Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Scarpa specializes in technically capable footwear for climbing and mountaineering, but their foray into the lightweight hiking boot market hasn’t gone unnoticed. Part of the extensive Rush collection, the Rush 2 Mid GTX was an obvious choice for a recent backpacking trip along southern Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail. In sum, the boots offered great all-day comfort and agility for covering ground quickly, and grip was excellent on most surfaces. They’re a little lacking in stability and protection for hauling a heavy load over technical terrain, but for lightweight backpackers and fast-moving day hikers, the Rush has a lot of appeal. Below we outline our experiences with the Rush 2 Mid GTX. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best hiking boots.
 

Table of Contents

• Comfort
• Weight
• Traction
• Stability and Support
• Waterproofing and Breathability
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Comfort

As expected from a running shoe-inspired design, the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX is a very comfortable and well-padded boot. The heel has a particularly healthy amount of cushion, and the one-piece collar and tongue provide a sock-like fit with the added benefit of keeping out debris. In practice, I was able to hike for long days over Iceland’s hardpacked, moon-like landscape carrying a 50-pound pack with no foot soreness or arch issues (I have high arches, so I’m especially prone to these problems). Additionally, the boots provided enough underfoot protection that I didn’t feel sharp rocks below, and the rubber toe cap fended off several strikes to the front of my foot. The toe box is on the narrower end, but it’s stretched a bit over time and hasn’t caused any friction-related issues (e.g., hotspots or blisters), and the overall fit is snug but not restrictive. Finally, the Rush's low weight (more on this below) and flexible build give it a very nimble and forgiving feel—much closer to a trail runner than a traditional hiking boot.

The only comfort-related issue I’ve had with the Rush 2 Mid has to do with the lacing system. For context, my preference is to secure the upper laces on my boots slightly tighter than the lower laces. In this setup, the boots’ eyelets dug uncomfortably into my ankles, which became painful enough during a steep ascent that I had to loosen the top laces. While this solved the comfort issue, it also reduced support and made it easier for dirt and rocks to make their way into the boots. Not everyone will experience this issue, and the Rush still was noticeably more stable than a mid-height trail runner like Altra's Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid 2, but the lacing issue did detract from the boots’ overall performance for me.

Weight

At 2 pounds 0.6 ounces for my pair in a size 45 (they’re listed at 1 lb. 13.2 oz.), the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX is competitive with many other trail runner-inspired designs. For comparison, Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX weighs around the same at 1 pound 14 ounces, Hoka’s max-cushioned Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is 2 pounds 4 ounces, and La Sportiva’s more mountain-ready Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is 2 pounds 1.2 ounces. Importantly, I never noticed the weight of the Rush underfoot, even during long days on the trail. You do make some concessions in stability and protection (both of which I cover below), but I enjoyed how nimble the boots felt over the relatively mellow terrain along the Laugavegur Trail (a heavier hiking boot would have been overkill). 

Traction

Scarpa is a climbing company at its core, so it comes as little surprise that the Rush 2 Mid GTX boasts excellent grip, especially over rocky terrain. For reference, I exposed the Presa/SuperGum outsole to everything from loose, hardpacked plateaus to harsh lava rocks and even light snow in Iceland with no issues to report. The boots fared equally well back home on Vancouver Island over coastal riverbeds and granite-laden slopes, and the rockered shape allowed for great grip during steep ascents. The only time the boots faltered was in mud, where the fairly shallow lugs were prone to slippage, although they’re spaced far enough apart to avoid caking up. All told, I consider traction one of the Rush’s biggest strong suits and trust the boots to stay planted on most terrain.

Stability and Support

Shaving weight almost always comes with sacrifices in stability and support, and the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX isn’t immune to that pitfall. On the bright side, the well-padded interior does a great job absorbing impacts, while the TPU frame adds rigidity to help keep the heel planted and snug. That said, the lack of wraparound rand or shank means there's quite a bit of torsional flex (read: very little side-to-side support), and the single eyelet at the upper ankle isn’t enough to lock the foot in place on technical terrain. It’s worth noting that the past-generation Rush Mid boasted double eyelets, and I’m not sure why Scarpa chose to drop a set with the latest update. As I mentioned above, I also needed to keep the top of the boots loose to maintain all-day comfort, which only exacerbated the lack of stability at the collar. To be sure, the boots were a great match for the Laugavegur Trail and for several moderate day hikes with a light pack, but I’d opt for a more substantial boot (like Salomon’s Quest 4) for carrying a heavy load over technical terrain.

