A versatile and waterproof hiking shoe, offering superb traction, stability and comfort for big day hikes.
The Scarpa Rush Trail GTX have been designed to provide trainer style comfort without compromising on durability or grip. Boasting technology that aims to reduce foot fatigue and keep you feeling fresher for longer, they demand consideration if you’re in the market for a lightweight hiking shoe. Although some may baulk at the price, they do offer the same stability and protection as a full hiking boot, albeit without the ankle support.
Scarpa Rush Trail GTX: The stats
| Best for: | Hill and fell walking |
| Weight: | 910g (pair size 42) |
| Waterproof?: | Yes, Gore-Tex |
| Uppers: | Suede |
| Outsoles: | PRESA® Supergum |
| Eco-conscious: | bluesign® lining |
| Overall rating: |
Features of the Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
Uppers
The combination of water resistant 1.7-1.9mm suede and a PFC-free Gore-Tex lining makes for fully waterproof yet breathable uppers. The suede is scratch resistant and surprisingly hard-wearing. To further complement the durability and comfort of the uppers, the tongue is made of synthetic mesh and padding.Outsole
Scarpa often opt for Vibram soles for their hiking shoes and boots. However, the Rush family boast PRESA® Supergum soles, created by Scarpa’s inhouse development team. These are a result of years of research and development, offering superior grip, stability and support. The lugs of the outsoles include areas specifically designed for maximum grip, braking, propulsion and cushioning.
Laces
Reinforced top eyelets finish off the ghillie lacing system which reduces pressure points through the tops of the feet. The round laces stay nicely done up although there’s a little bit of bunching in the uppers across the bottom eyelets. Beneath the laces is a cushioned tongue which is attached the main uppers right up to just below to top eyelet.
Toe box
Despite its relatively slender appearance, there’s actually lots of internal space across the toe box, making the shoes suitable for those with wider feet. Externally, a rubber rand provides extra protection across the front of the toe box. This is mirrored around the heel of the shoes.
Scarpa Rush Trail GTX review
The Rush Trail GTX walking shoe from Scarpa is the low-cut version of their Rush TRK. It offers a comfy alternative to hiking boots, whilst still providing a decent level of stability and protection.
The shoes have a modern aesthetic, boasting sharp lines and bright splashes of colour. The uppers are suede which so far have held up really well, proving fairly scuff resistant. They are overlaid by strong rubber rands around the toes and heel which offer additional protection and support.
The addition of a Gore-tex liner is welcome, although I haven’t been in need of it yet as I’ve mostly been wearing the shoes on rocky trails where vegetation is sparse and drainage good.
I’m a big fan of the excellent cushioning around the ankle collar and on the underside of the tongue which is similar to what you’d expect to find on running shoes. It’s not until you move down the shoe, to the stiffer heel and sole that the hiking credentials come into play. The chunky EVA midsoles, featuring an integral dynamic stabiliser torsion system (basically a rigid plastic frame), provide a very robust base, with only a very slight lateral twist. Combine this with the grippy Presa SuperGum outsole and you have a shoe that will have you efficiently scrambling and fearlessly rock-hopping. The soles also absorb impact really well, a feature that is greatly appreciated when taking on the steep downhills on the rugged coastal paths near where I live.
So far I’ve been very impressed by the Rush Trail GTX. Traditionally, I’ve always hiked in boots. My Scarpa Delta’s have given me a decade of service and are still going strong. But I rarely wear them if just going for a quick jaunt out on the cliffs, or a day hike during the more clement months. I’d normally just throw on some trainers or trail runners, but the Trail GTX have proved to be a great alternative. They have the same lightweight nimbleness as trainers but offer the traction and confidence of my hiking boots. They are also much harder wearing, which is great as it means I don’t wear down the lugs on my trail runners as quickly.
The question is, are they worth the rather steep, boot-like price-tag?
Well, if you’re a shoe wearer, rather than a boot wearer, then yes, the Rush Trails offer all the best parts of boots (shock absorbance, stability, robustness, sure-footedness) as well as all the benefits that come with shoes (comfort, nimbleness, low weight.) However, if you’re a boot wearer and are after something to wear on the occasions that you’re not booted up, then you may find the price a little off-putting.
What I love the most about the Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
The soles are top-notch. They are super grippy, with just the right amount of stiffness to protect your feet from rocky terrain without losing responsiveness. I feel more sure-footed than I do in trainers and the harder soles show very little wear even after several months of use.
What I don’t love so much about the Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
I can’t fault the functionality of these shoes but I’m not a huge fan of the styling. Call me old-fashioned, but I find them rather angular and a bit severe looking. The only other nitpick is a small crinkling around the toe box fabric where I’ve cinched in the bottom rung of the laces to achieve a better fit for my foot shape.
Verdict
The Scarpa Rush Trail GTX are a great in-between option for day hikes or lightweight summer trips. They offer superior grip, robustness and waterproofing to trainers and running shoes without the weight and warmth of a full hiking boot.
They come with a hefty price-tag that’s well worth it if shoes are your favoured type of hiking footwear, but this may be a little prohibitive if you’re not sold on always hiking in shoes.
Find the latest price at:
Scarpa
Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
