GEAR REVIEW
SCARPA
RUSH TRK GTX BOOTS
A lighter weight boot that can still handle the tough stuff.
(This story originally featured in Wild #183, Autumn 2022)
By Ryan Hansen
I’ve been a big wearer of hiking boots, and indeed Scarpa boots, for many years. From big, boofy, super rigid, full-leather boots to more flexible synthetic boots—and many others in between—I’ve been hunting for the elusive balance between comfort and durability without ever really discovering it. It’s felt like I’ve been chasing a fantasy! My boots have either been bombproof but inflexible and hard as rock in the soles—leading to severely aching trotters—or they’ve been easier on the feet but less hard-wearing and supportive. Can’t I just have a bit of both, please?
Well, after 13 solid days of testing, I can say the new Scarpa Rush Trek GTXs are the closest I’ve yet come to finding boots that can handle what I throw at them without destroying my fairly broad, low/mildly arched feet in the process. Comfort-wise, the combination of a moderately lugged, shock-absorbing, Presa outsole—which features grippy Supergum rubber—with a compression-moulded EVA midsole provides improved cushioning; meanwhile the frame, with what Scarpa calls Dynamic Stabiliser Torsion, gives some extra rigidity without it being excessive. Add in the ankle collar, and the result is a boot that’s snug and which looks after your ankles but still has enough flex to adapt to rocky and uneven terrain.
Considering this tech, they’re surprisingly light (1194g), which is partly due to the suede outer. The partial rand, which is concentrated around the toes, gives good protection to high-wear locations; cleverly, it finishes before the crease point, meaning the edges don’t buckle and separate (an issue I’ve had with other boots). There’s a Gore-Tex lining, too, for waterproofness. Speaking of water, bear in mind that suede needs to be dried in the shade to minimise the chances of hardening and cracking (conditioning creams are recommended, although I’ve had mixed success with these).
Comfortable. Supportive. Surprisingly light. And nothing’s fallen apart yet, either. It’s a thumbs up from me.
NEED TO KNOW
Product Class:
Waterproof hiking boots
INTENDED USE:
All-day or multi-day hiking
WEIGHT (PAIR; AS TESTED):
1194g (EU41)
RRP:
$419.95