Scarpa Origin Vs Mad Rock Drifter
The Battle of the Climbing Shoes: Scarpa Origin vs Mad Rock Drifter
It’s no secret that the two most popular climbing shoes on the market are the Scarpa Origin and the Mad Rock Drifter. But which one is the better shoe? We’ll compare both shoes in terms of fit, type of climbing, sole stiffness, shape, closure system, materials, price, personal preference, toe box shape, heel cup, weight, and level of ventilation to help climbers decide which one they should invest in.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Scarpa Origin | Mad Rock Drifter |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Asymmetrical, downturned shape. Lacing system for secure fit. | Traditional, flat shape. Padded tongue and soft midsole for comfort. Hook and loop closure system. |
| Type of Climbing | Aggressive, overhanging sport climbing. | All-day comfort and long routes. |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff midsole for support and stability. | Softer midsole for all-day comfort. |
| Shape | Asymmetrical, downturned shape. | Traditional, flat shape. |
| Closure System | Lacing system. | Hook and loop closure system. |
| Materials | Leather and synthetic materials. Sticky rubber sole. | Synthetic materials. Sticky rubber sole. |
| Price | More expensive. | More affordable. |
| Personal Preference | Aggressive climbing. | All-day comfort and long routes. |
| Toe Box Shape | Asymmetrical, downturned shape. | Traditional, flat shape. |
| Heel Cup | Yes. | No. |
| Weight | 8.9 ounces. | 10 ounces. |
| Level of Ventilation | Breathable leather upper. | Breathable mesh upper. |
Fit
The Scarpa Origin features an asymmetrical, downturned shape that is designed to hug the foot and provide a snug fit. The lacing system ensures that the shoe fits securely across the whole foot without any discomfort. The Origin also features a heel cup that helps the heel stay in place while climbing.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, is designed with a more traditional, flat shape. It has a padded tongue that provides comfort and hugs the foot, and a soft midsole that adjusts to the shape of the foot. The Drifter also has a hook and loop closure system that allows for quick and easy adjustments.
Type of Climbing
The Scarpa Origin is designed for aggressive, overhanging sport climbing. It is equipped with a stiff midsole and a sharp, pointed toe that makes it perfect for edging and hooking. The sticky rubber sole also provides excellent grip and stability.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, is designed for all-day comfort and long routes. It has a more sensitive midsole and a rounded toe that makes it better suited for smearing and crack climbing. The rubber sole provides excellent grip and stability, but not as much as the Origin.
Sole Stiffness
The Scarpa Origin features a stiff midsole that is designed for aggressive climbing. The midsole is stiff enough to provide support and stability while edging and hooking, but still flexible enough to allow the foot to move naturally.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, features a softer midsole that is designed for all-day comfort. The midsole has enough stiffness to provide support and stability while smearing and crack climbing, but is not as stiff as the Origin.
Shape
The Scarpa Origin has an asymmetrical, downturned shape that is designed to hug the foot and provide a snug fit. The lacing system ensures that the shoe fits securely across the whole foot without any discomfort.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, is designed with a more traditional, flat shape. It has a padded tongue that provides comfort and hugs the foot, and a soft midsole that adjusts to the shape of the foot.
Closure System
The Scarpa Origin features a lacing system that allows for quick and easy adjustments. The lacing system ensures that the shoe fits securely across the whole foot without any discomfort.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, features a hook and loop closure system that allows for quick and easy adjustments. The hook and loop closure system allows for a more secure fit, but not as secure as the Origin.
Materials
The Scarpa Origin is made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The upper is made of a soft, breathable leather that is designed to provide comfort and support. The sole is made of sticky rubber that provides excellent grip and stability.
The Mad Rock Drifter is made of synthetic materials. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that provides comfort and support. The sole is made of sticky rubber that provides excellent grip and stability.
Price
The Scarpa Origin is more expensive than the Mad Rock Drifter. As a result, the Origin is better suited for climbers who are looking for a shoe that is designed for aggressive climbing.The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, is more affordable and is better suited for climbers who are looking for a shoe that is designed for all-day comfort.
Personal Preference
When it comes to personal preference, the Scarpa Origin and the Mad Rock Drifter are both excellent choices. The Origin is designed for aggressive, overhanging sport climbing and is equipped with a stiff midsole and a sharp, pointed toe for edging and hooking.
The Mad Rock Drifter is designed for all-day comfort and long routes and is equipped with a softer midsole and a rounded toe for smearing and crack climbing. It all comes down to personal preference and what type of climbing you will be doing.
Toe Box Shape
The Scarpa Origin features an asymmetrical, downturned toe box shape that is designed to hug the foot and provide a snug fit. The lacing system ensures that the shoe fits securely across the whole foot without any discomfort.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, features a more traditional, flat toe box shape. It has a padded tongue that provides comfort and hugs the foot, and a soft midsole that adjusts to the shape of the foot.
Heel Cup
The Scarpa Origin is equipped with a heel cup that helps the heel stay in place while climbing. The heel cup is designed to prevent heel slippage and provide a secure fit.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, does not have a heel cup. It does, however, have a padded tongue that provides comfort and hugs the foot.
Weight
The Scarpa Origin is a lightweight shoe that weighs in at 8.9 ounces. The lightweight design makes it perfect for long routes and aggressive climbing.
The Mad Rock Drifter is a bit heavier, weighing in at 10 ounces. The slightly heavier design makes it perfect for all-day comfort and long routes.
Level of Ventilation
The Scarpa Origin has a breathable leather upper that provides excellent ventilation. The leather upper allows air to flow freely, keeping the feet cool and comfortable.
The Mad Rock Drifter, on the other hand, has a breathable mesh upper that provides excellent ventilation. The mesh upper allows air to flow freely, keeping the feet cool and comfortable.
Conclusion
When it comes to the battle of the climbing shoes, the Scarpa Origin and the Mad Rock Drifter are both excellent choices. The Origin is designed for aggressive, overhanging sport climbing and is equipped with a stiff midsole and a sharp, pointed toe for edging and hooking. The Drifter, on the other hand, is designed for all-day comfort and long routes and is equipped with a softer midsole and a rounded toe for smearing and crack climbing. It all comes down to personal preference and what type of climbing you will be doing.