Tom Holding

Trail runners in disguise? Not quite. Scarpa’s crossover boots bring speed and structure together for hillwalkers who don’t hang about. We put them to the test across UK terrain.

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Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX

Ideal for: Wildcamping, hiking, backpacking,

Not suitable for: Mountaineering

The Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots blend hiking protection with trail-running agility. At 1018g per pair, they’re nimble enough for fastpackers, with Gore-Tex waterproofing, a rockered sole, and a grippy PRESA HIK-03 outsole for UK hillwalking from spring through autumn. They’re not designed for mountaineering or stiff scrambles, and the fit takes some tweaking, but for lightweight multi-day walks, they’re a solid, eco-conscious option. Expect dry feet, less fatigue, and reliable performance in British conditions

The Good

Very lightweight build

Strong waterproofing

Fast, rockered sole

Grippy outsole

Recycled materials

The Bad

Limited lacing hooks

Needs break-in time

Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX walking boots review

Scarpa has been a benchmark name in European outdoor gear for decades — and with good reason. Based in northern Italy, this family-owned brand is best known for its technical mountaineering boots and trail shoes, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. We’ve already tested the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 trail shoes, and today we’re looking at something a little different — the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX.

These boots were made for speed. Positioned as a crossover between a traditional hiking boot and a trail running shoe, they’re built for hillwalkers who like to move fast — particularly on multi-day hikes with varied terrain. At 1018g per pair (UK 10.5), they’re seriously light for boots that still offer cushioning, ankle support, and full waterproofing. The Gore-Tex ePE lining keeps things dry, while a mix of nubuck leather and synthetic material strikes a smart balance between durability and low weight. RRP is £200 — a premium ask, but in keeping with Scarpa’s technical pedigree.

On paper, they sit somewhere between the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (a lighter, trail-first mid) and something more robust like the Scarpa Ribelle Lite, which pushes into mountaineering territory. Compared with the budget-friendly Merrell Moab 3, the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX are clearly for more experienced users. They’re not cheap, but they’re built to last — and in that mid-weight, fast-hike niche, they’re right at the top of the pile.

How we tested the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX walking boots

We took the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots on several test outings across the UK. First up: a wet weekend in the Lake District, crossing grassy upland and boggy trails where the waterproof membrane had its work cut out. Then, a three-day Duke of Edinburgh expedition over mixed gravel and forest terrain — around eight hours of walking per day with a full pack. Throughout, we paid close attention to comfort, grip, durability, and fit.

Features that made a difference

From the moment you pull them on, the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots feel different — and that’s no bad thing. While most leather boots sit stiff and heavy underfoot, these take clear inspiration from Scarpa’s trail running lineage. The rockered sole gently rolls you forward as you walk, the slim midfoot keeps you nimble over uneven terrain, and the lightweight construction gives you the sense that you’re wearing something far more minimal than you actually are. You’re not trudging — you’re moving. Quickly.

But this isn’t a stripped-back trail shoe in disguise. There’s real structure here. The mid-cut cuff wraps the ankle snugly, giving a touch more support when you’re descending loose ground or hauling a pack up rough trails. The upper combines soft nubuck leather with tough synthetic overlays — enough to shrug off heather scrapes, rocky bumps and general hillwear without dragging the weight up unnecessarily. It’s a clever balance of materials that keeps them light without making them flimsy.

Then there’s the waterproofing — a big tick. The Gore-Tex ePE membrane did the job on boggy moors, sodden fell paths and one very committed stream crossing. Feet stayed dry throughout, and the boots didn’t stay waterlogged — they shed moisture quickly and were dry again by morning. That’s the kind of real-world reliability you want when wild camping or moving hut to hut.

Underfoot, Scarpa’s PRESA HIK-03 sole grips like a good pair of fell shoes. It stuck confidently to wet rock and muddy ground, and didn’t clog as easily as we feared — though, like most soles, it struggled in thick clay. The EVA midsole offered enough cushioning for long days without feeling squishy under pressure, keeping foot fatigue at bay until well into hour six or seven.

There were niggles. The single top hook in the lacing system felt like a missed opportunity — especially when you’re trying to dial in a precise fit before a long day. More hooks would’ve helped lock the heel in and reduce movement. And while comfort was strong early on, we did feel some rubbing once the miles started stacking up. Nothing dramatic, but enough to warrant careful sock choice and a bit of break-in time.

How the Scarpa Rush 2 Pros perform in the UK

For use in the UK in particular, we were impressed. These boots felt tailor-made for the kind of hiking most people actually do on home turf — a mix of muddy footpaths in the Brecon Beacons, rocky Lake District ridgelines, and remote wild camping spots where you’re carrying more than just a daypack. They excelled across a variety of British conditions: from waterlogged lowland trails to the kind of slick boulder descents that can catch you out in the Peak District.

We tested them through bog, grit and unpredictable July weather — and the Gore-Tex ePE membrane delivered on its promise, keeping our feet dry while shedding light rain and stream splashes with ease. On longer routes, they held their own in terms of fatigue too. The weight-saving design really comes into its own when you’re five hours deep into a hike and your legs still feel fresh. That nimbleness also makes them a pleasure on well-worn trails and fast-packing routes like the West Highland Way or South Downs Way, where the goal is to keep moving light and efficiently.

What they’re not built for is true winter or alpine use. They’re not stiff enough for crampons, nor confident enough on steep, icy ground — and the lacing system does require fiddling to get the right lockdown, especially when you’re walking long distances or carrying a bigger pack. But if you’re sticking to UK hillwalking, long-distance trails, or even a bit of confident scrambling under Grade 2, they’re right at home.

Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX FAQs

How durable are the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots?

Very. The mix of nubuck leather and synthetic overlays has held up to bogs, rocky paths, and general British abuse. We’ve seen no signs of premature wear.
How much traction do the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots deliver?

Plenty. The PRESA HIK-03 sole offers great grip on wet rock, gravel and most UK trails. Only thick clay slowed them down.
How warm are the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots?

Warm enough for spring to autumn walking in the UK. You’ll want something thicker for proper winter hikes.
How breathable are the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots?

The Gore-Tex ePE lining balances waterproofing and breathability well. We didn’t experience overheating, and they dried quickly overnight.
Are the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots worth the money?

At £200, they’re not cheap — but the build quality, fit and performance justify the price if you’re a regular hillwalker.

Scarpa’s Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX hiking boots: Our verdict

The Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX boots are a smart, versatile and impressively capable choice for British walkers who value speed, comfort and support — and don’t want to haul stiff leather boots across rolling hills or multi-day trails.

They’re not built for the Alps, and they aren’t ideal for full-on scrambling or year-round technical use. But they shine on the types of hikes most of us actually do: wet weekends in Snowdonia, spring fastpacks in the Cairngorms, or summer wild camping trips where weight matters and the weather changes every ten minutes.

Yes, there’s a bit of fiddling to get the lacing just right. Yes, the price is punchy. But when it comes to combining the agility of a trail runner with the stability and waterproofing of a proper boot, they’ve nailed the balance. Fast hikers, DofE leaders, long-distance ramblers and anyone after a more dynamic feel from their hiking boots should give these serious consideration.

Sustainable, lightweight, and genuinely usable across British hills — they’re one of Scarpa’s most accessible and well-thought-out boots to date.

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About the Author

Tom Holding

Wild Camping Trips

Hikes & Walks

Trail Runs & Fast Packing

Family-friendly

Lake District

Scotland

Dartmoor

Wales

Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX walking boots review: fast, light, ready for hills

A lightweight, mid-cut boot that borrows from trail shoes but offers the grip, waterproofing and protection of a traditional walking boot