Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX - Women's Review

The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX is essentially a trail running shoe that offers a padded ankle cuff for increased support and stability when moving through uneven and demanding terrain. The super lightweight design is built for those interested in fast and light mountain missions where every ounce is accounted for and those interested in shedding the weight of a traditional hiking boot without sacrificing support, shock absorption, and torsional stability. The all-day, out-of-the-box comfort, breathable waterproof technology, and exceptional traction make this boot a great choice for both technical and well-maintained trail systems.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

There is no need for an extended break-in period with the Rush 2 Mid GTX, thanks to out-of-the-box comfort. The waterproof mesh upper allows for flexibility in the forefoot, while the EVA midsoles feature built-in cushioning pods below the forefeet and heels for maximum comfort within a rather minimalist design. The latest iteration of this boot beefs up the cushioning surrounding the ankle and adds more padding to the tongue. This increases comfort without significantly increasing bulk or reducing overall breathability. Like other European brands, this boot favors those with a narrow foot and moderate arch, though the toe box does allow enough space for those with a wider profile. If you find yourself between sizes, we recommend sizing up to allow enough room for a cushioned sock if desired.

Support

The Rush 2 Mid GTX features a streamlined construction complete with a DST (Dynamic Stabilizer Torsion) TPU frame that provides rear foot stability within the base of the shoe in addition to torsional control that prevents excessive range of motion side to side. The EVA heel successfully absorbs any shock encountered on rowdy trails, and the midsole features medium to high-density support and cushioning that allows this boot to perform even under the weight of a pack.

Perhaps our only complaint about the Rush 2 lies in the latest update that dropped one metal hook on the ankle cuff. For comparison, most other hiking boots that we tested feature two and sometimes even three metal hooks for added ankle support and stability. Though initially discouraged, we quickly adapted by wrapping the laces around the single metal hook twice. Our testing team found the double wrap to offer a more customized support system that successfully held the cuff in place and provided substantial torsional support for various terrain types.

Traction

The Rush 2 Mid GTX features a unique and effective PRESA outsole with Interactive Kinetik System that maximizes traction and shock absorption while minimizing the impact from the trail on your body. The tread design has several specific areas of performance that include a braking system surrounding the heel and various zones that focus on maximizing stability and adherence on the trails. Throughout our testing period, our team was impressed by the effective SuperGum rubber that provided traction even while moving through dense early-season Spring mud. Though the lug pattern is less aggressive than other hiking boots in this review, we have no doubt you'll gain more confidence underfoot with every additional stride.

Water Resistance

Our testing team was impressed by the improvement in the waterproof mesh upper of the Rush 2 Mid GTX. During our submersion tests, water did not penetrate the upper, and our feet remained dry, though we did notice that the mesh can absorb some moisture, depending on how long it is submerged. The recycled and durable mesh fabric drys quickly and is backed by Gore-Tex Invisible Fit BlueSign liners to ensure waterproof performance from the inside out. Not only did our feet stay dry throughout our testing period, but we also noticed the breathability within the mesh upper, which allows the feet to breathe and release excessive moisture build-up during warmer days on the trail. Though this design features more breathability than other hiking boots in this review, such as leather uppers or eVent bootie liners, it doesn't offer enough breathability for us to consider this boot a good option for low-elevation hikes during the heat of the summer.

Weight

For this review, we tested a wide variety of hiking boots that weighed somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds per pair. The Rush 2 Mid GTX weighs just 1.61 pounds for a US women's size 8.5/EU size 40, making this boot stand out for its exceptional performance at a minimal weight. For those looking to shed the additional weight, bulk, and stiffness of a traditional leather hiking boot, this is a lightweight option that doesn't skimp on performance.

Durability

While testing the latest version of the Rush, one of the first details we noticed was the increased durability of the recycled content utilized in the lightweight and high-performing waterproof upper. The previous iteration made our testing team question overall durability due to unraveling seams near the ankle cuff, but this version squashed any concerns. Though Scarpa did increase the durability and padding of the supportive ankle cuff, the boot still features mesh enclosures for the lacing system. We did not experience any issues with the mesh enclosures, but our testing team prefers the durability and long-lasting performance offered by a reinforced metal eyelet. Overall, we were impressed by the lightweight and quick-drying mesh upper construction, even though it clearly sacrifices the durability of a rigid leather hiker for a lighter-weight, agile design. This boot may not be built for cross-country travel, but it can definitely perform on technical trail systems.

Should You Buy the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX?

The Rush 2 Mid GTX is for those looking to shed the weight and bulk of a traditional leather hiking boot without sacrificing agility and performance on the trail. Though not the least expensive boot we tested, our team is stoked that Scarpa improved the overall durability and waterproof technology of the latest Rush iteration, which will provide more of a return on your investment. We're confident in recommending this boot for those seeking all-day comfort (thanks to a flexible and waterproof mesh upper) during fast and light missions while navigating the most technical trail systems.

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