Product · Scarpa
Scarpa Rush TRK GTX: suede mid boot, 555 g listed
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The Rush TRK GTX is Scarpa's attempt to give walkers a light mid boot that still looks and feels like a walking boot rather than a trainer. Amazon lists a suede upper, a polyester lining, an EVA insole, a waterproof rating with Gore-Tex in the name, and a weight of 555 g. For people who find leather boots tiring by mid-afternoon, it is one of the most practical options in our lightweight boot guide.
- Listed weight
- 555 g
- Upper
- Suede
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Not stated
In its favour
- The listing gives 555 g, one of the lowest figures here for a Gore-Tex mid boot.
- Suede upper is stated, which is usually more flexible from new than thick leather.
- Gore-Tex in the title gives a waterproof liner for wet grass and puddles.
Good to know
- The sole material is listed as EVA, so the outsole rubber and compound are not clear from the page.
- The listing does not say whether 555 g is for one boot or a pair.
Our take
The listed specs and what they suggest
Suede over a polyester lining with a membrane is a common light boot recipe. Suede gives the outer some toughness against heather and rock, the polyester lining dries reasonably quickly, and the membrane handles rain and wet grass.
The sole material field says EVA, which almost certainly describes the midsole rather than the tread; the listing does not name the outsole rubber at all. The seasons field reads autumn, though a boot of this weight suits three-season walking in Britain.
Where a 555 g mid boot makes sense
Long-distance trails with good paths, day walks in the Dales and Peak District, and fast summer rounds where weight on the feet adds up. Every gram lifted on each step counts over twenty kilometres, and a light mid can leave legs fresher by the end of the day.
The trade-off is support under a heavy pack and on steep rough ground. A light suede boot flexes more than a stiff leather one, which is comfortable on paths but less stable when traversing loose slopes.
Rush TRK GTX against the Rush 2.0 Mid GTX and Ribelle Cross 2
The Scarpa Rush 2.0 Mid GTX is lighter still at a listed 413 g, with a synthetic fabric upper. It feels closer to a trail shoe with a higher cuff. The Rush TRK GTX, with its suede, is the sturdier option for rougher paths.
The Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX, at 590 g listed, is slightly heavier and built around a Gore-Tex fabric upper. Choose it if you like the Ribelle name and a more technical look; choose the Rush TRK GTX if you prefer suede.
Care and who should pass
Brush suede clean once dry, rinse off salt or peat, and use a spray proofing made for suede and fabric. Do not use a heavy wax, which can clog the nap and darken the colour.
Walkers who carry heavy loads, head off path in winter, or want a stated outsole compound should look at Scarpa's leather boots such as the Kinesis Pro GTX instead.
Verdict
The Rush TRK GTX suits walkers who want a light suede Gore-Tex mid boot for long days on paths. If you want the lightest option, the Scarpa Rush 2.0 Mid GTX is lighter on paper, and if you need more support under a pack, the leather Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX is the step up.
Compared with alternatives in: Best lightweight walking boots, Scarpa walking boots compared
Amazon listing title: Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-TEX Walking Boots - SS23