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Three Things To Know:
- They feel more like trail shoes than boots – super light, flexible, and great for fast hiking, but don’t expect strong ankle support
- Comfort is a standout – no break-in period needed, and they stayed comfy all day, even on rocky, uneven ground
- They grip really well – the outsole handled loose gravel, wet forest paths, and mud with ease, giving me confidence on varied terrain
Our Rating:
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Durability and Materials
Weight and Flexibility
Grip and Traction
Check availability at Alpine Trek and Amazon.
I’d been searching for a hiking boot that could keep up with faster-paced hikes and still offer real support, and the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX looked like it might hit that sweet spot. As someone who likes to move light and fast over mixed terrain, I was curious if these boots could blend trail-runner comfort with true hiking boot stability as Scarpa claims they were inspired by trail running shoe design. After clocking up some decent mileage in them, I’ve got plenty to say. Here’s how they’ve held up.
Comfort and Fit
I was immediately impressed with how lightweight these boots are at only 375 grams per shoe. The Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX felt snug but not too restrictive, wrapping around my feet rather than stifling them.
These are a women's specific fit, and the heel hold was especially noticeable, keeping everything in place on steep descents. I found the ankle support enough for me, but with the slightly lower collar on these boots, if you do require sturdy ankle support I would recommend trying these on before buying them.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit for a waterproof shoe without compromising on fit, flexibility and weight. Bonded directly to the upper, the lightweight construction is engineered to be invisible, creating a mesh-like comfort feel. I tested these boots out in boggy, muddy and wet conditions, and I found I could confidently step in puddles and submerge the toe box without any water coming in, something I found particularly useful when I wanted to move faster and not concentrate so much on where I was stepping.
Durability and Materials
After plenty of miles over rocky paths, wet forest trails, and muddy hillsides, these boots still look and feel solid. The construction is what you’d expect from Scarpa, stitching’s clean, no signs of separation, and the materials feel premium without being overbuilt. The upper combines mesh and synthetic overlays, which makes them light but surprisingly tough. I’ve knocked them against roots and sharp rocks and they’ve held up with barely a scuff.
That said, the mesh areas do tend to trap a bit of dirt, and they’re not the easiest to clean compared to smoother leather uppers. It’s a small thing, but worth knowing if you like your gear looking fresh. Overall, though, they’ve handled wear and tear impressively well.
Weight and Flexibility
What really stood out to me was how lightweight these boots are, at around 375g per boot, they feel more like sturdy trainers than traditional hiking boots. That made a big difference on longer hikes where every bit of saved weight counts. They’re also super flexible right out of the box, no breaking in needed, and I felt free to move naturally over mixed terrain.
The trade-off is that there’s not a huge amount of ankle support. They do come up slightly higher than a low-cut shoe, but if you need more structure around your ankles, especially with a heavy pack or on rough trails, you might want something sturdier. For fast hiking or lighter loads, though, they strike a really nice balance.
Grip and Traction
The Presa sole really delivered over steep and muddy terrain and I didn’t feel any rubbing or pressure points, even after hours. This is usually where lightweight boots struggle, but thanks to the lug pattern and the mild heel brake, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX held up incredibly well, especially at speed.
That said, on wet, polished stone the traction dipped slightly, and I wouldn’t rely on them for technical scrambles, but for everyday hiking and mixed conditions, they’re solid and reliable.
Value For Money
These boots are at the top of their price range, and while I think it’s worth the money there are less expensive lightweight boots that will do what you want.
Sustainability
Lightweight hiking boots are less durable than their heavier counterparts, and are usually made of entirely synthetic materials. These boots aren’t listed as an eco product, and Scarpa tends to focus more on its quality, durability and local production, however, these boots say they’re made in Vietnam.
Should You Buy It?
If you can afford the price tag, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better lightweight walking boot.
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Find more in our guide to the best walking boots.
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