Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX - Women's Review

The Rush 2 is versatile and comfortable for various hikes. We wore these on tough treks in Mexico and on maintained trails in Yosemite. We were pleased with how well they held up and kept our feet happy.

Comfort

The Rush 2 Pro couldn't be more different than your average leather hiking boot that requires hours of discomfort before the stiff and rigid design molds to your foot shape. The Rush 2 Pro features all-day comfort direct from the box, thanks to adequate cushioning surrounding the ankle in addition to a spring and responsive midsole. While the boots run large in sizing, they feature ample space in the toe box, which appeals to those with wider feet; however, our lead tester with a narrow foot found the boot comfortable even with extra space within the interior.

While the cushioning surrounding the ankle does increase comfort, the design does run a little hot due to these features, making our testers want to shed them immediately after hiking in warmer climates. We also couldn't help but notice a slight discomfort from the tongue of the boot in our right ankle, beneath the cuff. This subsided as the boot molded to our feet, but it was noticeably uncomfortable during our first number of hikes. If you're after the all-day comfort traditionally associated with a lightweight running shoe, the Rush 2 Pro provides that along with stability for the ankle.

Support

The Rush 2 Pro features a shock-absorbing midsole along with a thicker insole that combines with a lower ankle shaft to provide support and stability underfoot without a ton of weight and bulk. That said, the single metal hook around the ankle allows for a ton of forward flexion, and if you want more stability, our lead tester found that double wrapping the laces on the hook provided more support through less flexion.

Our testers consider the Rush 2 Pro a step up from your average trail runner, due to its ankle shaft and metal hook for the laces, rather than a more traditional hiking boot that locks your foot into place. There are pros and cons to the design as it allows for a greater range of motion in the ankle, making it perfect for fast-paced missions; however, the lower ankle shaft and limited support on the cuff prevent better performance for those looking for stability under heavy load or off-trail. Trade-offs aside, this is our favorite design when it comes to versatility, whether you're hitting the trails for the day or the entire weekend with a light pack.

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Traction

During an international trip to central Mexico where many approaches to our climbing routes required lots of time spent navigating dry river beds with heavy packs, our testers were the envy of their companion thanks to the ankle stability and solid traction provided by Scarpa's Press HIK-01 outsole that features SuperGum rubber. The outsoles gave us confidence moving over slippery stone, in addition to sandy and decomposing hillsides, along with polished limestone steps.

While the multi-directional chevron pattern enhanced our grip over slippery and polished limestone, our testers did note the limited lug depth which prevented a top-performing grip while moving through mud and deep sand.

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Water Resistance

The latest iteration of the Rush 2 Pro upper features a mostly leather upper along with a PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePR membrane that performed well during our field and controlled bucket tests. The lower flood level is certainly noticeable when crossing deeper streams as well as during our bucket tests, although our gray socks never got wet.

While our feet stayed dry during less than ideal conditions, we couldn't help but notice how easily the leather upper absorbed water, and unlike previous iterations, required a longer period to dry completely. The lightweight design also limits the overall warmth while moving through especially soggy conditions. While this effective waterproofing kept our feet dry during our extended hikes, we couldn't help but notice its performance was a double-edged sword, often creating sweaty conditions on the interior of the boot due to a lack of breathability. That said, these boots are versatile enough for day hikes or shorter backpacking trips in most conditions.

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Durability

Although previous iterations of the Scarpa Rush have made our testers second-guess the longevity of their performance, the Rush 2 Pro combines durable and high-quality details that provide lasting performance.

The synthetic and leather upper remained waterproof despite some cosmetic changes to the leather after day in and day out of testing in snow, mud, and stream crossings. We don't love that the lacing attachments are mostly mesh, but appreciate that the eyelet that withstands the most torque at the ankle is reinforced with metal for lasting performance.

Weight

The Rush Pro 2 is the perfect choice for those of you out there who count every ounce of your hiking gear. Weighing in at only 1.76 pounds for a US women's size 8.5, they score quite well when compared to other boots in our extensive review.

This lightweight boot isn't without a few caveats. The lightweight build makes them perfect for shorter outings with lighter loads, however, the single ankle hook limits their support and stability, while their lower flood level limits their overall waterproof capabilities. That said, they are agile enough for fast-paced missions or shorter backpacking trips.

Should You Buy the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX?

If you're interested in a versatile design that is perfect for everything from average day hikes to weekend backpacking trips, the Rush 2 Pro is a great choice. These lightweight boots combine ankle support with the cushioning, precision, and all-day comfort you'd expect from your favorite trail running shoe. The proprietary traction performs well in most terrain, while the leather upper keeps water from seeping into the boot. While not the most supportive ankle cuff nor the most durable construction for leaving the well-maintained trails, our testers love this boot for its versatile performance, whether we're out for the day or a couple of nights under the stars.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If you gravitate towards a modern hiking boot design like the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX that combines the stability of a hiking boot with the agility and lightweight performance of a trail runner, you may also like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX. Dare we say the Raptor is a bit more aggressive in both ankle support and stability, in addition to a more effective outsole and lug pattern that provides a superior performance. For those on a budget, your best bets include the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP and the Columbia Crestwood. Both designs feature ample cushioning and decent performance, especially considering their lower price tags. And if you have a wider foot shape, our testers recommend options like the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP and the Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid Waterproof.