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Scarpa Rapid Review

Basically a trail running shoe with sticky rubber, this model excels on technical trails and light scrambles
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Scarpa Rapid Review (The Scarpa Rapid approach shoe.)
The Scarpa Rapid approach shoe.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Price:  $169 List
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Manufacturer:   Scarpa
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 23, 2024
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 11
  • Climbing Ability - 30% 3.0
  • Hiking Comfort - 25% 10.0
  • Weight and Packability - 20% 8.0
  • Support - 15% 5.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Scarpa Rapid is a running shoe for technical trails and mellow approaches to the crag. The fit, construction, and comfort are all similar to what you would find on a medium-distance trail running shoe. The sole is constructed with the same sticky rubber found on high-performance approach shoes, providing greater traction in rocky terrain than most running shoes. Mountain runners love this shoe for its great running performance and elevated technical ability. Climbers looking for comfortable shoes for longer approaches and casual alpine terrain will also enjoy the Rapid. However, don't expect this shoe to climb anywhere near as well as dedicated approach shoes. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the best approach shoes.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable for running and hiking
Lightweight
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor climbing performance
Lacks support
Editor's Note: We updated this review on July 23, 2024, with additional results after an extended test period.

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Bottom Line More of a running shoe than a climbing shoe, but it has sticky rubber for technical trails and light scramblesPerfect for users with wider-than-average feet, these shoes can do it all, from 5th-class climbing to long approaches to aid climbing. They aren't cheap, but they are built to lastThe TX Guide is a great option for those with narrow feet, offering hiking support and excellent climbing precisionSpecializing in heavy loads and big wall climbing, this model is also a well-rounded favoriteA solid choice for an all-around approach shoe that costs less than the competition, while outperforming much of it
Rating Categories Scarpa Rapid Scarpa Mescalito Pl... La Sportiva TX Guide La Sportiva TX4 Scarpa Crux
Climbing Ability (30%)
3.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
Hiking Comfort (25%)
10.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
Weight and Packability (20%)
8.0
4.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
Support (15%)
5.0
10.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
Construction Quality (10%)
6.0
8.0
4.0
7.0
8.0
Specs Scarpa Rapid Scarpa Mescalito Pl... La Sportiva TX Guide La Sportiva TX4 Scarpa Crux
Outsole Vibram Megagrip Vibram Megagrip LiteBase Vibram Megagrip Vibram Megagrip with Trail Bite heel Vibram Megagrip
Upper Material Mesh, PU Recycled Pespair Polyester Synthetic TPU, PU Leather Leather
Weight (per pair) 28 oz (size 13) 33 oz (size 13) 29.8 oz (size 13) 26.2 oz (size 9.5) 27.2 oz (size 9.5)
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular Regular
Mid Height Available Yes No No Yes No
Midsole EVA with a TPU arch insert EVA Dual-density compressed EVA, TPU Torsion Shank Traverse injection MEMlex EVA

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Scarpa Rapid is a hybrid design between a trail running shoe and an approach shoe, making it a versatile option for runners who scramble into more technical terrain.

Performance Comparison


scarpa rapid - testing the scarpa rapid by climbing on the east face of the third...
Testing the Scarpa Rapid by climbing on the East Face of the Third Flatiron, above Boulder, Colorado.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Climbing Ability


Unfortunately, these shoes don't climb that well when the terrain gets difficult. The sole is soft and flexible, both laterally and vertically, which is great for running. But when forced to smear on 5th-class terrain, we noticed that the foot slides backward in the shoe, which rolls the toe upwards and away from the surface of the rock. This produces a slow sliding motion as the rubber in contact with the rock shifts further down the shoe's sole. These shoes climb blocky terrain well enough, but precise smearing and edging are not in the cards.

scarpa rapid - the rapid has sticky rubber, but a soft sole and imprecise fit means...
The Rapid has sticky rubber, but a soft sole and imprecise fit means the user's foot slides down the footbed and the rubber slowly rolls off the rock.
Credit: Sam Willits

