Responsive sensitivity and powerful grip in the Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"The Instinct VSR is my go-to for bouldering and steep sport climbing. The grip is unreal, especially on smears and volumes, and it fits like a second skin. Softer than the VS but still supportive—I get great toe control without sacrificing feel."
From dynamic indoor problems to technical outdoor projects, the Scarpa Instinct VSR Climbing Shoe delivers high-performance precision and friction. A softer version of the Instinct VS, this model enhances sensitivity while maintaining power on overhangs, smears, and micro-edges.
The Vibram® XS Grip 2 rubber delivers reliable stickiness for toe hooks and smearing, while the slipper-style fit with a single hook-and-loop strap keeps the shoe snug and fast to slip on between burns. With a moderately downturned shape and tensioned rand, the VSR strikes the right balance between aggression and versatility for advanced climbers looking to dial in their footwork.
Details
- Aggressive climbing shoe ideal for bouldering and steep sport routes
- Softer build than the Instinct VS for increased sensitivity and control
- Vibram® XS Grip 2 rubber provides premium friction and feel
- Synthetic microsuede upper maintains shape over time
- Hook-and-loop closure for quick on/off and a secure fit
- Bi-Tension active rand system offers toe power without pressure
- Moderate downturn delivers performance across varied terrain
- Excellent for indoor comp climbing and precise outdoor footwork
- Item #SCR004O
- Upper Material
- microsuede
- Lining
- unlined
- Closure
- hook-and-loop strap
- Midsole
- Flexan
- Rubber
- Vibram XS Grip 2 (3.5mm)
- Last
- FV
- Profile
- downturn
- Asymmetrical Curvature
- aggressive
- Claimed Weight
- 7.6oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 4 ratings
Review Summary
Fits Slightly Large
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJanuary 8, 2025
Great All Around Shoe
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
This is my 3rd time buying these shoes. I had worn out my previous pairs and gotten several resoles. They are a bit softer than their orange Instinct VS counterparts. They tend to fit my foot shape well and work well for both bouldering and sport climbing. As the shoe breaks in they start to smear very well but don’t lose their edging.
January 6, 2025
My grandson loved them!
Initially I bought the wrong size for my grandson for Christmas. I followed the instructions on the return and exchange for the correct size. I did that Christmas Day and he received the correct size 2 days later!!!
June 3, 2023
Perfect!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 43.5
- Height:
- 5' 11"
- Weight:
- 174
my favorite shoe for all around performance, rubber is thick enough to provide support on small feet and, is real sticky! great heal and toe box on this shoe. This is my fifth pair of instincts, a perfect shoe really great fit.
August 25, 2021
Solid all around climbing shoe.
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 40.5
- Height:
- 5' 8"
- Weight:
- 127
I made the switch from my old leather Vapor Vs to the Instinct VSR in the same size. They were an amazing upgrade. The softer rubber on the VSRs sticks like glue and the sensitivity is unreal. It has great smearing capabilities for having such an aggressive downturn. The heel is snug but not painful. Whereas, the heel in my old Vapor Vs had quite a bit of slop (the newest Vapor V's have an improved heel.) I'm now more confident in my heel hooks. Very little break in stretch, but the shoe has become easier to put on (maybe the layer of chalk helps.) The shoe has great power to the toe. The only place this shoe does not give me confidence is on micro edges. I do not feel locked in and feel more as though I'm smearing on tiny edges. Good thing they make the same shoe with an edging rubber outsole, the Instinct VS. All around outstanding performance, comfort, and style for people with feet on the wider side.
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