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The new update on Scarpa’s entry level climbing shoe offers better comfort and precision for all day climbing.
We reviewed the Origin VS shoe back in 2024 and our verdict was a resounding thumbs up for what was a great entry level shoe at a great price. The 2024 Origin VS were an updated version of the Origin shoes that were only available in the US, they had been redesigned to offer a streamlined package more suited to indoor climbing. The updated, 2026 model, makes some further refinements to improve the performance and comfort.
Comfort for extended periods is the aim here and the Origin VS didn’t disappoint, put them on at the beginning of your session and they can stay on until the end, you couldn’t do that with the Veloce or many other climbing shoes. In terms of fit , for this review I opted for my normal climbing shoe size – a UK 7.5 as I found the 2024 versions a little baggy in the size UK 8 I tested. The fit was much better and I could still wear them for extended periods without taking them off. Weirdly, as with 2024, I am still plagued with an Achilles tweak and these seem to be the only shoe I can wear without pain. This must be down to the less aggressive heel than my Vapours (which are my go to climbing shoe). So, in terms of all day wear I think that they retain the comfort levels of the 2024 version with improved toe precision. You should now be able to get a super precise fit as the shoe is now available in EU half sizes.
Precision has been greatly improved with the 2026 update and I have been using the shoe both indoors and outdoors. It has performed great on smaller holds (a complaint I had with the 2024 versions) whilst offering enough stiffness to feel comfortable sport climbing. For indoor climbing they have been absolutely great and if indoors is you main focus then you are not going to be disappointed. I have found that I can climb for extended periods on the grades I climb at, which is 6a-6c. If anything felt too technical I can change into something more technical – but I haven’t had to yet.
The improved toebox also enhances the performance. It is very slightly larger than the 2024’s and has more of an asymmetrical profile giving it the more advance feel of a high end shoe. The excellent S72 rubber has great friction, more than enough for smears and slab work. The rubber is a durable compound developed by Scarpa and although not as sticky and soft as the M50 rubber it is much more suited to beginner/intermediate shoes. It has performed well in outdoor bouldering too and the thickness means that it should last a couple of seasons of regular use. The toe rubber, full encloses the toe are with a generous covering and uses the M50 rubber, so offers outstanding friction on toe hooks and jams.The sole unit can be resoled using the excellent Scarpa refurbishing service so the shoe should last many years with careful use.
One of the main complaints I had had about the 2024 Origin VS shoes was how smelly the shoes had become. I have used, and reviewed many Scarpa shoes of the years and generally the uppers have been fine. There are some models, however, that have been quite smelly. I know many friends that are plagued with smelly climbing shoes, whatever the brand or model! Mercifully, I’m not one of them and generally enjoy smell free climbing shoes I can keep in my pack. Scarpa have made the new Origin VS shoes in premium microfibre, so fingers crossed, they remain as fresh as they are now.
Finishing touches include a mesh-style padded tongue, single hook and loop tensioning strap and two heel loops to help get the shoes on and hanging from a harness/pack.
So, to conclude the new, updated Scarpa Origin VS are a great and easy-to-wear climbing shoe, perfectly comfortable to wear all day long both for indoor and outdoor climbing. the rubber has good friction and the toe profile should has been greatly improved and should accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes whilst offering good precision for intricate footwear.
They are a great entry level shoe and will serve you well as you improve your grades whether indoor or outdoor climbing. Amazingly they are still the same price as they were in 2024 so well done Scarpa!
The Scarpa Origin VS come in sizes EU 40-50, including half sizes (up to EU 47) and a single colour way.
The SRP is £100 and they can be bought directly from Scarpa UK and specialist retailers. There is also a female-specific version the Origin VS WMN which comes in sizes EU 34 to 42, including half sizes and is the same price.
Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
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