 while the Boostic is equipped with 4 mm Vibram XS Edge.
Shortly, the rubber compounds and thicknesses determine the overall performance, intended use, durability, and sensitivity.
As a result of the differences;
- The Boostic is stiffer than the Booster S.
- The Booster S is more sensitive than the Boostic.
- The Boostic is more durable.
What's the Vibram XS Grip 2?
- It's developed for pure friction.
- It gives superior grip characteristics.
- It delivers outstanding precision of support and shape stability.
How about the Vibram XS Edge?
- It allows you to focus your weight on the tiniest of holds.
- It keeps its shape through repeated stress, whether in hot or cold weather because of improved plastic deformation resistance.
- It's developed for maximum support.
Differences between two shoes?
- The Vibram XS Edge is more durable than the Vibram XS Grip 2.
- The Vibram XS Grip 2 provides a better grip than the XS Edge.
- The Vibram XS Edge has better edging ability than the XS Grip 2.
Let me tell you what stuck in my mind before I tried them.
Toe Box.
While I was trying both shoes, I immediately feel the toe box of the booster s is a bit larger than the boostic. After feeling that way, when I looked closely at both shoes, I noticed that why the booster s has a lit larger is the rubber plating on the top of the toe box.
Also, extra rubber on the toe box provides better toe hooking.
Both systems are about active randing.
What's the V-Tension?
This system enhances toe-pulling power by supporting the arch and forefoot area. This tensioned rubber wrap is paired with a full sole unit and so does not need rear bands.
It maintains the optimum foot position for small footholds.
You might want to check this if you wonder about how Scarpa assembly upper (1), insole (2), active randing (3), and sole (4) for the Boostic.
How about the Tri-Tension?
Scarpa said that " Tri-Tension is specially designed for use in our shoes that have a 1/3 (or less) outsole. Simply, it holds the foot from below like a big hand and acts as a power transfer from the toes to heel".
Also, you might want to check this if you wonder about the Booster S' assembly with the same construction but different active randing because of the Tri-Tension.
Similarities
As mentioned, the Boostic is great for sport climbing
- They both come with a velcro closure system which allows you easily get off and get on.
- They both are downturned, highly asymmetric climbing shoes for those looking performance.
- They have a solid heel and hook.
- They can be resoled.
These were the remarkable similarities that I pointed out.
Both shoes are for medium volume and classical shaped toe, as mentioned.
After some climbing session, they start to stretch and it feels better on your foot.
Finding perfect climbing shoes that perform easily in every territory or every style of climbing is impossible. We have to find out and analyze the shoes that we want to use.
Even the best climbers have more than one pair of shoes for different routes and types of rocks. Of course, they have a favorite one.
You can check the video below that made by one of the best climbers of our age talking about the alchemy of climbing shoes.
Conclusion
Let's lay out their summarized review, tech specs, and pros & cons.
Booster S
- Weight: 7.05 oz (200 g)
- Upper: Microfiber
- Last: FZ - Highly Downturned, Highly Asymmetric
- Closure: Strap
- Midsole: 1.0 mm Flexan FHL
- Sole Rubber: 3.5 mm Vibram® XS Grip 2
Scarpa Booster S is supportive enough to ensure the poorest edge is trusted completely. The Booster S is designed for anything overhung at the indoor gym climbing, sport climbing, and boulder field. It has a sharp asymmetry and highly downturned last with the Vibram XS Grip 2. Also, its upper material stretches to comfortably conform to your foot.
Pros
Cons
Boostic
- Weight: 8.8 oz (250 g)
- Upper: 1.8 mm Suede & Microsuede
- Last: FZ - Aggressive, Downturned, and Highly Asymmetric
- Closure: Strap
- Midsole: Flexan 1.0 mm
- Sole Rubber: 4 mm Vibram® XS Edge
Scarpa Boostic is one of the most supportive climbing shoes in Scarpa's performance family. It provides edging capabilities for technical routes. Its construction allows you remain stable on small holds and different frontpoint-style climbing.
