Cyclone sits at the lower end of Scarpa’s Trek range: they grade it as suitable for paths and trails, less so for hill walking. I disagree; the upper is sufficiently sturdy for hill abuse, the sole unit is classic Vibram with chunky lugs and a squared-off heel, and the flex is comfortable. For construction in their ‘entry level’ boots (Cyclone and Terra), Scarpa uses Direct Injection Technology which makes it cheaper to create the sole unit. The upper is mostly fabric, with suede to anchor lacing and ankle hooks, and as a soft reinforcing strip above the sole. The heel box is slightly reinforced and the toe has a rubberised protective patch. Height is good: two ankle hooks and a soft but supportive cuff help the boot feel secure; lacing runs through fabric loops which are always harder to adjust than metal eyelets but, again, this is to hit a price. Initially the boot feels flat and unsupportive underfoot but once they’re adjusted and have walked a wee way, they seem to hug more to my feet and I’m less aware of the flat footbed. The toe box is (very) roomy, width is standard and the heel box is, as always with Scarpa, spot-on for a standard female heel. Cyclone is comfortable, versatile, and doesn’t overheat. It doesn’t have the positive dexterity of Hanwag’s Belorado hiking boots but for general hillwalking it’s a good combination of weight, support and affordability.
