Scarpa Instinct S Climbing Shoe
The Scarpa Instinct S is the performance boulder and slab slipper climbing shoe of the multitalented Instinct family. Like its sister shoes, the Instinct S features a delicate layer of 3.55mm thick rubber to ensure maximum sensitivity. Combining this with the Vibram XS Grip2 compound gives the Instinct S an unbridled ability to feel the rock's surface with the foot, detect almost imperceptible holds, and grip onto them with the greatest level of confidence possible. The Instinct S thrives on sustained overhanging terrain with minimal footholds and for smearing on polished, glassy slab routes on granite. Climb better, climb instinctively.
Being a slipper, the Instinct S has been designed to fit as snugly as possible to achieve a performance fit. The upper is synthetic microsuede which will break-in over time but provide the absolute minimum amount of stretch, so remember to size appropriately. If you're looking for a more all-round performance shoe, try the Instinct VS velcro version.
Tech specs
Upper material | Microfibre |
Flex | Soft |
Closure type | Slipper |
Sizing and fit | Narrow Foot |
Color | Black-Azure Lite Orange |
Last | Medium Asymmetry |
Sole material | Vibram XS Grip 2 |
Sole thickness | 3.5mm |
Profile | Downturned |
Features

Vibram XS Grip2™
Rubber compound built for pure friction, recommended for use where maximum grip is the primary need - bouldering and sport climbing, indoor climbing, or extremely smooth, polished routes.

Bi-Tension Rand™
A rand that that pulls power from the toes to achieve performance with less tension and less painful toe cramming. The Bi-Tension Rand also reduces the amount of rubber needed under the toes, which means a lower weight and a higher sensitivity.

Full Features List
• Specialised toe patch is made from softer rubber for high-friction toe-hooking
• Lorica® upper allows for zero stretch, maintaining the same performance-fit forever
I picked up a pair of these to use as my primary gym shoes since they were a bit cheaper than the Instinct VSRs which I use for outdoor climbing. They fit like a glove, even on heel hooks, and are perfect for steep terrain and volumes. Not to mention they are the best-looking shoes I've ever owned. Kudos to the Scarpa team on the new design, I'm in love. Sizing is the same as the Instinct VS and Instinct VSR.
Tight but comfortable. Best fitting climbing shoes ever!
Perfect! Is like you climb barefoot !
J'ai acheté ces chaussons en 35 mais ils étaient trop petits (je fais du 37). Je les ai échangé pour du 36. Ils me vont parfaitement maintenant. Au début ils me faisaient mal au gros doigt de pied mais on s'y habitue vite. Ils sont très faciles à enfiler.
C'étaient mes premiers chaussons légèrement asymétriques. A nouveau cela peut prendre un peu de temps mais ensuite c'est génial! Le talon est super et la pointe très précise. Je recommande!
The toe of this should is the best I have found. It is tight yet comfortable and sticks to everything. However the heel of this shoe is absolutely useless, slips right off as soon as you engage a heel hook.