The Scarpa Drago has long been recognized as a standout in the realm of climbing footwear, known for its soft, high-sensitivity design tailored for steep, challenging climbs. With the release of the Scarpa Drago XT, the iconic shoe has been reengineered to further enhance performance and versatility across various terrains. This innovation builds on everything the original Drago excelled at and amplifies it with a new level of power and precision.
"My current project has been a full-on footwork clinic—heel hooks, toe hooks, tenuous smears, and edges—all in one super steep line. It’s the kind of climb that demands total trust in your shoes," said a climber who rigorously tested the Drago XT. The updates made to this model allow climbers to fully commit to their foot placements without hesitation.
One of the most significant improvements in the Drago XT is its updated heel design. In the original Drago, climbers found the heel occasionally felt a bit soft during hooks, impacting their confidence. The Drago XT addresses this issue head-on. "The XT locks in more securely. It’s better tensioned, more structured, and features a laser-etched texture that improves grip no matter how you set your heel on the rock," explained the tester, underscoring the enhancements made for heel hooking stability.
Additionally, Scarpa has fine-tuned the shoe's tensioning system, focusing on boosting edging performance through the innovative SRT toe construction. Rather than relying on a traditional stiff midsole, the Drago XT employs a single, continuous piece of rubber that wraps around the toe box and under the forefoot. This setup not only provides superior power and precision on small holds but does so while maintaining the shoe's softness and sensitivity.
"You can now stand on smaller holds with less foot fatigue, without losing the supple, responsive flex that makes the Drago so effective on steep terrain," said the reviewing climber. The balance of softness and rigidity in the shoe design allows climbers to feel connected to their environment while also providing the necessary support in demanding situations.
Another notable feature is the introduction of two Velcro straps. Previous iterations of the Drago were equipped with only one strap, which limited the shoe's adjustability. The addition of dual straps has significantly improved the fit. "The opposing Velcro straps help dial in the fit to feel even more high performance. The upper is a little roomier, so the dual strap becomes useful in dialing down excess play,” the climber noted.
The overall assessment of the Scarpa Drago XT is overwhelmingly positive. After thorough testing that exposed the shoe to a variety of footholds, the consensus is that this model is the most complete version of the Drago yet. "It takes the DNA of the original and adds power where you need it, structure where you want it, and sensitivity everywhere else," the climber remarked. With enhancements that eliminate previous shortcomings while retaining the shoe’s core strengths, the Drago XT stands poised to be a modern classic.
Whether tackling steep sport routes or bouldering projects, the Scarpa Drago XT emerges as the preferred choice for climbers seeking an optimal blend of sensitivity, power, and security. It has consistently received high marks across various performance categories—96% for performance, 94% for edging, and an impressive 97% for smearing.
As climbing continues to evolve, the Drago XT not only meets modern demands but sets a new standard in climbing shoe technology. With this evolution of a trailblazer in climbing shoes, climbers can expect enhanced performance without compromising the feel that remains essential for successful ascents.
With its advanced features and thoughtful design, the Scarpa Drago XT is clearly positioned as a top contender in climbing footwear, promising to enhance the climbing experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.