Hiking Comfort


The upside of the Rapid's poor climbing performance is excellent comfort on the trail. We took this shoe on long runs on rocky trails and always felt comfortable. A cushioned sole, breathable mesh upper, and comfortable lacing pattern produce a shoe that is a pleasure to wear on every surface imaginable. On long and non-technical approaches, or whenever we just need a comfortable shoe for casual approaches to the crag, we reach for the Rapid.

scarpa rapid - the rapid is very comfortable on the trail, doubling as a mountain...
The Rapid is very comfortable on the trail, doubling as a mountain running shoe.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Weight and Packability


The Rapid is much lighter than most approach shoes on the market, thanks to its thin outsole, soft last, and minimalist mesh upper. Most other approach shoes have more rubber, stiffer material in the bottom of the shoe, and a thicker upper. By cutting out these features, this running shoe scores weight savings, likely at the expense of climbing performance. But for the running and scrambling terrain these shoes are designed for, these performance sacrifices are worth the weight savings.

scarpa rapid - the rapid is a bit bulky, as a fully cushioned trail running shoe...
The Rapid is a bit bulky, as a fully cushioned trail running shoe, but the flexible upper still packs down relatively well to stuff into a pack.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Support


With a thin mesh upper and flexible last, these shoes don't provide as much support as stiff leather approach shoes. They allow plenty of flexibility for nimble movements while running through uneven terrain. Missteps are more likely to turn into rolled ankles than in other approach shoes, but that flexibility is key to running comfort. A stiff, rubbery material around the back of the heel and extending forward to the instep (arch) provides some support for the heels and ankles, or at least enough to prevent most catastrophes in rugged talus and scree fields. However, they won't provide enough support for climbers carrying heavy loads. And if you encounter an unexpected snowfield on your alpine jaunt, they don't edge or kick steps well.

scarpa rapid - a thick cushion and rubberized toe and heel supports add some...
A thick cushion and rubberized toe and heel supports add some stability to this otherwise soft and flexible running shoe.
Credit: Sam Willits

Construction Quality


The Rapid is as durable as most trail running shoes, and as such, the foam padding above the sole is the first component to show signs of wear. We didn't notice any abrasion or tearing of the thin mesh upper, but we expect that to be the next thing to go, especially if the user does much foot jamming. Compared to other approach shoes that use more durable materials like leather for the shoe's upper and thicker rubber soles, these aren't built as durably.

scarpa rapid - rubber reinforcements in the toe and heel add some durability to the...
Rubber reinforcements in the toe and heel add some durability to the thin and breathable mesh upper.
Credit: Sam Willits

Should You Buy the Scarpa Rapid?


These shoes provide a decent value for the technical runner. While minimalist and lightweight, the Rapid uses strong materials and intentional reinforcements in key areas. For many users who simply need comfortable shoes to wear around the crag that can tackle all but the most extreme approaches, these shoes might be the only shoes you need. If your standard use of approach shoes is for easy technical climbs in low to mid-5th-class terrain, these could be a good addition to your quiver for more casual days and mountain runs.

scarpa rapid - hybrid approach-trail running shoes are great for on-trail...
Hybrid approach-trail running shoes are great for on-trail approaches to the crag and for technical hiking.
Credit: Sam Willits

What Other Approach Shoes Should You Consider?


If you like to wear running shoes for approaching crags but aren't necessarily alpine climbing regularly, these are all you'll ever need. But if your running itineraries carry you over lots of technical and consequential terrain, the Arc'teryx Vertex is our preference for skyrunning. If you're looking for a super nimble shoe that climbs like a dream for carrying over multi-pitch routes, the La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite lightweight approach shoe. If you spend a lot of time in the alpine and need a relatively lightweight shoe that can hike and climb well, the La Sportiva TX Guide is our all-around favorite. And if you are looking for a basic approach shoe without the running focus, the Scarpa Crux is a solid, affordable choice.

Jeff Dobronyi