The Scarpa Ribelle HD boots are comfortable enough for multi-day hikes, yet sufficiently rigid and technical for winter mountaineering.
The Scarpa Ribelle HD is intended for ‘fast and light’ use in the mountains. The Vibram sole has an aggressive tread which performs well on wide variety of terrain.
James Roddie recommends
As long as I kept moving, these boots kept my feet impressively warm even in full winter conditions- versatile
- lightweight
- tongue design
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £330 |
| Weight: 1620g (UK size 9.5 pair) |
| B rating: B2 |
| Waterproofing: HDry |
| Upper: 2.5mm suede |
| Crampon welts: Heel welt |
| Sole: Vibram |
| Sizes: UK 6.5-13 / EU 40-48 (with half sizes) |
| Men’s version? Yes |
| scarpa.co.uk |
A full rubber rand extends quite high into the upper boot, doing a great job at keeping abrasion to a minimum on the most vulnerable areas. The toe curves upwards a little more substantially than some other B2 rated boots, and this gives the boots a nice toe ‘spring’ as you walk. A narrow last shape aids precise footwork. The overall feeling is one of agility.
I paired these boots with C2 crampons and I was very happy with their performance on a Grade II winter climb. The fit is very comfortable, with almost no heel-lift and enough wiggle room for my toes. The upper is relatively flexible, and the ankle cuff is very flexible indeed.
I did find the tongue a little harsh on the front of my ankle, and it had a habit of slipping sideways as I walked. The temptation is to over-tighten the laces to stop this from happening, which of course makes things less comfortable.
As long as I kept moving, these boots kept my feet impressively warm even in full winter conditions. The HDry membrane does a good job of keeping out water and keeps them breathable. They were not the most waterproof boots on the test, and would not be my first choice for long days in wet weather.
Conversely, they dried out more quickly than boots with a Gore-Tex lining. Throughout my testing these boots proved really versatile in a mix of conditions and use – cases. They are lightweight, breathable and comfortable enough for multi-day hikes, yet sufficiently rigid and technical enough for winter mountaineering.
Testing Conditions
James is a UK size 9.5/EU 44. He tested the boots during the winter of 2023/24 in a variety of weather and conditions in the hills of the Scottish Highlands. Terrain varied from easy trails under light snow cover, to Grade 1 winter mountaineering ground in typical mid-season condition.
This review was first published in the February 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. To compare this model to others suited to winter mountain days, as chosen by the experts, see our guide to the best winter mountaineering boots.
