Trail RunningScarpaTrail Running Shoes

Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes review: dependable all-round trail shoes

A supremely confident ride for tackling everything from mountain trails to riverside mud baths.

✓  Top PickScarpa Ribelle Run 2 Weight313 gDrop4 mmPrice£160 The good✓  Supportive and comfortable
✓  Outstanding traction (Presa sole, 6mm lugs)
✓  S3 Frame — secure, stable, sensitive
✓  Quick to dry
✓  Fast lock-lace mechanism
✓  Sock-like fit, consistently comfortable
✓  Easy to clean
✓  Exceptional durability (100km+)
The not-so-good✗  Not as flexible as other lines
✗  4mm drop not for everybody
✗  Expensive compared to competing lines
Check price at Scarpa →

At a glance

Buy the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 at Scarpa →

Overview

Scarpa is one of those rare brands whose name still carries serious clout after almost a century of making shoes for the mountains. Founded in the Dolomites and still family-run, the Italian company is perhaps best known for its hard-wearing climbing boots, ski touring kit and iconic hiking footwear. The Ribelle Run 2 is a trail running shoe that builds on that bootmaking legacy. It is an update to the original Ribelle Run, with tweaks that improve the fit, support and feel underfoot. Built for short to mid-range technical trail runs, it is designed to offer superb traction and comfort in a low-profile, protective package. Each shoe weighs in at 313 g in a UK 8 / EU 42, and at £160 RRP, they are not cheap — but they are not unreasonable for the quality on offer.

The Ribelle Run 2 comfortably positions itself as a premium, high-performance option for those who want a dependable trail running shoe that does not compromise on protection or comfort. It is a direct competitor to the Hoka Speedgoat 6 (£140), but where the Speedgoats lean into plush cushioning and a wide, rockered base, the Ribelle Run 2 offers a more precise fit and noticeably more robust construction. Hokas tend to wear out faster on rugged terrain or heavier use like fastpacking — the Scarpas feel built to go the distance. The Altra Lone Peak 9 (£130) is beloved by thru-hikers for its zero-drop, natural ride, but if you are looking for more structure, more protection underfoot and more bite in technical terrain, the Ribelle Run 2 wins out.

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How we tested

We have had several pairs floating around the GBAC kit room for a few months now, and they have clocked up a fair few muddy miles. We first took them out on a 15 km trail run along the Thames Path — not your average trail running terrain, but a great test for grip thanks to the ankle-deep mud and waterlogged riverside banks. From there, we headed into Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), clocking a full day’s hike from Pen y Fan via Tal y Bont and back along the reservoir. With both long days on foot and different terrain underfoot, we got a proper sense of what these shoes can (and cannot) do.

Features and performance

Fit and feel

The first thing to note is the 4mm drop — not unusual for mountain running shoes, but if you are coming from zero-drop footwear like the Altra Lone Peaks, you will notice the difference. It shifts your posture slightly forward and puts a touch more emphasis on the forefoot, which can take a little adjustment. One of our testers, after years in zero-drop shoes, reported some mild discomfort for the first few kilometres — but this eased off as the shoe began to bed in. Once your feet adapt, the Ribelle Run 2s deliver a ride that is soft, balanced and impressively supportive. The added structure brings stability on technical ground without the stiff, overbuilt feeling you sometimes get in more maximalist shoes.

That support is backed up by one of the standout features of the entire design — the Presa sole unit. It grips like nothing else we have tried in recent memory. Across wet rock, greasy roots, loose scree, compacted gravel, forest singletrack and steep grassy slopes, the 6mm lugs provided unwavering traction. The only time we felt them slip was in the worst kind of UK mud — that silty, soupy gloop that swallows your whole shoe. But no sole in the world is going to perform miracles there. On all other surfaces, these shoes stick to the ground like glue.

“Protective without being heavy, breathable without being flimsy, stable without sacrificing feel. These shoes were built for British trails.”

On the trail

Helping deliver that confident ride is Scarpa’s S3 Frame — a structural component that wraps the foot for extra protection and stability. The name stands for secure, stable and sensitive, and it lives up to all three. It helps the shoe feel snug without being restrictive, and when you are bouncing between boulders or cornering fast on downhill sections, that little bit of extra midfoot support really comes into its own.

The upper is lightweight and extremely breathable — great on warm days, and surprisingly quick to dry once wet. This is not a waterproof shoe, but we would argue that is no bad thing. GORE-TEX-lined trail shoes often trap sweat and end up feeling like a steam room. The Ribelle Run 2s breathe freely, and even when soaked through, they dry fast — overnight more than once, and a quick stint on a radiator had them good to go within the hour.

The lock lacing system is fast, secure and refreshingly simple — a welcome feature for anyone heading out in a rush or transitioning between disciplines. There is also a built-in lace keeper to stop the toggle from bouncing around mid-run. The laces themselves are quite long, which we found both a blessing and a minor inconvenience, but we would rather have too much lace than not enough.

Performance on UK trails

Put simply, these shoes were built for British trails. From the boggy banks of the Thames to rocky ridgelines and gravel trails, the Ribelle Run 2s handled everything we threw at them. The grip is astonishing, the cushioning keeps feet feeling fresh even over long distances, and the fit just works. They are not the lightest shoes out there, but they do not feel heavy either — a real testament to Scarpa’s balanced design. For UK conditions — wet, varied, unpredictable — they are close to ideal.

Buy the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 at Scarpa →

Our verdictSome of the most capable all-round trail shoes we’ve tested in a while.The Scarpa Ribelle Run 2s are protective without being heavy, breathable without being flimsy, and stable without sacrificing feel. Whether you are trail running in your local woods, tackling a long-distance path with a pack, or racing over technical ground, they will keep you confident and comfortable.We would recommend them to anyone looking for a dependable shoe that can do it all — and do it well. If you have got the cash and want something that will go the distance, they are well worth the investment.Buy the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 →

FAQs

How durable are the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes?Exceptionally durable. Built to handle serious mileage on rough ground, with a tough outsole and reinforced upper that show minimal signs of wear even after well over 100 km of testing. More robust than many similarly lightweight trail shoes.

How much traction do the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes deliver?A huge amount. The Presa sole with 6mm lugs offers outstanding grip across wet rock, grass, scree, gravel and hard-packed mud — one of the best outsoles we have tested. Only the deepest, slipperiest mud could make them falter.

How breathable are the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes?Very breathable. The lightweight mesh upper allows excellent airflow. If you end up in wet conditions, they drain quickly and dry fast — much faster than GORE-TEX-lined shoes, and without the swampy, sweat-trapping feel.

How warm are the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes?Not built for warmth, but the snug fit and slightly padded construction offer enough insulation for year-round UK use. Pair with the right socks and you will stay comfortable on cooler days.

Are the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail running shoes worth the money?Yes. At £160, they sit at the premium end of the market — but with that comes top-level performance, excellent build quality and a thoughtful set of features that really do make a difference on the trail. A solid long-term investment.