Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX.

The Gavler Review.

Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX Review: A Fast Hiking Boot With a Low Collar

The Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX is a light, grippy, technical-leaning day-hiking boot at $199, and it takes rank 9 on Gavler's Best Hiking Boots list with 7.8/10. Reviewers like its comfort and traction. They also keep returning to the same limits: a low collar, moderate ankle support, a leather upper that dries slowly, and a price that is not small. It is a specialist pick, not a do-everything boot.

What it is

The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX pairs a nubuck leather and recycled-content fabric upper with a Gore-Tex ePE Bluesign lining, a 2D EVA midsole, and a Presa HIK-01 SuperGum outsole, per Scarpa's product page. Scarpa describes the lining as PFAS compliant, and so does GearJunkie, so we use that wording. Fit is regular width only. Think of it as a hybrid between a trail runner and a hiking boot.

In use

GearJunkie scored it 7.9 out of 10 with comfort at 8.9, traction at 8, support at 7, and durability at 7.3. The reviewer wrote that the boots "worked without pain for me from the first use," and on wet rock, "they didn't budge once I placed my foot."

OutdoorGearLab tested the women's version and scored it 78 overall, ranking it 6th of 19. Its lowest subscore was support at 6.5. It liked that "the single metal hook around the ankle allows for a ton of forward flexion," but flagged "limited support on the cuff" for anyone "looking for stability under heavy load."

The Great Outdoors magazine's women's review gave it 4 out of 5, saying the "low centre of gravity provides a stable ride" and that it suits "relatively dry conditions," while finding the outsole "less brilliant on the kind of steep mud."

Strengths

• Grip on rock. GearJunkie and OutdoorGearLab both praise the SuperGum outsole.
• Comfort out of the box. GearJunkie's 8.9 comfort score is the highest subscore in that review.
• Agility. The low cuff gives free forward flex, which suits fast hiking.
• Weight. Weight figures vary by source and size: Scarpa lists 16.0 oz for a half pair in size 42, OutdoorGearLab measured 1.76 lb for a women's size 8.5 pair, and HikingFeet weighed 2 lb 6 oz for a men's 13 pair. We would not quote any single number as definitive; GearJunkie's 13.1 oz per boot looks light next to the others.

Trade-offs and who should skip it

Ankle support is the headline weakness. HikingFeet: "Overall, the ankle support is only moderate," and "if you care most about ankle support, you probably want a beefier hiking boot." Countryfile reviewed a related women's model and said "I wouldn't rely on them for technical scrambles."

Arch support and drying are the next problems. GearJunkie: "the SCARPAs also have less arch support than some other boots," and some sock areas "stayed damp longer than I'd prefer." OutdoorGearLab listed "leather upper absorbs water quickly" as a con.

Price is a real consideration. GearJunkie listed "pricey" as a con, and Countryfile said "there are less expensive lightweight boots that will do what you want."

Skip it if you carry a heavy pack, need a wide fit, or want serious ankle stability.

How it compares

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX (rank 5) targets a similar fast-hiking job and offers a more mainstream fit. The Keen Targhee IV Mid WP (rank 7) is cheaper, wider, and heavier. For real loads, step up to the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid (rank 4) or the Salomon Quest 5 GTX (rank 1).

Buying notes

Fit and sizing matter more than usual here. HikingFeet found the sizing "slightly off by US standards," so try the boot on or buy from a retailer with easy returns. There is no wide version, which rules it out for broad feet. Keep expectations realistic about drying: because the nubuck upper absorbs water, OutdoorGearLab reports it takes longer to dry, so plan for that on multi-day trips. Price is quoted as $199 by Scarpa and OutdoorGearLab and $189 by GearJunkie and HikingFeet, so watch for sales. Finally, keep in mind that some of the reviews we read, including Countryfile's and The Great Outdoors', tested women's versions or closely related models, so the verdict is a composite rather than a single definitive test.

The Gavler verdict

7.8 out of 10. The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX is an athletic, comfortable day boot with grip that rock hikers will appreciate and support that load-carriers will not. Buy it for light, quick trips on technical-ish ground. Otherwise, the rest of our Best Hiking Boots list has sturdier options.

Common Questions

Is the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX good for hiking?

Yes for light, fast day hikes. GearJunkie praised the comfort and wet-rock grip, and OutdoorGearLab ranked the women's model 6th of 19. Reviewers agree it is not built for heavy loads.

Does the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX have good ankle support?

Only moderate. HikingFeet called ankle support 'only moderate,' Countryfile noted 'not a huge amount of ankle support' (on a related women's model), and OutdoorGearLab flagged the single ankle eyelet.

Is the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX waterproof?

It has a Gore-Tex ePE lining, which Scarpa describes as PFAS compliant. OutdoorGearLab noted the leather upper absorbs water quickly and takes longer to dry.

How much does the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX cost?

Scarpa and OutdoorGearLab list $199. GearJunkie and HikingFeet cite $189, which may be an earlier price.

Does the Rush 2 Pro come in wide?

GearJunkie lists wide sizes as 'No,' and OutdoorGearLab lists regular width only.