The Scarpa Mojito
Table of Contents
Of all of the approach shoes that I have worn and tested over the years, the Scarpa Mojito is probably my go to pair when I need a jack-of-all-trades shoe.
The Scarpa Mojitos climb well, hike well, and (in my opinion) look pretty nice. These shoes have been around for years, probably because they are comfortable, and have displayed impressive durability.
The Scarpa Mojito is soft spoken. As far as hiking footwear goes, they more closely resemble a pair of Chuck Taylors. They have an oblong, vaguely clownish shape. They are Ronald Mcdonald’s approach shoe.
It is in these qualities that attract me to the Mojitos. They combine durability with a subtle personality, and not without a hint of silliness. The very same principles by which I try to live my life.
I don’t often wear these shoes for long hikes. They are better for wearing around town, but will get the job done on both the trail, and the climb.
The Scarpa Mojito at a Glance
Scarpa Mojito
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
| Check Out the Scarpa Mojito on Amazon! | Check Out the Scarpa Mojito on Backcountry |
  |  Mojito Shoe - Men's $154.95 |
Scarpa
As a company, Scarpa doesn’t need a lot of introduction. Their origin story begins in Italy, where they make gear designed for climbing, skiing, and hiking all over the Italian Alps. Scarpa was founded in 1938, right in the midst of Fascist Italy.
Historians differ as to whether or not Benito Mussolini subjugated Italy under the cold heel of a Scarpa ski boot. More importantly, Scarpa made a name for itself as a quality shoe manufacturer.
These days, Scarpa shoes are trusted the world over. Scarpa sponsored athletes are pushing the limits of their sports in climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. Mountain Athletes like you can buy scarpa climbing shoes, hiking footwear, mountaineering boots, and ski accessories.
Their gear is usually considered to be top notch in both quality and performance. The Scarpa Mojitos are a key item in their catalog. They have been around for years, and are likely here to stay.
Comfort
At first, I was not impressed by the comfort offered by the Mojitos. There is minimal cushioning for the sole, and not a lot of arch support. After a long day of walking or hiking, I would experience weird little aches and pains.
The Mojitos were not the ideal shoe for the shape of my foot. As a result, I would wear these shoes only sparingly.
After some use, I was able to break the Mojitos in. I wear them almost daily, mostly because I like the look of them.
If you’re not a fan of their minimal mid-sole, then I recommend picking up insoles. Doing so will greatly increase their comfort and cushioning. I never did purchase any additional comfort soles. I simply wore them into submission.
Overall, the Mojitos are a comfortable shoe. Depending on the shape of your foot, they may take a little more breaking in than most. Though not as supportive as a trail runner or hiking boot, the Scarpa Mojito’s comfort levels are more than adequate.
Durability
The durability of the Scarpa Mojitos is their shining quality. After almost three years of daily use, the Mojitos have held up well. They are scuffed and worn in spots, and the tread is a little smoothed out, but I estimate that I can get more life out of them.
The Mojitos have proven to be the longest lasting approach shoe that I have owned. Granted, I’m not taking the Mojitos on long Thru Hikes, or big approaches. Instead, these shoes hold up well to light wear garnered from every day, casual use.
I have had to replace the laces on one pair. While out crack climbing, the laces got worn through. Cheap shoe laces from Target saved the day.
The overall integrity of the shoe still stands. The Mojitos are a great bang for your buck, particularly if you are after longevity. At their price point, these shoes will last you for a long time.
Hiking Performance
As a hiking shoe, the Mojitos are decent. Their soles provide good traction, and once broken in, they are fairly comfortable. They work well enough for gentle day hikes, and casual approaches. For long approaches or multi-day hikes, I might opt for a beefier approach shoe, dedicated hiking boot, or some trail runners.
The Mojitos hike well in nearly any environment. I have abused mine through mud, snow, rain, sand, and in barren alpine. For snow and ice, the Mojitos can be equipped with trail crampons. If you don’t rock climb, but are still after a good, casual hiking shoe, than the Mojitos are basically made for you.
Climbing and Scrambling Performance
On a long, technical scramble, the Scarpa Mojitos will perform just as well as any other approach shoe. Their rubber is not quite as sticky, but it is more durable. The soles will last you a while, even through all sorts of abuse on all manner of rock types.
I regularly take these shoes up the notoriously heinous Sedona approaches. Through dry river beds, and up slick rock slabs, the Mojitos grip well, and provide the support that you need to get to the route.
I will happily climb technical routes in the Mojitos. Easy to moderate climbs should prove no problem for these shoes, particularly if they are slabby, or full of crack features.