Waterproofing and Breathability

Gore-Tex is the gold standard among waterproof/breathable membranes, and the Rush 2 Mid GTX was an unsurprisingly strong performer in the wet. Our backpacking trip in Iceland was rife with river crossings—several of which were shallow enough that I could walk across without removing my boots—and the Rush did an admirable job of sealing out moisture and keeping my feet dry. The uppers did grow noticeably cold and damp when submerged in glacial rivers for more than a few moments, but that’s not uncommon among mesh-heavy designs. On the bright side, the boots were relatively quick to dry when I misjudged the depth of a couple river crossings, allowing water to pour in over the collar. They also fared well on summer days with temperatures reaching into the upper 70s Fahrenheit, although non-waterproof designs will breathe better in sweltering heat.

Toe and Ankle Protection

Along with support, protection is another area where lightweight hiking boots often fall short of their heavier counterparts. This held true with the Rush 2 Mid: While a notable step up from mid-height trail runners like the Altra Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid and Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX, I found the sidewalls to be vulnerable to rock strikes, particularly at the inside edge around the big toe. The mesh-heavy upper and flexible build are two obvious contributors, although I think Scarpa did an overall nice job balancing weight and protection. As I mentioned above, the outsole and midsole offer ample padding underfoot, and the rubber toe cap is beefy enough to take the sting out of direct hits to the front of the boot. Unless you’re headed into the alpine or expecting to encounter a lot of challenging terrain, the Rush 2 Mid should get the job done.

Build Quality and Durability

Scarpa has been pumping out quality footwear for decades, and the Rush 2 Mid GTX is another well-built and hardwearing design from the Italian brand. After considerable use and abuse, my boots are showing very minimal wear: The rubber toe cap and synthetic upper have no signs of abrasion or delamination, the outsole is holding up well with no visible cracks, all of the laces and eyelets are intact, and the thick midsole has maintained its cushy feel despite being loaded down with 280+ pounds consistently (my body weight plus a full backpacking pack). The exterior of the midsole does have some minor scuffs and dings, but they’re purely cosmetic and to be expected with frequent use. It’s true that a more substantial leather hiker will hold up better over the long term (especially if you expose the boots to technical terrain often), but the Rush nevertheless is impressively tough and durable for the weight.

Fit and Sizing

The Rush 2 Mid GTX fit snugger than expected in my usual size 44.5, so I opted to go up to a 45 to minimize the risk of blisters. Paired with midweight socks, the larger boots fit my feet perfectly with just enough room both length- and widthwise. It’s important to note that the toe box is relatively narrow—not uncommon among European brands—and Scarpa doesn’t offer dedicated wide sizes. That said, the boots have stretched a bit with time, and the toe box doesn’t feel restrictive or overly tight in any way. Again, I do have to leave the upper laces loose to avoid the eyelets digging into my ankles, but this won’t be an issue for everyone. In my opinion, the sizing intricacies warrant trying the Rush on before you buy, but the extensive sizing options (from 40 to 48 for men and 36 to 42 for women) mean most folks should be able to find a good fit.

Sustainability

The outdoor industry has seen a sizable push on the sustainability front in recent years, and hiking boots are no exception. For the Rush, Scarpa utilized recycled materials for the upper and a Gore-Tex membrane that’s bluesign-approved, which means it underwent thorough testing and meets strict chemical safety and emissions requirements. Importantly, these measures are integrated seamlessly into the design and only add to the boots’ all-around appeal. 

Other Versions of the Scarpa Rush 2

I brought the men’s Rush 2 Mid GTX to Iceland for testing, and Scarpa makes a nearly identical women’s version for the same price. Comparing the two, the women’s Rush 2 Mid GTX weighs less at 1 pound 8.2 ounces per pair and comes in slightly different colorways but boasts the same features and overall construction. For those who don’t need or want the ankle support, Scarpa also sells the Rush 2 in a waterproof, low-top version for men and women that retails for $199 (there’s no non-waterproof option available). Zooming out to the wider Rush collection, there are several heavy-duty options for covering more technical ground, from the low-top Rush Trail GTX ($229) to the winter-ready Rush Polar GTX ($299). 

