We are blessed here in Oregon. There are just so many different trails to explore across this great state – from Coastal hikes, to serious backcountry and high desert excursions – there is somewhere out there for everyone. While we are not a hiking blog, we do feel that there is some definite overlap between running and hiking. Sometimes we even overlap the same trails.
Company: Scarpa (Facebook | Instagram)
Shoe: Rush MidGTX ($179)
- 13.4 ounces
- Blue/Fiesta (reviewed)
- Black/Ottanio
Specs:
- All-synthetic mid-cut upper of fabric and welded PU with a GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining for lightweight, waterproof-breathable protection and support
- PRESA® Free-dome™ IKS™ outsole with an enhanced rocker provides dynamic agility on the trail
- Reinforced toe box for protection
- Dual-density EVA midsole with TPU heel frame for cushion and support
- Sock-Fit™ construction reduces bulk and enhances fit
I am not as serious of a hiker as some of our bloggers, but I do spend a fair amount of time on the trails when I’m not running. I generally have mid-level hiking boots – pairs that get the job done, but probably aren’t the newest or most technologically constructed. The Scarpa Rush MidGTX definitely moves me into a different territory. From the Gore-Tex lining to the Freedome™ IKS™, it’s clear that these boots are all about performance at a relatively reasonable price ($179).
These boots come in two different color options – a navy with orange details and a black with blue details. Much like we said in a previous Scarpa shoe review, they seem to keep things simple and straightforward in their looks – something we really appreciate. One thing that we have noticed in Scarpa’s is their removal of the eyeholes for the laces. Instead, they have added a stretchy fabric on the tongue that provides that “sock-like” fit and provides that support and gentle “hug” on the foot without needing to rely on the taughtness of the laces to keep snug. It truly is a better fit this way.
Despite the size and construction of these boots, they are surprisingly light. Though these may be a little much to wear in an obstacle course race or technical trail race where water is expected and waterproof footwear would be greatly beneficial, it makes it so that those same conditions on a hike won’t have you trudging along with boots that feel like bricks on your feet. Weighing in at just over 13 ounces, that’s really not all that much more than even some running shoes, and considering that they have rocker embedded in them (similar to those running shoes we all know about), they seem to be made with a runner in mind.
I have worn these out and about a few times in this time of “atmospheric river” weather and have really appreciated them. Not only do they keep my feet dry, they are also extremely comfortable and multiple wears and hikes have yielded happy feet – something I couldn’t say about my old cheap pairs over the years.
Scarpa also has a “Green Manifesto” – A long-term, historical, and continually evolving sustainable approach to their product line.
Thank you to Scarpa for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