As far as approach shoes go, the Mojitos will perform well when toeing in, edging, or smearing. There are no complaints here. For easy, non overhanging terrain, the Mojitos will perform as well as any other.
I hate packing my approach shoes on long multi pitch climbs. They are always awkward, no matter if they are compressed in a pack, or clipped to a harness. Luckily, the Mojito’s fair well in this capacity. They are relatively light, and their shape makes them easy to pack. A loop at the back of the heel means that they can be clipped to a harness.
The Mojitos can’t seem to decide what sort of role they want to fulfill. Indecisive as they may be, these are decent approach and climbing shoes.
Crack Climbing
When it comes to moderate crack climbing, the Mojitos perform extremely well. The low profile of it’s toe, and the stiff, flat sole allow it to shine in hand sized cracks.
From thin hands, to fist sized cracks, these approach shoes will rock and roll all day. Where other approach shoes generally have a thicker, bulky toe, the Mojitos keep a profile more conducive to jamming.
They may not face climb as well as other approach shoes, but I’d wear the Mojitos when warming up on moderate, single pitch cracks, or when climbing long, low angle multi pitch routes. Be wary, however.
Consistent use of crack will leave an approach shoe more marked up than your ex-girlfriend’s copy of The Infinite Lightness of Being. My right shoe lost a lace thanks to the crack. Still, if you want to climb easy crack without changing into your crack climbing shoes, then the Mojitos have you covered.
Casual Use
I purchased the Mojitos because they had a nice look to them. Scarpa designed these to be approach shoes without a color and design scheme that screams their presence. I’m tired of big, obnoxious logos plastered about my outdoor gear. I’m over the weird lightning bolts, and awkward neon zig zags.
It seems like many gear manufacturers care more about you noticing their product, rather than having it distract from the serenity of the great outdoors.
Consumers are offered a few color options. The Scarpa Mojito colors are offered in neutral earth tones, and comfy hues. You can mix and match them with all of your other outdoor gear.
They don’t alert everyone to your presence. Combine these shoes with a locking carabiner keychain, and you’ll give off that cool, yet mysterious outdoorsy vibe.
Similar Approach Shoes
As much as I admire the Mojitos, I understand that they may not be best for everyone. Here’s some similar shoes that you can check, so that you can find the pair that’s best for you:
- Evolv Cruzer (Backcountry | Amazon)-With a minimal drop, and a similar look, the Evolv Cruzer (and other Evolv Approach shoes) is better suited for hikers and climbers with wide feet. It is also much more affordable.
- 5.10 Guide Tennie (Backcountry | REI)-The most classic approach shoe, a pair of 5.10 Guide Tennies is the grippiest pair of shoes available.
Overall Rating and Best Uses
In the schema of outdoor footwear, the Mojitos fill a unique niche. They do not quite check all of the boxes of an approach or hiking shoe, but they offer more features than a casual street shoe. While they’re not ideal for heavy wilderness treks, they don’t look out of place in a quiet coffee shop.
These shoes are an ideal option for after work climbing sessions. You can tool around town, and then hit up the crag. Beyond that, better approach shoe options exist. Retailing at $145, the Scarpa Mojitos are on the pricier side of approach shoes. At that price point, more versatile options exist. I do think that they are worth it, if only for their incredible durability.
The Mojitos are designed with the same philosophy as a soviet era Kalashnikov, or a Honda Civic. Simply built, there is less that can break.
The Mojitos are long lasting shoes that can do anything you want them too, but do not excel in one single pursuit. If all of your other approach shoe options are exhausted, or you simply can’t decide, then you can do no wrong with the Scarpa Mojitos.
Where To Buy the Scarpa Mojitos
The Scarpa Mojitos, being such a popular shoe, can be found wherever outdoor goods are sold. Just so you know, the following links are affiliate links meaning that I will get a commission off of any purchases made. It’s a win-win, when you think about it. You get a sweet pair of shoes, and I get to eat again.
Amazon.com
Moosejaw.com
Scarpa Men’s Mojito Shoe – Moosejaw regularly $158.95 on sale $119.21
Scarpa Women’s Mojito Shoe – Moosejaw regularly $158.95 on sale $119.21
- The Best Campsites Around Big Bear California - February 26, 2021
- Hiking to the Hollywood Sign Via the Brush Canyon Trail - July 13, 2020
- Dirt Cheap Hiking and Backpacking Gear: The Most Affordable Gear on the Internet - July 4, 2020
Sounds like my husband would benefit from a pair of these. Thanks for the review.