Product · Scarpa
Scarpa Rapid XT Mid GTX: suede mid, 424 g listed
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Most approach shoes stop below the ankle. The Scarpa Rapid XT Mid GTX goes higher, adding a mid collar to a suede shoe built for hiking and approach. Amazon lists it as waterproof with Gore-Tex and gives a weight of 424 g. For walkers who want approach-shoe agility with a little more protection around the ankle on wet, stony ground, it is a sensible middle ground.
- Upper
- Suede
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Cut
- Mid
- Listed use
- Hiking and approach
In its favour
- The listing highlights waterproof Gore-Tex and names hiking and approach as uses.
- A mid cut keeps wet grass and grit out better than the low shoes in this guide.
- The listed weight of 424 g is light for a mid-height waterproof shoe.
Good to know
- A mid cut can limit ankle movement on steep rock compared with a low approach shoe.
- The listing does not name a climbing zone or the rubber compound on the sole.
Our take
From the product page
The item highlight reads waterproof, Gore-Tex, leather, for hiking and approach. Suede is listed as the outer material and Gore-Tex as the lining. Moderate cushioning is stated, and the special feature field lists waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex.
The sole material field says thermoplastic polyurethane, which is unusual for an approach outsole and may refer to a component rather than the rubber tread. The listing does not name a rubber compound, so treat that field with caution.
What the mid cut changes
A higher collar keeps wet heather, grit and scree out of the shoe and gives the ankle a little more protection from knocks. It also helps on the descent from a crag, where loose ground is common. The trade-off is less freedom to flex the ankle on steep rock, where a low shoe lets you place the foot more precisely.
With a Gore-Tex lining and suede outer, care is straightforward. Brush off dirt, let the shoes dry slowly and treat the suede with a proofing spray from time to time.
Compared with its neighbours
The La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX is a low suede approach shoe listed for rock, gravel and wet slabs, and it will feel more precise when the hands come out. The Salewa Wildfire Edge GTX is another low option with leather and suede. The Rapid XT Mid is the pick from that group when your days involve more walking than climbing.
Who it is not for
If you want to climb harder rock in your approach shoes, a low, close-fitting model will serve you better. People heading out with heavy packs on long treks should look at a proper trekking boot rather than a light mid.
Verdict
Buy the Rapid XT Mid GTX if your scrambling days involve long, wet walk-ins and you value ankle cover over climbing precision. If your priority is moving well on rock, the La Sportiva TX4 Evo GTX is the sharper tool, and the Salewa Wildfire Edge GTX is a low alternative with a tougher leather upper.
Compared with alternatives in: Best waterproof approach shoes
Amazon listing title: Scarpa Rapid XT Mid Gore-TEX Walking Boots - AW26