Scarpa Mojito vs. Mescalito: A Long-Term Durability Test
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I decided to write this post because both Scarpa Mojito and Scarpa Mescalito Planet are my favorite outdoor shoes. Although they look pretty similar at first glance, they are far from being alike when it comes to everyday use.
Scarpa Mojito: The Versatile Urban Companion
I used Mojito’s for many years as my only shoe for the city and for easy hikes. Thanks to their extended lacing system, they feel like a second skin on your foot. It’s no surprise that the Mojito is a best-seller from Scarpa.
With a wide array of colors to choose from, everyone can find something to add to their style. These shoes pair effortlessly with almost any casual city outfit, making them seamlessly blend with my lifestyle. However, don’t be deceived by their stylish appearance. These shoes are remarkably capable!
One of the standout features of the Mojito is its feather-light feel. It’s like slipping on a pair of comfy sneakers, making it ideal for quick hikes on smooth terrain. The Vibram sole provides a solid grip, perfect for casual climbing on tricky surfaces. Mojito’s have been my best companion for short hikes and occasional scrambling, offering a delightful experience on less technical adventures.
While the Mojito’s are a top choice for easygoing hikes and city strolls, they may fall short when it comes to longer, more technical hikes or carrying a heavy load. In comparison with more technical hiking shoes, they lack the necessary foot support.
Scarpa shoes don’t come cheap, but there’s good reason behind it. Mojitos are built with exceptional quality. I’ve now had a pair for four years, using them almost daily, and they still hold up remarkably well. The suede upper makes them quite breathable, offering good protection against humidity. They may not be waterproof, but you can walk through humid places without worrying about wet feet.
In a nutshell, the Scarpa Mojito is the jack-of-all-trades in the approach shoe world. It offers style, comfort, and durability, making it perfect for short approaches and light adventures, as well as day-to-day city use.
| PROS | CONS |
| – Durable Suede Upper | – Not as Comfortable as Other Hiking Shoes |
| –Casual Look | |
| – Ideal for Easy Hikes and Short Climbing Approaches | |
| – Available in Many Colors |
Scarpa Mescalito Planet: The Ultimate Support for Rugged Terrain
There are two distinct versions of the Mescalito available: the classic Mescalito, featuring a leather or suede upper, and the Mescalito Planet, boasting a fabric upper. In this specific model, my preference leans towards the fabric variant. The fabric upper not only imparts a rugged durability and enhanced protection but also excels in providing breathability, making it an ideal choice for hot weather as it keeps my feet comfortably ventilated.
Initially, I was extremely impressed with the Mescalito Planet. However, after long-term use, my experience has changed significantly.
With Mescalito Planet, my first season was amazing, and I instantly fell in love with them! They offer everything that Mojito does and provide what Mojito is missing – great foot support. Designed for long and technical mountain hikes, they excel in providing the necessary support, making them the ideal choice for covering serious miles on challenging terrain.
These shoes shine on rugged mountain terrain, in the crags, and on via ferratas. You can also carry pretty heavy loads without compromising the stability of your feet. The Mescalito Planet features a robust fabric upper and a generous rubber toe rand. This shoe is built to endure the harsh conditions of the mountains, and it quickly became my trusted companion for technical hiking and via ferratas, providing excellent protection and support for my feet during challenging ascents.
Embracing Breathable Summer Hiking with Mescalitos
You can look at it as a negative or a positive, but the Mescalitos aren’t Goretex or other membrane-lined. I see it as a positive. For my day-to-day summer hiking, I prefer shoes without membranes. They breathe well, making them so much more comfortable when trekking in hot weather. It’s worth noting that with low-cut shoes, you won’t typically be crossing streams or trudging through extremely adverse weather conditions. Therefore, Goretex in low shoes feels more like a gimmick to me.
On the other hand, I’ve used Mescalitos to hike through wet grass patches and endure light rain, and they have withstood water admirably. For me, they have proven to be true all-rounders.
However, after just three seasons of use, my enthusiasm took a serious hit. Unfortunately, my Mescalito Planets have already fallen apart. A large gap has formed between the sole and the upper part of the shoe, as you can see in the photos. What’s frustrating is that I didn’t put them through particularly technical or challenging hikes in their last season—I mostly wore them for everyday hiking and casual city walks.
This is my first disappointing experience with Scarpa footwear. I’m not sure if I just got unlucky with a defective pair, or (which would be much worse) if the company has lowered its quality standards.
| PROS | CONS |
| – Great Foot Support | – Expensive |
| – Good Grip on Different Surfaces | – Didn’t last beyond the third season |
| – Stable | |
| – Ideal for Long Hikes and Technical Hikes |
The Unexpected Durability Contrast
Meanwhile, my Mojitos are still going strong after now six years, with no major defects—just some visible wear on the sole’s treads. In contrast, my Mescalitos barely lasted three seasons before falling apart. Given this disappointing experience, I’ve decided to explore alternatives.
I recently picked up a pair of SALEWA Alp Trainer 2 and am eager to see how they perform. If you’re interested in a review of this model, let me know in the comments!
The Versatile Duo: Scarpa Mojito and Mescalito
What’s truly remarkable about both the Scarpa Mojito and Mescalito is their incredible versatility. These shoes effortlessly transition between city life and mountain escapades. The Mojito’s casual and stylish appearance makes it perfect for everyday wear, seamlessly blending with your urban wardrobe. The Mescalito, while originally an impressive choice for rugged adventures, unfortunately didn’t live up to its durability promise in the long run.
While I still recommend the Mojito as a fantastic all-around shoe, I now hesitate to recommend the Mescalito Planet given my recent experience. If Scarpa has indeed lowered its quality standards, that would be a big disappointment for long-time fans of the brand.
Amazon Links: (You can find the Scarpa Mojito and Mescalito on Amazon using the following links: 1 and 2. Happy adventuring!)
Enjoy your adventures and happy exploring!
