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Scarpa ZG 65 GTX - Men's
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The Scarpa Men’s ZG65 Hiking Boot is part of Scarpa’s ground-breaking Zero Gravity (ZG) series of light hikers, destined for long day hikes or light multi-day treks in temperate climates. What makes the ZG65 so special is a unique, ‘extra low density’ polyurethane midsole that offers unbelievable weight savings and pillowy shock-absorption. In keeping with Scarpa’s Italian craftsmanship, the ZG65 includes a bomber, super grippy Vibram outsole for Velcro-like trail traction. The comfortable, breathable upper is surrounded in highly-breathable waterproof Gore-Tex XCR, and is reinforced with supportive suede leather. Close-to-the-toe lacing wraps the foot in a precise fit every time you don these bomber boots, while mesh panels around the ankles and forefoot offer supreme comfort and mobility. A rugged toe rand rounds out the Scarpa ZG65 nicely.
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$139.90 
SCARPA ZG 65 GTX
I choose the SCARPA ZG65 GTX because it looked like just what I was looking for - a light weight, mid-height, GoreTex, day-hiking boot at a reasonable price. What really caught my eye was the high rubber rand that is edge stitched. Most of my hiking is on rock and rubble and the boot toes really take a beating. Out of the box the size 42s looked nice, well designed and well constructed. But they were small, really small. I have size 10 feet and euro size 42 has worked in the past. I wound up exchanging the SCARPA 42s for 43.5. The larger size fit fine (I like to wear a mid-weight sock.) In less than ten hours of hiking these boots fit like old-friends. The arch and ankle support is excellent for such a light weight boot. The sole feels like a softer rubber compound than other boots I have which seems to give these boots a lot of grip on rock in both dry and wet conditions. The tread pattern also offers lots of edges. Will be interested to see how these boots wear (only time and mileage will tell,..) I do want maximum water protection so I used Nikwax on the sanded Corsa leather components of the boots. And, as the directions indicated, the Nikwax did smooth and darken the leather (which, to me, is not a problem.)
A great boot!
I've got a pair of Scarpa Invernos plastic boots that I like very much so this past spring when I was looking for a new 3-season boot I tried on the ZG (thinking that if the Inverno fits my size 11 1/2 (or euro 45.5) narrow foot well I might have the same luck in the ZG). I was right - this boot is super comfortable, is light weight, has worn very well over the last 6 months of weekend hiking in NH's White Mountains, and provides me with a lot of support. I highly recommend them!
Great Deal / Great Boot
I've had my full leather Scarpa Attack boots for over 12 years and love them. I wanted a lighter weight boot and backcountry had exactly what I was looking for. Sticking with Scarpa has proved to be a great choice. I wear a size 10 which for the ZG 65 GTX boot = 43.5. So far I've only done a few day hikes in them. Break-in time was minimal. I'm heading out this weekend for a couple nights backpacking trip on the Pinhoti Trail. Can't wait to put these shoes to work. This didn't make a difference to me but: the shoes are designed in Italy but made in Romania.
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Training Tips
Heart monitors are useful for knowing when you are in the right zone for your training efforts. If you understand what your maximum heart rate is, you can set up your monitor to beep at you when you exceed the high or low range of your heart rate for the type of workout you are doing.
Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.
Anaeroic threshold is when lactic acid starts to build up in your body as your muscles are not getting the oxygen they require. This threshold is typically expressed as a percentage of your VO2 max - the amount of oxygen per kilogram of weight that a person can use in converting fuel to energy. Elite athletes threshold might be as high as 90% of VO2 max.
Efficient running position allows you to run farther and faster. Keep the heel raise to a minimum, relax your upper body and hands, keep your upper body poised and quiet.
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