Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX
I have hiked in a lot of Scarpa boots but I don’t know that I have tried something like the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX. This is a mid-cut hiker that feels more like a trail shoe. It has excellent support and traction and had no problems chewing up mountain trails in Colorado. Here is my review of the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX.
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 Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX
Before I tell you about my thoughts on the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX, I like to see what Scarpa is saying about their . From their website they say in part, “The Ribelle® Cross 2 Mid GTX fast hiking boot is built for hikers who want trail-running agility with added ankle support and waterproof confidence. It moves light and responsive on rolling singletrack, then stays composed when the terrain gets rocky, wet, or off camber.”
Here is more about the specs of the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX.
Specs
Price*
$219.00
Sizes*
7.5-11.5 in half sizes. Then moving up in full sizes for 12, 13, and 14.
Colors*
Black/Olive
Weight*
15.7 ounces
Technical Specs*
- Size Options : 40 – 46 (half sizes), 47 – 48 (whole sizes)
- Weight Reference : 445g; 15.7oz (1/2 pair size 42)
- PFAS : PFAS Compliant
- UPPER : Mesh + PU Film
- Lining : GORE-TEX® ePE (PFAS Compliant)
- MIDSOLE : 2D EVA-CM
- Outsole : PRESA® HIK-06/SuperGum
- Insole : Strobel (PSC) + DST TPU Frame
- Cuff Height : Mid
- Last : SHARM
- Primary Material : Synthetic
- Waterproof Breathable : Yes
- Country of Origin : Vietnam
- Product Code : 63160201
All information from Scarpa.com. Check the website for full details and options.
What I liked
There is a ton to like about the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX. I really liked the way they fit and the foot support that they gave. Plus, they have excellent traction. Here is more about what I enjoyed about this mid cut hiker.
Fit
The Ribelle Cross 2 is one of the first Mid cut boots I have tested from Scarpa and I was really impressed. While it is a bit heavier since it is a mid, it felt a bit like a trail runner. It is definitely sturdier than a trail runner but really gives that feel like it is driving you through the trail and pushing you forward like a trail runner. This comes from the 10mm drop that the shoe has and allows for a really enjoyable hike.
The boot wraps tightly around the foot without feeling like it is restrictive at all. The collar also wraps nicely around the ankle to give tremendous support but also maintains really comfortable. While I think the main focus for Scarpa was providing excellent support throughout the entire shoe, the bonus of that turned out to be a very comfortable hiking experience. For me, it really felt like a shoe with the features of a mid-cut boot.
Support
I have tried a lot of different hiking footwear and foot support is something that Scarpa does better than just about anyone. All of the Scarpa’s that I have hiked in have really excelled in protecting the foot and putting the entire foot in a good position for the duration of the hike. The Ribelle Cross 2 follows this trend of excellent foot support from Scarpa.
Starting with the collar on the mid cut boot and going all the way to the toe box, everything seems to be designed with intention. The collar is stiff and provides a tremendous amount of support for the ankle and helped with preventing rolling on all the uneven terrain I hike on. Despite the stiffness of the collar, it still has plenty of flexibility in allowing freedom of movement when needed. There was a little issue with the collar but more on that below.
For the main foot support, there is great heel capture that holds my heel in place during the inclines and doesn’t allow slipping. The toe box is also felt wider than some Scarpa’s that I have tried before. I felt comfortable and not cramped in the toes. Scarpa usually has extremely tight outsoles that provide a lot of support. While the Ribelle is tight, it does have a little more flex than some models I have tried, which I prefer, while still giving a ton of support to the bottom of my foot.
Kick Plate
As someone who hikes in Colorado and all of the rocky trails, I have come to really appreciate Kick Plates and how they protect my toes. I am not what you would call graceful. In fact, I find that I kick a lot of rocks and roots along the trails. The Ribelle had me covered.
There is a thick rubber pad on to cover the front of the foot that is on top of a stiffer midsole that wraps around to protect the rest of the toes. The rubber kick pad is really nice and helps protect the most likely impact point. It could wrap a little more around the front but it is definitely big enough to protect from rocks and stumbles.
Waterproofing
Unfortunately, it has been bone dry in Colorado so I didn’t get a great chance to test these in a driving rainstorm. However, I did the next best thing and stood in a creek and then hiked though it for awhile to test out how the waterproofing worked out. I was impressed. When I was standing in the water, I didn’t get a drop of water to come through. I even stood in it long enough to start to feel the cold of the water penetrate and still now dampness. Same for walking through the creek. Even with splashing about, I didn’t have any problems with water hitting the upper level of the collar.
The Ribelle Cross 2 Mid is breathable with its Gore-Tex lining. It is not as breathable as a vented trail runner obviously but for a heavier boot style, it is breathable enough. I also did most of my testing in the heat of July and August in Colorado which got my feet plenty warm so it was hard to tell how much was just the heat of the day and the heat from being stuffy.
The Look
While I usually don’t focus too much on the style side, I have to admit, the Ribelle Cross 2 looks really sharp. As of this writing, it is only available in one color, a black shoe with olive highlights. I like the sleek look and two tone black design. The Scarpa logo and Ribelle Cross writing are subtle but give the shoe a little bit of flare. I am definitely not a style editor but I do really like these shoes.
Traction
Traction might be the most important part of a good hiking shoe. The rest doesn’t matter if you can’t stay on your feet. This is especially important hiking in the mountains with big elevation gains. The Ribelle Cross 2 really excelled in the traction category.
The Ribelle uses a PRESA® HIK-06/SuperGum system for their traction. This system combines a SuperGum rubber and deep lugs and posts to combine to really grip all sorts of terrain. I hiked on dirt paths as well as rocky paths and could really feel the grip on both surfaces. The lugs are also angled which made they worked with my stride instead of me having to worry about foot placement.
All the technical is great but what really matters is how the rubber meets the road, well trail in this case and I was really happy. I have hiked in some really rocky conditions on weird angles with the Ribelle and I was fully confident with every step I took.
What I Didn’t Like
There is so much to like about the Ribelle Cross 2 but if I don’t find something I don’t like they will take away my blogger card. For me the only thing that I didn’t love was how stiff the collar was. While it did loosen up as I hiked a bit more, I found it a touch challenging to get my foot in at first. I had to spend some time fiddling with the lace structure and getting the shoe as loose as I could to get my foot in the first few times.
Now, the trade off to this is the really great ankle support that I felt when actually hiking in the shoe. Plus, once my foot was in, these are really comfortable. As someone who likes to wear sandals to the hike and then trade into my shoes, it was just a little annoying the first couple of times.
It is a small thing and a bit of a trade-off for really nice support but wanted to make you aware of it.
Video review of the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX
For those who prefer video reviews, I have put together this video of the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid 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 Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX
I was really impressed with the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX. I hadn’t tried too many mid-cut boots from Scarpa and these are really nice. The support is something that Scarpa really excels at and that was no different with the Ribelle Cross. My foot felt great inside the foot and it was great on any terrain that I found myself in.
I think this would be a good option for anyone who hikes in the mountains or in damp conditions like the Pacific Northwest due to the waterproofing. My only issue was with the stiffness of the collar when I first tried putting them on but once I got in them, it was a really comfortable and enjoyable hike each time.
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!