Comparing Scarpa Veloce and Drago Climbing Shoes
When it comes to rock climbing, having the right footwear is essential, and the choice can be a daunting one. Two of the top contenders in the climbing shoe market are the Scarpa Veloce and the Drago. They offer a great combination of comfort and performance, but which one is right for you? Let’s take an in-depth look at how they compare.
| Feature | Scarpa Veloce | Drago |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Comfort-oriented | Performance-oriented |
| Type of Climbing | Sport, All-round | Bouldering |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium | Soft |
| Shape | Flat | Neutral |
| Closure System | Laces | Laces |
| Materials | Leather/Synthetic | Leather/Synthetic |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Fit
The Scarpa Veloce is known for its comfort-oriented fit. Its snug design and cushioned midsole make it a great choice for long days at the crag. The Veloce’s asymmetric shape gives you fantastic control on small holds, while its downturned shape helps you power through more demanding routes.
The Drago, on the other hand, is known for its performance-oriented fit. It is designed to fit snugly to your foot, and its aggressive shape allows you to power through tricky sequences. Its low profile and snug design makes it ideal for bouldering, where precision is paramount.
Type of Climbing
The Scarpa Veloce is designed to be an all-round climbing shoe, making it a great choice for sport, trad, and all-round climbing. Its medium stiffness sole makes it a great choice for technical face climbing, while its cushioning midsole makes it great for long days at the crag.
The Drago is designed specifically for bouldering. Its softer sole and aggressive shape make it ideal for powerful, dynamic movement. Its low profile and snug fit also make it ideal for technical face climbing and technical slab climbing.
Sole Stiffness
The Scarpa Veloce features a medium stiffness sole which is great for precision footwork on small holds. Its cushioning midsole helps to cushion the foot for long days of climbing, while its downturned shape provides power for more demanding routes.
The Drago features a softer sole which is great for powerful, dynamic movement. Its low profile and snug fit also help to improve precision on small holds.
Shape
The Scarpa Veloce has an asymmetric shape which helps to provide power for more demanding routes. Its downturned shape also helps to improve precision on small holds.
The Drago has a neutral shape which helps to provide power and precision on small holds. Its low profile and snug fit also make it ideal for technical face climbing and technical slab climbing.
Closure System
Both the Scarpa Veloce and the Drago feature a lace closure system. The Veloce’s laces are designed to provide a snug fit, while the Drago’s laces offer a more precision fit.
Materials
The Scarpa Veloce and the Drago both feature a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The Veloce’s leather upper provides comfort and durability, while the synthetic materials help to keep the shoe light and breathable. The Drago’s leather upper provides a snug fit, while the synthetic materials offer durability and breathability.
Price
The Scarpa Veloce is more affordable than the Drago, with a price range of $$. The Drago has a higher price range of $$$.Personal Preference
When it comes to choosing the right shoe for you, it’s important to consider your personal preference. For those who prefer a comfort-oriented fit, the Scarpa Veloce may be the better choice. For those who prefer a performance-oriented fit, the Drago may be the better option.
Toe Box Shape
The Scarpa Veloce features an asymmetric toe box shape which helps to provide power for more demanding routes. Its downturned shape also helps to improve precision on small holds.
The Drago features a neutral toe box shape which helps to provide power and precision on small holds. Its low profile and snug fit also make it ideal for technical face climbing and technical slab climbing.
Heel Cup
The Scarpa Veloce features an asymmetric heel cup which helps to provide power for more demanding routes. Its downturned shape also helps to improve precision on small holds.
The Drago features a low profile heel cup which helps to provide power and precision on small holds. Its snug fit also makes it ideal for technical face climbing and technical slab climbing.
Weight
The Scarpa Veloce is a lightweight shoe, weighing in at around 320 grams. The Drago is also a lightweight shoe, weighing in at around 310 grams.
Level of Ventilation
Both the Scarpa Veloce and the Drago feature breathable synthetic materials. The Veloce’s mesh upper helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while the Drago’s mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry.
In conclusion, both the Scarpa Veloce and the Drago are great choices for climbers who are looking for a combination of comfort and performance. The Veloce is a great choice for those who prefer a comfort-oriented fit, while the Drago is a great choice for those who prefer a performance-oriented fit. With its combination of materials, shape, closure system, and sole stiffness, both shoes offer a great combination of performance and value.