Scarpa Rapid XT WMN review

Lara Dunn gives the Scarpa Rapid XT WMN five stars – and the shoes were announced winner of our Gear of the Year Awards 2025. Find out why.

The Scarpa Rapid XT WMN are shoes that, straight from the box, you know are going to be just the ticket. Scarpa have a long pedigree – over 70 years – and these shoes come with a wealth of activity-specific features and superb quality to match.

Quick specs
Price: $179 / £165 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 684g pair, UK5.5 Material: Water- resistant suede upper with TPU rand Features: Vibram MegaGrip sole, Dynamic Protection System in forefoot, EVA midsole Waterproof?: No (but with a Gore-Tex version available) Sizes: EU37 – 42 Men’s version: yes scarpa.co.uk

The Rapid XT are a non-waterproof option (there is a Rapid XT GTX with Gore-Tex membrane) and are classed as an approach shoe, making them ideal for rough walk-ins on scrambles and climbs, but also aimed at hiking and trail use. A sturdily built 1.8mm suede leather upper is paired with a generous, tough and protective rand that stretches around the whole shoe.

The asymmetric toe shape combines well with a generous (but not over-wide) forefoot fit, to give the foot plenty of space to spread into a natural shape, giving maximum contact area with the terrain. Flat, rather than round, laces help ensure a secure fit, cinching in the uppers and the nicely cushioned tongue quite high up on the foot. For hikers with narrow heels like my own, this works well to help minimise any risk of slippage or chafing. Size wise, these are slightly on the generous side but there are no half sizes, so if you fall between sizes as I do, it’s best to choose the size that feels like it will allow for the right sock volume and takes into account the foot swelling in warmer temperatures.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole features a forefoot zone specifically designed for superior grip on rocky surfaces. This functions well in partnership with the shape of the shoe and its good levels of lateral stability to give the wearer confidence on all sorts of ground, even more technical scrambly sections. It copes well with wet surfaces, as well as looser gravel and mud. It’s a reasonably stiff shoe in wear, thanks to a TPU insert in the medial area, and yet far from rigid, still giving a comfortable and accommodating ride for hours with no impact on a natural walking gait. Thanks to the shape and secure fit, I had no concerns at all about wearing them straight out, untried, on an 8-mile, hilly hike and they continue to perform reliably and with no dramas.

A lack of waterproof membrane on this version works well with the tough suede and TPU upper, effectively helping to keep feet from overheating and sweating, no matter how hard the effort. Those expecting prolonged wet and gloopy conditions might want to consider the Rapid XT GTX but in all but the most apocalyptic weather, the non-GTX option performed beautifully.

The levels of stiffness and stability offered by the Rapid XT do make them ideal for all types of walk, from fast blasts to more laden trudges, and they absorb whatever the route throws at them. They’re not the lightest, nor are they the least expensive, but they are technical, versatile and manage to bring together the best performing features and quality you’d want in a shoe. This is a truly excellent quality approach and hiking shoe that will deliver comfort and confidence for years to come. Even better, when they eventually wear out, years hence, the soles are replaceable by Scarpa, making them a more sustainable option too.

Testing conditions

Lara wore the shoes during variable non-snowy winter and early spring conditions on a variety of walks – with and without a pack – in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She usually takes a UK5.5 shoe and has a medium width foot but narrow heels, and weights are taken from her own digital scales.

This review was first published in the June 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors magazine.