Spring arrivals are always an exciting time and this year is no exception. We kick things off with two new offerings from Scarpa. The durable, yet lightweight Rush 2 Pro GTX walking shoe and the approach shoe inspired Mescalito TRK GTX hiking boot...
Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
We’ve previously sold Scarpa’s lightest walking shoe, the Rush with great feedback about its comfort, breathability and light weight. The “Pro” is the nubuck leather version of this original synthetic fabric shoe making it more durable, protective and therefore more suitable for typical British weather and underfoot conditions.
Weather protection
While the shoes leather uppers provide natural water-resistant, this is supported by the GORE-TEX ePE membrane that runs throughout. This new Gore PFAS-free waterproof and breathable membrane provides excellent protection from water ingress during wet weather or puddle splashing. We believe that the combination of leather and GTX is one of the most reliable combinations you can get for waterproof footwear. Obviously being only shoe height, the waterproofing is only as high as the ankle and therefore doesn’t offer the same level of protection.
Outsole Traction
The Presa rubber outsole has proven grip, especially on rocky terrain meaning the shoes can stand up to a little scrambling if you come across it on a hike. Lug distribution is ideal for providing grip on a wide range of surfaces from rock fields to meadows and everything in between. Not as aggressive as some, but perfect for the easy to moderate terrain the shoes are designed for.
Fit, Comfort & Support
As with all footwear (and clothing) fit and comfort is a very personal thing, with your own foot shape, arch height and usage determining how comfortable a certain shoe is. That said of the fit is right for you the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro has a lot to offer comfort wise. Its lightness is an initial positive, giving a feeling of freedom on the trails while still offering ample support, cushioning and protection. For a boot that is relatively lightweight and has a dynamic DNA, the shoe offers a surprising amount of stability alongside its agile feel.
There is ample support and cushioning to keep you going for mile after mile and provided the terrain isn’t too technical it will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable for longer days out. The cushioning feels relatively firm, but that also means it is responsive, and you’ll feel less of the rocks and trail debris through the sole. The nubuck upper keeps things soft and flexible, but is also a tough barrier to trail damage from protruding brambles, rocks and branches.
Support is also evident throughout the sole unit, which is on the stiffer side of things, but not totally, allowing a nice level of flex through the foot strike cycle. A TPU frame provides the majority of support and certainly adds lateral stability that is very evident when wearing the shoes on cambered and uneven terrain, when the foot feels nicely planted to the ground. Finishing points include a protective toe cap and heel stabilisation for solid all-round protection.
Fit wise, the Scarpa Rush series generally runs on the narrow side of things, but not as narrow as many Italian brands can be and in terms of length, as with most walking & hiking footwear we tend to find most people go up ½ to a full size and the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro is no different.
In conclusion, the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro is an excellent choice if you are looking for a relatively lightweight, durable and protective walking shoe that remains agile and comfortable on a wide range of terrain. It is especially suited to spring, summer and autumn use when you can typically get away with a shoe rather than a boot and the weather is generally less extreme (usually!)
Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX
If you’re looking for a walking boot that has a fit and feel similar to a classic approach shoe, then the Mescalito TRK GTX may the boot for you. The Trek is built on the same trusted and proven framework as the Mescalito Approach shoes which have been in the range for what feels like forever! But rather than being designed to take you to the crag, the Mescalito TRK GTX is an out and out hill and mountain walking boot. It has been designed to take on longer, demanding walks on rough, off trail terrain and is very capable of handling a heavy pack. Retaining the all-round rand and lacing system all the way to the toe from the approach shoes, the addition of cutting-edge walking boot technology makes this a solid 3-season option for the dedicated walker.
Weather protection
As with the aforementioned Rush 2 Pro GTX, the Mescalito TRK GTX maximises weather protection via a durable 1.8mm Perwanger suede leather upper combined with a GTX waterproof membrane. Perwanger leather is one of the most technical, water-repellent and breathable leathers available and is especially suited to high demand activities such has hiking thanks to its high levels of abrasion resistance and suppleness. What this ensures is a secure, but adaptable fit around the foot which is crucial when traversing technical terrain for comfort and safety. It also means less breaking in than a classic full grain leather.
Fit, Comfort & Support
In addition to the properties of the Perwanger leather discussed above, the Mescalito TRK GTX the boot also features several technologies that further enhance its performance on technical terrain where support isn’t an option it’s a requirement. A stabilising frame structure through the midsole provides support and balance on uneven terrain to help unwanted lateral and twisting forces.
The fit of the Mescalito TRK GTX is, unsurprisingly considering its heritage within approach shoes, is relatively precise. It is built on the Scarpa BNT last which is on the narrower side of things, but if you’re a fan of approach shoe fit or have normal to slim feet then these should fit well.
A Padded Autofit 3D ankle collar with ergonomic design around the Achilles area ensures comfort and support even with extended wear. What is also especially beneficial is the wrap around rand that extends the entire way around the boot and provides valuable protection to areas vulnerable to damage or impact. Similar to a lot of climbing focused footwear and taking its cue from the Mescalito approach shoes, the lacing system on the TRK extends all the way down the shoe the toes. What this means is you can achieve perfect tension the entre way down the boot and in combination with Scarpa’s ‘Speed Lacing System’ you can personalise the fit for all day comfort.
Outsole Traction
As is to be expected from a boot designed for the long haul on technical terrain, the midsole is fairly chunky providing a good level of cushioning and support. We’re not talking a squishy cushioning, this is a harder under foot feel, but what that means is protection from rocks and impact.
Vibram is a widely accepted leader for traction in the outdoor world and the Vibram Dynamis TRK outsole used on the Mescalito TRK GTX lives up to this providing exceptional traction in wet and dry conditions while also balancing durability. Despite not being huge, the lugs are aggressive enough and positioned well to to grip wet, muddy ground confidently and not get clogged up in the process. There is also a solid heel ledge to help with braking when going downhill.
All in all, the Mescalito TRK GTX is a brilliant addition to our longer distance and backpacking range of boots. If you are looking for a relatively lightweight, highly durable boot that will take you to pretty much anywhere in the UK and beyond.
If you like what you see and to buy, check out the full specs on our product pages;
Scarpa Rush 2 Pro GTX
Scarpa Mescalito TRK GTX