REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Easy on and off
Versatile shape
REASONS TO AVOID
Odd toe box shape
Feels blocky and imprecise
Scarpa Arpia V Review
An affordable shoe with a versatile shape aimed at progressing sport climbers, but it has a very specific fit
The slight downturn, but otherwise neutral shape of the Scarpa Arpia V is versatile for sport climbing. Unfortunately, the blocky fit hampers this shoe's general appeal.
Credit: Dom Rickicki
By Dom Rickicki ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 9, 2026
RELATED: The Best Climbing Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
Compared to other reasonably priced shoes, the Scarpa Arpia V has a slightly downturned shape that makes it better suited to modern climbing, such as dynamic routes in the gym or on overhanging boulders. This high-performance shape combines with a slightly thicker rubber to enhance durability, making this shoe a good option for newer climbers working on their footwork. Although it's a more affordable option, the blocky shape will only fit certain feet well, and the increased durability comes at the cost of precision that more experienced climbers will surely miss.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The flatter, yet subtley downturned profile of the Arpia V make them versatile for modern sport climbing and bouldering. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Likes
The Arpia V has a subtle downturn, but not nearly as much as other high-performance shoes we tested, making them more comfortable for long days of climbing in the gym. This shape also makes them more approachable to newer climbers looking to upgrade from their first pair but who don't want to shove their feet into aggressively downturned shoes (just yet).
The flatter shape of the Arpia V makes this shoe particularly well suited for both long slab pitches and sloping holds on boulders. The Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber underfoot is the same grippy compound on many of Scarpa's premier bouldering shoes, giving the Arpia V much better grip and sensitivity than other budget shoes.
The Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber is the same compound found on other premium Scarpa shoes, known for its sensitivity and stickiness. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Dislikes
The Arpia V may have premium rubber underfoot, but they still feel a bit clunky. Compared to other Scarpa shoes, the toe box felt especially boxy. To increase durability, there's a bit more rubber under your toes, which makes them feel less precise than their premium counterparts.
The materials were rougher on our skin and didn't conform to our feet as well as similar shoes we tested. Even in this price range, we have been testing more and more shoes with a premium feel – unfortunately, the Arpia V is not one of those shoes.
Although they're easy to get on and off, the blocky toe box didn't fit our testers' feet very well. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Should You Buy the Scarpa Arpia V?
This shoe will appeal to two different types of climbers. The first is the newer climber who wants to upgrade from their first pair to a shoe with a more premium rubber that's still durable enough to withstand the wear and tear as they continue to work on their footwork. The other is the dedicated gym climber who wants an all-day training shoe they can put good mileage on while preserving their more premium pair to send their project.
What Other Climbing Shoes Should You Consider?
We're seeing a trend in which even lower-priced shoes feature premium-quality materials, making them more comfortable and, more importantly, more approachable to new climbers. The Ocun Bullit is a great example of this trend: a high-performance shoe at a more reasonable price point. While the Bullit is great for bouldering and indoor climbing, any new climber should consider the La Sportiva Finale as an excellent all-around option for outdoor climbing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Scarpa Arpia V versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $179 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | An affordable shoe with a versatile shape aimed at progressing sport climbers, but it has a very specific fit |
| Pros | Affordable, easy on and off, versatile shape |
| Cons | Odd toe box shape, feels blocky and imprecise |
| Rating Categories | Scarpa Arpia V |
| Comfort (20%) | |
| Smearing (20%) | |
| Edging (20%) | |
| Pulling (20%) | |
| Cracks (20%) | |
| Specifications | Scarpa Arpia V |
| Style | Velcro |
| Sizing Recommendations | Comfort Fit: true to US size Performance Fit: down 0.5 - 1 US sizes |
| Expected Stretch | 0 - 0.5 EU size |
| Downturn | Moderate |
| Asymmetry | Moderate |
| Upper | Microsuede |
| Lining | Unlined |
| Volume Options? | Regular, Low Volume |
| Rubber Type | Vibram XS Grip2 |
| Listed Rubber Thickness | 3.5 mm |
—Dom Rickicki
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