Our verdict
At first glance, you'll be able to tell straight away that the super-comfortable Rush Trail GTX from Scarpa packs some serious punch. The way it handles all sorts of terrain is likened to the performance of a tenacious hiking boot. It's also a crafty mild-incline climber, giving approach shoes a run for their money. You might gulp at the sight of its asking price, but its combination of longevity and well-roundedness more than makes up for it.
Pros
- Suction-like grip
- Supportive on extended hikes
- Comfy
- Loosens up quickly
- Durable
- Stable
- Doubles as an approach shoe
- Protective yet sensitive
- Dapper style
Cons
- Expensive
- Offers excellent grip and control
Who should buy the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box
The Rush Trail GTX takes agile hiking to a whole new level. Purchase it if:
- You're a fan of the Rush TRK GTX, but this time, you want more ankle mobility.
- Longer day adventures, with or without a light pack, are your thing.
- Your hikes involve negotiating hilly zones.
Who should not buy it
At $219, the Rush Trail GTX can be a hard pill to swallow. In its place, get the significantly cheaper Who should buy the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box ($145). Also, you're better off hiking in the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box equals uber tough if you want a pair that doesn't crumple at the toe box.
Scarpa Rush Trail GTX
An expert describes the Rush Trail GTX as "sumptuously soft" and "immediately comfortable." Indeed, he paints the featured shoe as requiring no break-in period at all.
Mighty stickiness in the Rush Trail GTX
Professional gear bloggers are floored by the tenacity of the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box. Their remarks on this are as follows:
- "Offers excellent grip and control."
- "Grips both rocky and muddy terrain like a limpet."
- "Superior grip."
On a related note, the featured shoe does well on edges. Its grippy outsole also performs quite well on scrambles.
Makes rugged trails feel flat
Stability-wise, the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box is fantastic, and a critic strongly agrees. The same reviewer says that it has the "same stability and protection as a full hiking boot."
Besides great balance on rough terrain, this offering also provides "excellent support," says a professional tester. This is especially true on craggier surfaces, where approach shoes are often used.
But its price is a big deal
"Some may balk at the price" of this shoe, says a footwear maven. This is not without a basis, too, as its MSRP of $219 is quite steep compared to most hiking shoes Top 24% most popular hiking shoes.
Rush TRK GTX
"Surprisingly hard-wearing"—this is how a gear pundit describes the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box. He is especially impressed with the toughness of its suede leather shell.
Underfoot, one critic calls the shoe beefy enough. He adds that it's quite protective against sharp rocks without sacrificing responsiveness.
The ingeniously designed Rush Trail GTX
An experienced hiker-slash-expert is astonished by the fine craftsmanship of the if you want a pair that doesnt crumple at the toe box. It's "superbly designed and constructed," says he.
Its flawlessness is also complemented by its captivating aesthetics. A blogger says that it has a "handsome and functional design."