Just a tad softer than the instinct, we tune up the slipper design with a single strap and vibramยฎ xs edge rubber to resist deformation when standing on micro-flakes and edges. The instinct vs spans the performance arc from slabby boulder problems to overhanging gym routes. Sensitivity, with just enough power from the bi-tension randing for standing on dimes; these do it all.
Innovation and tradition share equally deep roots at SCARPA, a muti-generational, family-owned business whose headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in the same region of northern Italy where it was founded in 1938. SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail-running and other outdoor pursuits. Aside from being the Italian word for “shoe,” SCARPA is an acronym for Societa Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima (Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area).
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Built To Train | Featuring a moderate downturn and slight asymmetry, this climbing shoe offers the high-level performance youโve come to expect from the Instinct series, with the sensitivity you want for bouldering and gym climbing.
- Vibram XS Grip 2 Rubber | Ideal for any rock type and style, the XS Grip 2 rubber is both stiff and sticky, giving you the grip you need for steeper walls and overhanging boulders.
- Flexan Dynamic Midsole | Offsetting the softer upper, the redesigned Flexan midsole is slightly stiffer, offering plenty of support and reducing foot fatigue on multi-pitch routes.
- Bi-Tension Rand | Using a reverse slingshot design, this system connects your heel to your toe, resulting in a more comfortable fit and more power being driven towards your primary edging surface.
- Reinforced Elastic Band | An elasticated band stretches over the forefoot, providing a fit that molds to the shape of your foot while ensuring that the shoe retains its shape over time.












Charles Olmos –
Previous shoes used:Scarpa magosBoreal kintaroLove this shoe. I was slightly disappointed that the shoe isn’t as tight as my magos even though I ordered the same sizeI gave them a chance before I sent them off to get a high size small and I was pleasantly surprised that my performance hadn’t dropped. They kept up with my magos despite the tightness difference.My magos had an extremely painful break in period and they still fit tight. I expected the same and prepared myself for the worst with the instincts. When I put them on for the first time, I was surprised that they were more relaxed.They fit very snug without much dead space (only very little dead space on the top of my foot, but none anywhere else). My toes are not curled up like they are in my magos. They pretty much fit my foot perfectly with no pain. I started reading that modern climbing shoes don’t have to be painful to get the performance out of them. So far I’ve been climbing in them indoors only (I have yet to take them out to hueco to see how they perform) and the edging is incredible. They aren’t as sticky as my magos but that’s ok because I wanted a shoe that edged better. My foot does slip on smearing but I have yet to break the rubber in so I’m not counting it as a bad thing yet.Heel hooking is on another level compared to the magos which had a horrible heel with a lot of dead space.They are easy to slip on and off which I really like to let my feet testthey don’t breathe as good as other shoes so I expect climbing when it’s hot is gonna cause your feet to retain a lot of sweat. I’ll just take them off to let my feet cool off and let the sweat evaporateConstruct seems very solid for now. I haven’t put much mileage in them yet so I have yet to see how they hold up but my magos are two years old and doing great (only need a new lace but that it’s) so I’m expecting the same from these down the road.I thought the aggressive fit would only allow me to Boulder in them for short periods of time but since they fit so perfectly I already know I’ll be using these to sport climb without suffering much if any.Great shoe. Will definitely resole them when the time comes
Jose A. –
These are my real first pair of climbing shoes. The first pair of climbing shoes I got were no match for my wide feet, and I ripped the top off on the first day using them. I had done some research, and decided the SCARPA Instinct VS would be a much better fit. I’ll review the 3 points I consider most important: fit, design, and durability.FIT:Every one of my friends that have claimed to have “hobbit feet” have been put to shame by my monster feet. They’re not particularly large, just quite (un?)naturally wide. Had to push the heel flat and push/wiggle the front of my foot to get it in. Once in, there was no space but my toes were nicely lined up and just slightly curled. Pulled the heel over and my feet were hermetically sealed into the shoe, for a snug, performance fit. Took me 3-4 solid outings to break the shoes in, and they still fit snug but bearable compared with the first few times. I LOVE the SCARPA toe box on these.DESIGN:The shoe is a work of art. The rubber is simply awesome, and the precision of the shoe is out of this world. The heel is sticky, very sensitive, and in my case, zero space. They can be worn loose to warm up with confidence thanks to the Bi-Tension rand. One tightening of the super-sticky velcro strap and your feet turn into mountain goat hooves for serious business. As a bonus, the shoe looks totally sweet.DURABILITY:Have only had them about two months, and climbing outdoors nearly every day with them and they still look just like new, except broken in. Rubber is still great. Shoes don’t even smell yet (make sure you have clean feet and wear socks on the approach, and air out your feet before and after putting the Instinct VS on). Will update this as time goes on.Verdict:I’ve worn a dozen or so climbing shoes of many brands and owned only one other pair before. The SCARPA Instinct VS are superior in every aspect to all the others I’ve tried (Solutions, Anasazis, Katanas, Tarantulaces, Miuras, Shamans, etc.). I highly recommend this shoe.
Oneill Santiago –
I have duck feet, meaning my toe box is wider than regular feet by a lot. I have to wear XXW or even XXXW boots for work. That being said, I have gone through a LOT of climbing shoes trying to find one that fits my feet without causing excruciating pain. Ive tried the 5.10 Anasazi, Evolv Shaman, La Sportiva Skwama, none of them were wide enough, I was ready to give up and then I came across these shoes, the fit was perfect! Super wide toe box, amazing feel, good grip, high sensitivity, I gotta say, these are the ones for people with ultra wide feet. These are now my go to climbing shoes.
Brandon Kim –
I have wide feet.Predominantly use this shoe for gym climbing (mostly bouldering).This shoe was excellent for my wide feet. The volume of the shoe is on the higher side (I’d say like medium-high). Otherwise, I’d highly recommend this shoe to others just refer to the Scarpa website for sizing recommendations.