Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
When it comes to hiking footwear, what is better to use, a trail runner or a hiker? What if there was one that took the best parts of both and puts them together. That is one of the ideas behind the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX. Scarpa claims the Rush 2 Pro is “Running shoe comfort meets trail worthy support.” I had a chance to test out the shoe as a hiker to see if it stands up to the promise.
As a disclaimer I would like to mention that I was sent this product so that I could write this review. All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with this product. I am not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different. This site uses affiliate marketing links. If you click on a button or link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
From Scarpa about the Rush 2 Pro GTX
Before I tell you about my thoughts on the Scarpa rush 2 Pro GTX, I like to see what Scarpa is saying about their shoes. From their website they say in part, “Running shoe comfort meets trail worthy support in the Rush 2 Pro GTX. The nubuck upper with GORE-TEX® means a refined look with waterproof protection.”
Here is more about the specs of the Rush 2 Pro GTX.
Specs
Price*
$189.00
Sizes*
7.5-11.5 in half sizes. Then moving up in full sizes for 12, 13, and 14.
Colors*
Titanium/Ocean
Weight*
14.1 ounces
Technical Specs*
- Size Options : 40 – 46 (half sizes); 47-48 (whole size)
- Weight Reference : 400g; 14.1oz (1/2 pair size 42)?
- Waterproof/Breathable : PFAS Compliant
- UPPER : Nubuck Leather + Fabric (Recycled Content)
- Lining : GORE-TEX® ePE Bluesign (PFAS Compliant)
- MIDSOLE : 2D EVA-CM
- Outsole : PRESA® HIK-01 / SuperGum
- Insole : Strobel (PSC) + DST TPU Frame
- Cuff Height : Low
- Last : SCH
- Primary Material : Leather & Synthetic
- Waterproof Breathable : Yes
- Country of Origin : Vietnam
- Product Code : 63133200
All information from Scarpa.com. Check the website for full details and options.
What I liked
There is so much to like about the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX hiker. It combines a comfortable fit with a lot of support with the durability, traction and waterproofing of a hiking shoe. Here is more about what I liked about the Rush 2 Pro.
Fit
I usually use a mid-cut shoe so testing out the low cut was an experience for me. I will say that I was immediately impressed with the ankle support. To me, the shoe had a firm fit without being uncomfortable. Like it was hugging my foot. It didn’t allow for too much sliding or motion inside the foot and I think that is why I felt so supported. They also use what they call a Dynamic Stabilizer Torsion frame, or DST, that provided really good heel support and heel capture.
I have a wider foot but was able to fit within the toe box of the Rush. It was a little snug, as they don’t have a wide option that I am aware of, but there was more room in the toe box than I was expecting. It added a bit to the firm fit that I found comfortable and supportive.
The leather and synthetic mix also made for a comfortable pairing.
Kick Plate
As someone who is more of a plodder than an artistic hiker, I tend to hit my toes on all sorts of things. I really liked the kick plate at the front of the Rush 2 Pro. There is a a really hard a protective section to help any of those accidental kicks of rocks or roots on the trail. This piece wraps around to protect all of the toe tips and, for me, it is an important piece that I was really impressed with.
Waterproofing
The Rush 2 Pro GTX uses Gore-Tex for their waterproofing and I was really impressed with how it worked. I tested these shoes in a drier season in Colorado, so I didn’t deal with any soaking rain but did have to cross some small streams. I walked through the streams and even stopped for a brief moment just to see how the waterproofing worked. Even when stopping for a bit, there was no penetration of water even submerged about halfway up the shoe. I am not sure how long they could stay submerged without having any leaks but for traditional hiking usage, I think these will hold up just fine.
Waterproof shoes can get really hot but I found the Rush 2 were breathable. I hiked on some warmer days and took long hikes so my feet did sweat a little bit but they never felt like they were overheating. The shoes are sturdy and thicker but I actually had more breathability than I was expecting. Overall, I would say both staying waterproof and breathability were really good.
