Sometimes an intangible balance of design, features and construction converge for a truly excellent product, one which sees rivals come and go, while it marches on from strength to strength. In the Instinct VS and VSR, SCARPA created such products - world leaders in adaptable performance, these models truly are far more than the sum of their parts. 

Utilising a modified version of this classic Instinct VS last, the Instinct VS Women’s provides the same revered feature set, in a lower volume option of this world-beating climbing shoe.

As with the VSR, this shoe opts for a Vibram XS-Grip 2 outsole, perfect for smearing, plastic (indoor climbing) and finer grain rock types, as well as lighter framed individuals. That being said, the Bi-Tension support system is again deployed, intimately connecting the toe and the heel to give a strong, supportive fit which edges well and holds the shoe’s shape throughout its lifespan.

The 2mm, hand-crafted Vibram XS Grip 2 heel combined with a single Velcro strap keeps the heel firmly secured even on the most demanding heel-hooks, while an M50 rubber toe patch gives the best toe-hooking traction on the market.

SCARPA athlete and well-known climber Robbie Phillip's has written a series of informative guides on how to choose and get the most out of your climbing shoes. You can check them out