The lightest boot Lucy Wallace tested, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid excels on all types of paths in hot weather.

Easily the lightest of the boots I tested, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX WMN boots are nevertheless impressively supportive and protective. The uppers feel solid, despite being synthetic materials.

Lucy Wallace recommends

If you want the low weight of a walking shoe, but with more support, for anything from local walks to long distance footpaths, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid is worth a look.
Pros
  • light
  • comfortable
  • relatively rugged
Cons
  • not as tough as a full leather boot
Quick specs
Price: $199 | £200 (available from Scarpa)
Weight: 917g/pair (size 42)
Materials: nubuck and synthetic mix with TPU heel and EVA midsole
Features: Scarpa’s Presa sole with IKS technology
Waterproof: Gore-Tex ePE membrane
Sizes: UK size 4-8 (EU36-42)
Men’s version: yes
www.scarpa.co.uk

The low centre of gravity provides a stable ride, even with a minimal ankle cuff. There’s good cushioning too, thanks to Scarpa’s proprietary Presa HIK-03 sole with IKS (Interactive Kinetic System) which incorporates no fewer than seven areas of cushioning. My feet might not have noticed each one, but they registered a high level of comfort and springiness. The outsole gives a decent amount of grip on rock, gravel and grass, but it is less brilliant on the kind of steep mud that I’ve been enjoying this season!

Fit-wise, for me, this boot is relatively wide for a women’s model, especially in the forefoot – I have narrow feet at the toes, but it wasn’t a problem because I cinched the laces down to keep my heel locked in, and my toes liked the room to spread – like a running shoe. I have a couple of gripes. The laces are flat with rough edges which no doubt help them to bite, but which feel sore on my hands when tightening. More worryingly, deep creases are forming across the toebox, which could become a durability issue with time. I must add that at this point, the Gore-Tex membrane is still holding up very well.

For me, this boot excels on all types of paths in relatively dry conditions and especially hot weather. If you want the low weight of a walking shoe, but with more support, for anything from local walks to long distance footpaths, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid is worth a look.

Testing conditions

Lucy did the bulk of her testing on the hills of Arran, as well as at work on Mountain Training courses in the Lake District. A lot of bog may have featured in these tests! This review was first published in the May 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.