The Look
I am definitely a function over style guy but that doesn’t mean that I ignore the style part all together. The Rush 2 Pro are a bit limited when it comes to colors, as of this writing only available in one color pattern, but I thought it was a good looking shoe. This is more like a trail runner than a hiking boot. It has sleeker lines and uses accent colors along the trim really well.
The Ocean blue tread also gives a runner feel to the shoe. I liked the grey/blue color scheme as it also helped to hide some of the trail dust and gave a bit more of a hiker feel than some of the bright trail runners that are out there.
Traction
Outside of the fit, I think traction is the most important part of a hiking shoe or boot. First, it has to fit right and be comfortable. However, the shoe also needs to fit the terrain that you are hiking. I hike a lot of hills, mountains and rocky terrain in Colorado, so I need a shoe that will perform. The Rush 2 Pro GTX passed all the tests that I gave it!
One thing that is important, and somewhat overlooked, is how well the traction holds up both uphill and downhill. Uphill, I really liked the feel of these shoes. They gave really good grip on the rocks and dirt and I felt confident with each step that I know where my foot would be. Heading downhill, I was just as confident. More of my slips have come downhill but these shoes grabbed the trail really well even with the downward force.
Slip Scale
On a slip scale from worst to best of: Oh-HOLY COW–NO NO NO, Woah, Not Bad, I Got This, No Worries!
- Flat Dry ground that is dirt or rock: No Worries
- Flat ground that is a little damp or muddy: No Worries
- Loose dirt: No Worries
- Walking across rock boulders: No Worries
- Declining down a flat rock: No Worries
- Scree: Not Attempted
- When bottom of shoes are wet: No Worries
Overall Grip
The overall grip and traction of the Rush 2 Pro GTX is really good. In almost every situation that I tested them I felt comfortable and confident.
Bouldering and Rock Walking
Hiking across rocks and boulders worked well in the Rush 2 Pro. The grip, especially in the front of the foot, provided traction on the hard flat surfaces.
Snow, Slush, Ice
I tested these shoes in summer and was not able to review them in winter conditions.
Damp Tread
I found that the tread did a good job even after getting wet. Some shoes turn into ice skates after they are wet but I had good grip after leaving a stream with really damp tread.
Dry Trail
Perfect, no complaints.
Mud
I didn’t have too much experience in thick mud but did walk around a couple of streams. The thick lugs did just fine in that mud. Thick mud is such a pain to walk in and traction is a challenge no matter the footwear.
What I Didn’t Like
There is a ton to like about the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX low cut hiking shoes but if I don’t come up with something I didn’t love, they will take away my blogger card. For the Rush 2, the stiffness was something that I don’t really like.
This one is personal. I prefer to have a little more flexibility and bend in my hiking shoes. Most of my hiking is in a lot of uneven terrain and rocky trails, so I like to have a bit more flex. I know there are other people who really like to have a stiffer shoe, so this very well could a benefit for some. More of a personal position but that was really the only thing that I would of liked a little change.
Video review of the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
For those who prefer video reviews, I have put together this video of the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX. If you enjoy the video please make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free to subscribe and you will get updates on all my latest outdoor content.
Wrap up of the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
I was very impressed with the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX. I would agree that it is a comfortable shoe with all of the benefits of hiking shoe. The traction is really good and the waterproofing worked even when briefly submerged in water. The fit was comfortable and very supportive. I really liked how it protected my foot on the hike but maintained breathability.
I will say that the shoe is a bit stiff so if that isn’t something you enjoy, you may notice it. However, I know that a lot of people like that stiff outsole for more support. Other than that, it is hard to find many problems the with this hiking shoe.
The more I hiked in this shoe the more I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a shoe that is comfortable and supportive while providing the benefits of waterproofing, this could be a good shoe to get you many miles down the trail.
More from the Fatman
For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!