REASONS TO BUY
Waterproof membrane
Sock-fit construction customizes comfort
Stable and sturdy outsole
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow fit
Mesh upper prone to snags
Lacks the support of a traditional hiking boot
Scarpa Rush Mid GTX - Women's Review
A lightweight, breathable, and waterproof design that performs well in most metrics but lacks some of the durability we'd expect for the price
A good choice for those looking for a little more ankle support than a trail runner but not the added weight and bulk of a traditional leather hiking boot.
Credit: Trish Matheny
RELATED: Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
The Scarpa Rush Mid GTX is a lightweight hybrid that crosses a traditional hiking boot and a technical running shoe. We found the cushioned rocker design to provide comfort without a long break-in period, though ite does favor those with a more narrow foot. This boot provides superior traction when moving through a variety of terrain and great waterproof capabilities as long as the vegan mesh upper is not compromised from snagging sharp rocks and downed branches on the trail. The Rush is a good choice for those looking to step up their game from their trail runners, as the design is similarly lightweight and streamlined while still providing ankle support and stability when schlepping extra weight of a backpack.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Scarpa Rush Mid GTX is a modern hiking boot that offers the lightweight performance of a trail running shoe with the additional lightly-padded ankle support of a traditional leather hiking boot. While the synthetic vegan upper performed well during our waterproof tests, the lower ankle shaft is not as effective at keeping water out of the top of the boot. We didn't experience any major issues during testing, but we couldn't help but notice that the mesh upper was prone to snags on rocky trails while the stitching that connects the ankle cuff to the top of the boot began to show signs of wear. Those things aside, this is still a good choice for those looking to save some weight when headed out for short jaunts or trips that travel through less technical terrain.
Performance Comparison
The Scarpa Rush are a trail running and hiking boot hybrid with a streamlined and lightweight design.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Comfort
The nimble running shoe-like design of the Rush is comfortable for those with a more narrow foot, even without a significant break-in period. The Sock-fit construction and stretch fabric surrounding the tongue allows the boot to mold to your foot. While our narrow-footed testers appreciated features like the EVA midsole that enhanced overall comfort, we can imagine those with a wider foot may have a different experience.
The Scarpa Rush features ample cushion underfoot and a lightly padded ankle cuff for increased stability.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Support
You can tell that Scarpa designed this hiking boot after their award-winning running shoes because that's exactly how the Rush Mid GTX performs. The durable Free-dome outsole and rocker design, in addition to the lightweight construction, promote agility and sure-footedness on the trail. An EVA midsole with a TPU heel frame offers cushion, and the lightly padded ankle shaft provides structure to increase support. Overall our testers were impressed by the support, especially when moving laterally from side to side, noting that the design is rigid enough to support without limiting the range of motion.
A less rigid design allows for nimble footwork while the frame provides multi-directional control.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Traction
SuperGum rubber and an innovative Free-dome IKS outsole inspired confidence and offered stability when moving over slick boulders and polished rocks on popular trails.
The Scarpa Rush Mid GTX features grippy SuperGum rubber.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Water Resistance
These hiking boots performed well during our waterproof testing, even when submerged for up to one minute. They feature a Gore-Tex extended comfort lining in addition to breathable waterproof protection on the vegan upper. However, we did notice that the lower ankle shaft, which measures 4.5 inches, was not as effective at keeping water out of the top of the boot, especially when moving over an early or late-season snowpack. And, while some of the other boots we tested kept our feet warm when submerged, the Rush did not insulate as effectively. Consider what climate you think you'll primarily be hiking in — even though these aren't as insulating, this could make them a better choice for warmer temperatures.
Breathable waterproof protection thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Weight
The Rush offers great performance in exchange for their lightweight design — just 1.78 ounces for a pair of European women's size 39.5. Pulling this design from their popular trail runner, Scarpa effectively offers support and stability without the added weight and bulk of a traditional leather hiking boot.
Weighing just 1.78 ounces, the Scarpa Rush is one of the lighter hiking boots we tested, thanks to its trail runner-inspired design.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Durability
Unfortunately, the Rush Mid is not one of the most durable boots we tested. While we love the double-reinforced lacing system, which should last the life of the boot, we are disappointed that the stitching connection between the ankle cuff and boot started to fray after minimal use. While we didn't experience any major issues during testing, we just aren't confident that the mesh on this boot will hold up while traveling off-trail or through more rocky terrain. Additionally, we wish the toe cap offered more shock absorption when coming into contact with stumps or rocks. Those issues aside, we love the partial rand and the beefy Scarpa Free-dome IKS outsoles, which appear to be very high quality.
We were disappointed when we noticed the seams begin to fray after minimal use.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX?
The Rush is not a bad choice for those seeking a lightweight hiking boot/running shoe hybrid — as long as you are interested in a more narrow fit. The overall design is more similar to that of a running shoe with added support for the ankle. The Gore-Tex membrane breathes well and effectively keeps water out of the boot; we just wish the vegan mesh upper wasn't so susceptible to snags from debris on the trails. Overall, however, this could be a solid addition to a quiver of boots, especially if you like to move quickly and incorporate some running into your hiking excursions.
Our testers love the reinforced lacing system.
Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
If you're interested in another running shoe/hiking boot hybrid that better supports a wide foot, check out the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2. Or for more increased cushioning, comfort, and durability, check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.
—
Trish Matheny
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