Lightweight
1 lb. 10.8 oz.
Yes (Gore-Tex)
Extremely lightweight yet stable and protective for technical terrain.
Expensive and strange sizing.
Scarpa is not a novice in mountain boots, however their latest Rush series definitely takes it in a completely new direction. With a focus on light performance and a minimalist design, the Rush Mid GTX joins the ranks of the most modern and technologically sophisticated boots such as that of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid above. The Scarpa appears to be an average-height trail runner however, it’s actually an extremely supportive and durable boot that can be used on difficult trails as well as other offcamber surfaces (much more than those of Hoka as well as the Altra above) because of the hefty midsole, which has TPU reinforcements as well as an outersole that’s sticky. Add a rocker design that allows for quick movement and also the lightest weight as well. The Rush Mid GTX is a well-balanced and well-built newcomer that’s definitely worth a glance.
Like similar to the Ultra Raptor above, the Rush Mid GTX is a ideal choice for mountaineers who wish to slim down their footwear. We’ve tried the lower-top version back-to-back with Salomon Ultra 4 GTX, and discovered it to be generally more rigid and cushioned and provides better support, but without losing comfort. It’s a winning combination for both easy trail and more technical landscapes (friends of Switchback utilized this shoe as their shoe of choice to a season in Patagonia) however, it’ll cost you anywhere from around $24-$34 more than the competition. Keep in mind that sizing can be difficult, as the toe area is quite small (especially in comparison to models like the Altra above and the Topo Athletic below), and many customers report having to increase their size.
