Scarpa spent six years developing their new climbing shoe. At its heart is the Italian company's first carbon-reinforced midsole – built for precision on the smallest footholds, without the shoe needing to fit brutally tightly.
This article was created in collaboration with Scarpa.
With the BLACKBIRD, SCARPA introduces a revolutionary high-performance climbing shoe, designed for the most technically demanding climbing routes where precision and control down to the smallest foothold are crucial. Blackbird is the most technically advanced climbing shoe SCARPA has ever developed. After six years of development, the manufacturer claims it offers a precise balance between softness and stiffness, made possible by its carbon-reinforced midsole – the core innovation of the project. This improved structure is designed to deliver exceptional front-pointing power on the smallest footholds, thereby maximizing precision in all disciplines of rock climbing, from short sport routes to multi-pitch climbs.
Six years in the dark
The development took six years. Scarpa itself calls the BLACKBIRD the most ambitious project its team of climbing engineers has ever undertaken. Heinz Mariacher, who designed some of the sport's most influential performance shoes at Scarpa, is responsible for it. For him, development is not just fun, but an obsession, according to Scarpa. The task this time: to find the balance between stiffness and flexibility – and then rebuild every detail around it.
Carbon fiber under the toe
The BLACKBIRD features a key innovation: the Carbon-Enhanced 3D Molded Pebax® midsole, made from Pebax® Rnew combined with carbon fiber. This distributes pressure more effectively in the forefoot, providing greater support on the smallest footholds and making precise movements even more controlled. In practical terms, this means the sole bears some of the load that would otherwise be borne by the big toe. The upper is constructed from a double layer of microfiber, perforated on the outside and lined with Alcantara in the forefoot. This restores the feel for the rock and is less restrictive for the toes than traditional precision shoes. A continuous rand wraps around the foot from toe to heel. The lacing system is integrated into the upper, and a spring-loaded strap allows for adjustments.
A good look at Scarpa's latest innovation: the BLACKBIRD | Image: Scarpa
The carbon provides stability without making the shoe feel stiff. That's precisely why the construction was designed to intelligently build support while functioning efficiently. For a new kind of performance with smart support and energy efficiency.
A completely new design
The BLACKBIRD features a completely redesigned construction, from the instep system and new material blends to a completely new heel architecture. The double-layered microfiber upper, combined with an Alcantara® lining in the forefoot, supports precision and comfort when clean and controlled footing is essential on technical sections.
The full-wrapping closure system The exceptionally comprehensive clamping system ensures a direct, stable connection between foot and rock. An internal lateral stabilizer provides additional security when movements become maximally demanding. The heel has also been redesigned: with Alcantara® padding at the Achilles tendon and a high-precision IHC (Integrated Heel Catch) construction. This improves control and comfort, especially during longer sessions.
Half a size larger
Perhaps the most important sentence on Scarpa's product page, however, has nothing to do with carbon. The Blackbird is "not a shoe for aggressive downsizing"; an incorrect size can ruin the entire experience. It is recommended to go at least half a size larger than your usual Scarpa model. The logic behind this is as follows: The support that other shoes provide through a tight fit is supplied by the sole here. Anyone who buys the Blackbird too small is therefore missing out on the very advantage the shoe was designed for.
The BLACKBIRD's design therefore allows for a more comfortable fit without sacrificing precision and control.
The BLACKBIRD as a multi-talented device
According to Scarpa, the shoe is a true all-rounder. It's made for rock climbing: for bouldering, sport climbing, and multi-pitch routes. Its strengths are said to shine on micro-edges, small corners, and short friction zones, on vertical projects as well as long routes.
Technical Specifications
- Carbon-enhanced 3D molded Pebax® midsole
- Double-layered microfiber upper
- Alcantara® lining in the forefoot area
- Vibram® XS Grip 2 sole
- Heel with Alcantara® padding and high-precision IHC (Integrated Heel Catch) construction
- Full-wrapping closure system
- Comprehensive clamping system
- Internal side stabilizer
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