Our verdict
Those who love to send tricky crags will appreciate the Scarpa Drago's multi-faceted excellence. The shoe's ability to balance comfort and performance while keeping a low weight is a great plus. This kick from Scarpa also excels in the sensitivity and flexibility departments. All in all, and despite its few mishaps, the Drago is your gateway to rewarding and confidence-inspiring climbing experiences.
Pros
- Generous plushness
- Boulder ascender
- Featherweight
- Flexible
- Versatile
- Responsive
- Sensitive
Cons
- Too soft
- Expensive
Who should buy the Scarpa Drago
An aggressively downturned climbing shoe, the Drago is a powerful tool on short-but-steep routes. You're part of its target crowd if:
- You prefer to be a bit more technical with your foot placements on vertical faces.
- You're a climber who needs extra sensitivity on boulder-type ascents, especially while performing toe hooks.
- Developing your toeing-in technique is high on your climbing objectives list.
Who should NOT buy it
La Sportiva Skwama Instinct VS instead. Also, if your budget isn't as promising, try the more affordable La Sportiva Skwama.
The Scarpa Drago's pampering confines
Based on a lot of reviews, the Scarpa Drago climbing shoe provides a ton of comfort.
Mighty dependable on boulders
This rock climbing shoe (thanks to its versatile design) is an incredible bouldering tool, many senders say.
It won't tip the scale
The lightness of this awesome Scarpa offering, which weighs 199 g a shoe, is a delight to a considerable number of owners. FYI: On average, climbing shoes Scarpa climbing shoes.
Goes with the flow
Climbers in droves say that the flexible Drago organically bends and twists to the foot's movement.
Scarpa Drago: Not a stiff platform
Its lackluster rigidity makes mounting on small footholds (think nubbins) rather difficult, say experts.
But it's a feeler
A critic is impressed with the Drago's amazing sensitivity. With it, he was able to feel every nubbin and dimple on the rock surface.
Scarpa Drago vs. Furia S
In Scarpa’s line-up of rock climbing shoes, the Drago and the Furia S are often pitted against each other. The following are the areas in which they differ.
Closure. This category is where the Furia S and the Drago are significantly different. The former uses the Z-closure system, which helps distribute pressure evenly and secures a glove-like fit. On the other hand, the latter uses a single Velcro closure for quick adjustments.
Randing. Though subtle, the Drago has a much thicker rand than the Furia S. The Furia S, despite having a thinner rand, renders optimal flexibility. It has less rubber around the arch of the foot and at the heel too.
Upper. They have synthetic leather uppers. On the exterior, the Furia S is designed with a generous amount of rubber in the forefoot area, rendering heightened hooking prowess.
Weight. We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Price. The Drago costs about $10 less than the Furia S. (Click here for more budget-friendly climbing shoes.)
VERDICT: For outdoor sends, particularly on more abrasive rock, the Drago has the advantage. If your climbs involve lots of overhangs to toe- and heel-hook, the Furia S is the way to go.