What We Like

• Comfortable to wear all day thanks to the well-padded interior, sock-like fit, and flexible build that allows for a natural gait.
• Competitively light at under 2 pounds for the pair with a very agile feel to match.
• Gore-Tex membrane provides reliable waterproofing and was relatively quick to dry when I accidentally submerged the boots during a couple river crossings.
• Outsole provides excellent grip over most terrain, from softer surfaces like snow and coastal riverbeds to hardpacked trails and rocky slopes.
• Well built and durable for a lightweight design—our pair shows virtually no wear after considerable use.

What We Don’t

• Not the most protective or stable option—for covering technical terrain with a full pack, we’d step up to a beefier and more substantial boot.
• I experienced noticeable discomfort from the eyelets digging into my ankles, which required loosening the upper laces to alleviate (thus losing some support).
• Sizing runs on the smaller end, and the toe box is relatively narrow (I opted to go up a half size to mitigate blisters).
• Relatively shallow lugs are prone to slippage in mud, although they’re spaced wide enough to avoid caking up.

Comparison Table

The Competition

The Rush 2 Mid does a nice job balancing on-trail performance and weight, but there’s no shortage of capable lightweight hiking boots to consider. Our favorite this year is Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, which is built like a trail runner but with added ankle support and protection. Like the Rush, the X Ultra 4 offers great all-day comfort with a well-padded heel and snug fit, is competitively light at 1 pound 14 ounces per pair, and has a very nimble and agile personality. You also get solid toe protection, stability, and traction, and we’ve found the boots hold up better than most lightweight competitors over the long term. The Rush 2 Mid offers better underfoot protection and has a taller collar that’s more adept at sealing out debris, but the Salomon isn’t far off in either regard and will save you a considerable $44.

Next up is Adidas’ Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX, which lines up closely with the Rush in terms of both weight (1 lb. 15.4 oz.) and price ($230). Other similarities include a sock-like fit, a soft midsole that does a great job limiting foot fatigue even on demanding days, a proven Gore-Tex liner for sealing out moisture, and excellent traction on everything from rocks to loose dirt. Our biggest concern is long-term durability: The foam midsole is exposed along the outside of the boot, which led to some premature damage during testing (to be fair, the terrain was fairly technical). Some hikers may also find the Free Hiker a little polarizing in terms of looks, although this is entirely subjective. In the end, the durability concerns are enough for us to prefer the Rush, but both are well-rounded and capable designs for day hikes and lightweight overnights (for more, see our in-depth Free Hiker 2 review).

For a step up in performance at a minimal weight penalty, we really like La Sportiva’s Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX. Stacked up against the Rush 2 Mid, the Ultra Raptor offers a noticeable boost in both stability and protection with a more supportive collar, a nylon shank for torsional stability on uneven terrain, and TPU overlays along the mesh upper for added rigidity and structure. This makes it the more capable pick for covering technical terrain with a heavy pack, and the Ultra Raptor manages to pull it off while maintaining a sprightly, trail runner-like feel (weight does go up to 2 lb. 1.2 oz.). We did experience some discomfort on steep descents due to the narrow toe box (there are wide sizes available), and the shallow lugs are prone to slippage in mud (similar to the Rush), but we love the combination of technical chops and low weight—all for $20 less.

Last but not least is Scarpa’s own Rush TRK LT GTX, which is a beefier and more capable alternative to the Rush 2 Mid. For $20 more, the Rush TRK LT boasts a more durable ripstop fabric upper, molded foam around the collar for added ankle support, and deeper lugs that bite better into soft surfaces like mud. The rest of the design is largely similar, including a Gore-Tex membrane for reliable waterproofing, a grippy Presa/SuperGum outsole, and a TPU frame for added stability. Weight goes up to 2 pounds 3.6 ounces per pair, but the Rush TRK LT is still plenty nimble for covering mellow to moderate terrain quickly. We’d step up to the Rush TRK GTX ($249) for technical objectives with a heavy pack, but the LT is a nice middle ground for those who stay on trail but want a little more support and protection than the Rush 2 Mid.