Scarpa Blackbird
Scarpa
Scarpa's first climbing shoe with a carbon-fiber-reinforced 3D-molded Pebax midsole that pairs rigid edging support with a 3/4 layout for all-day wear. The Z-cord wraparound closure with feather-shaped Velcro strap and Alcantara heel with integrated heel cup deliver a precise fit and powerful heel hooks. Moderately downturned and asymmetric on a narrow Egyptian-toe last, the Blackbird is built for technical edging on small footholds and works from single pitches to long multi-pitch routes without aggressive downsizing.
Best For
Best for sport climbing, bouldering and trad multipitch on vertical and overhang terrain. Aimed at advanced to elite climbers.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Strengths
- Carbon-fiber-reinforced 3/4 Pebax midsole holds an edge without the dead-foot fatigue of a full board
- Conservative 1.0 EU downsize keeps it wearable on long sessions and multi-pitches
- Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber plus full toe patch and tensioned rand for confident edging and toe hooking
- Narrow Egyptian-toe last with Alcantara heel cup locks the foot in for precision footwork
Trade-offs
- Premium price (€249.95)
- Heavy at 470 g (pair) for a moderate-aggressive shoe
- Hard, stiff carbon platform mutes rock feedback for sensitivity-focused climbers
- Narrow forefoot won't suit wide feet
Sizing & Fit
Manufacturer recommends choosing at least 0.5 EU size up compared to your usual Scarpa climbing shoe. Not designed for aggressive downsizing - the carbon midsole and adaptive upper deliver performance without forcing the foot into pain.
Fit profile: narrow width, standard forefoot volume, medium heel, suits egyptian toe shapes.
Minimal stretch expected; moderate break-in; manufacturer suggests downsizing 1-1 EU from street size.
Stiffness
Measured stiffness: 0.64 on our 0-1 scale (0 = softest). Among moderately downturned shoes it sits between the La Sportiva Miura VS (0.61, softer) and the Andrea Boldrini Tiger Evo (0.70, stiffer).
Specifications
| Brand | Scarpa |
| Model | Blackbird |
| Closure | Velcro |
| Feel | Stiff |
| Downturn | Moderate |
| Asymmetry | Moderate |
| Rubber | Vibram XS Grip 2 |
| Rubber Thickness | 3.5mm |
| Weight (pair) | 470g |
| Vegan | No |
| Kids | No |
Prices
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| barrabes.com | 250.00 EUR |
| rockrun.com | 260.71 EUR |
| bananafingers.co.uk | 263.25 EUR |
Cheapest current offer: 250.00 EUR at barrabes.com. 3 shops currently stock it (250.00 to 263.25 EUR).