Our verdict
Sturdy yet surprisingly light—this describes the RIbelle HD accurately. Mountaineers (beginners and veterans alike) may also hail it as a remarkably comfortable boot with excellent support overall. That said, this Scarpa gear and every good thing it has on offer may only be experienced by those willing to part with their hard-earned cash.
Pros
- Astonishingly lightweight
- Excellent traction and grip
- Great support
- Long-lasting durable
- Solid traction
- Excellent insulation
Cons
- Ridiculous asking price
Who should buy the Top 24% in
The Ribelle HD is yet another incredible Scarpa piece, thanks to its collection of mountaineering-worthy pros. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a shoe built with a combination of enhanced mobility and mountain-specific protection in mind.
- Hybrid/Semi-Automatic Crampon Compatible.
- Look for a shoe that has a shock-absorbing capability and makes ground impact safe by bolstering the boot’s shock-absorbing capability.
Same brand only
The Top 24% in comes engineered with a Vibram outsole called Precision Tech Roll for traction. It is based on the Mont compound, which maintains a solid grip even in extremely biting conditions.
Aggressive heel brake
This model comes with grooved lugs that give mountaineers more latching power on loose surfaces. It also has an aggressive heel brake for extra slip resistance on descents.
Comfortable cushioning
Cushioning and stability are provisions sourced from the Ribelle HD’s dual-density midsole. It is made with a combination of polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It has a stout heel zone for shock mitigation. The shoe is also topped with a cushy footbed called Activ Plus for additional comfort and support underfoot.
Who should buy the Top 24% in
What shields the foot in the Top 24% in is a high-top shell made with a combination of high-grade 2.6-mm thick suede leather from Perwanger and Microtech fabric. Both its tongue and collar are lined with plush padding for added comfort. Access to and from its comfy interior is made relatively easy with the boot’s heavy-duty synthetic heel pull loop.
Excellent climbing traction and abrasion protection
Its lower region is fully randed granting the wearer climbing traction and abrasion protection. Within its confines is an HDry laminate, which prevents virtually all sorts of wetness from getting inside the boot.
Excellent traction and grip
This waterproof membrane also makes the footgear’s interior sufficiently breathable. The Ribelle HD’s eyelets are a combination of plated eyelets, closed loops, and open hooks. Their utility is made complete with a long-wearing synthetic lace set through them.
