Scarpa is one of the best brands for hiking footwear. Scarpa hiking boots and hiking shoes are good for men and women who mostly hike tough mountain trails. But Scarpa's new "Rush" series has added lighter options to the brand's line up that may appeal to a wider range of day hikers and backpackpers, too. My Scarpa brand review gives you the scoop on this iconic mountain brand and recommends the best Scarpa hiking boots and shoes for recreational hikers and backpackers.
backpacking Pennsylvania's West Rim Trail in Scarpa Rush TRK GTX hiking boots
Scarpa brand overview
Scarpa is an iconic footwear brand that's been based in Northern Italy since 1938. A network of cobblers founded Scarpa in foothills of the Dolomites, turning out a handful of pairs of handcrafted shoes every day. In 1956, local shoemaker Luigi Parisotto purchased Scarpa with his three brothers. The Parisotto family has owned the brand ever since.
Scarpa is one of the world's best brands for ski boots, mountaineering boots, and climbing shoes—and hiking footwear. The Dolomites and Alps are in their back yard. So it's no surprise that Scarpa specializes in alpine trekking boots and stiff hiking boots that are made to slay tough mountain routes. Many of them are still made in Italy. Overall, it's a good brand for serious hikers and backpackers who value support and durability more than cost or weight savings.
Why choose Scarpa hiking boots and shoes?
Skiers, mountaineers, and climbers all know the Scarpa brand. So do European trekkers. However, Scarpa hiking boots and shoes should probably be more popular outside Europe. For hikers and backpackers, the brand's best features are
Men's Scarpa Kailash Trek GTX
Support and Protection
MADE FOR BIG MOUNTAINS
Built for the rugged Dolomites and Italian Alps, Scarpa hiking and trekking boots are stiff and supportive to offer outstanding foot support, ankle stability, and weather protection. Overall, the brand favors men and women who hike mountainous terrain with rocks, snow, and tricky footing.
The Scarpa Rush Mid GTX is one of the best lightweight hiking boots.
Rush series
LIGHTER OPTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Even though Scarpa has specialized in heavier trekking boots, their newer "Rush" series includes lightweight hiking boots and shoes designed for fast and light hikers. Most recreational hikers and backpackers should focus on the newer Rush series—not Scarpa classics (unless they mostly summit gnarly mountains with extra weight on their back).
Scarpa hiking boots and shoes generally run true to size.
Standard fit
NOT AS NARROW AS OTHER ITALIAN BRANDS
Scarpa hiking boots have a standard fit, so they tend to fit a broader range of feet. Most Italian brands run notoriously narrow, especially in the toes. Not Scarpa.
Most hikers should size up in Scarpa hiking boots and shoes (as with other brands) to get adequate clearance in the toes. Hikers with wide feet may (or may not) get enough width in Scarpas by sizing up one full size from their everyday shoe size.
Scarpa Kinesis Pro backpacking boot
Premium Quality
QUALITY MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP
Scarpa hiking boots and shoes are high quality, featuring premium materials and quality craftsmanship, such as full-grain leather, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and premium outsoles that excel on tough trails. They're made for serious mountain pursuits—not the mass market. That makes Scarpas expensive by hiking boot standards. However, Scarpa hiking boots may be worth it if you mostly hike tough mountain trails or off-trail routes.
best Scarpa hiking boots
The Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX and Rush TRK GTX are the best Scarpa hiking boots for recreational hikers, fast-and-light hikers, and typical backpackers. They're significantly lighter (and less expensive) than Scarpa trekking boots and the best-selling Kailash Trek GTX while still providing good stability and support for their weight.
Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX: best lightweight hiking boot
Main Benefits:
The Scarpa Rush Mid GTX is the rare hiking boot that's both lightweight and supportive. Each pair weighs a half-pound less than the average hiking boot while providing a sturdy backbone and excellent traction for moderate to difficult terrain. That makes it the most versatile Scarpa hiking boot on this list—one that could work for serious hikers, fast-and-light hikers, and the average hiker. For me, the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid edges the Salomon X Ultra 4 for the best lightweight hiking boot.
To learn more, check out this full-length Scarpa Mid GTX review.
Scarpa Rush TRK GTX: best lightweight backpacking boot
Main Benefits:
The Scarpa Rush TRK GTX is sturdier and heavier than the regular Rush Mid (above) but still cuts weight compared to traditional trekking and backpacking boots. It's stiff—to reduce foot fatigue and support feet and ankles—with a more athletic build than most midweight hiking and backpacking boots. That mix of stability and agility stands out. The Rush TRK also features premium traction and GORE-TEX waterproofing. The average hiker probably wants something softer and more flexible than the Rush TRK. However, I like this Scarpa hiking boot for backpacking or serious, all-day hikes in alpine terrain.
To learn more, check out this full-length Scarpa Rush TRK review.
best Scarpa trekking and backpacking boots
In 2023, most hikers gravitate towards lighter hiking boots, which is why I recommend the Scarpa Rush and Rush TRK as the best Scarpa hiking boots for recreational hikers and backpackers. However, more traditional Scarpas appeal to a smaller sub-section of serious hikers and backpackers who go hard in harsh mountain conditions. If you're trekking through the Alps, summiting Colorado 14ers, or backpacking gnarly mountains, you may prefer the Scarpa Zodiac Plus or Kinesis Pro for more traditional support and performance.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus: best lightweight trekking boot
Main Benefits:
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus is a trimmed down version of the Zodiac Tech mountaineering boot. That means this lightweight alpine trekking boot is built for serious summit bids and tough backpacking routes while weighing more like a backpacking boot than a full-on mountaineering boot. The Zodiac Plus features plenty of foot and ankle support, weather protection, and grippy outsoles for technical mountain trails and off trail scrambling. It's way too much boot for the average day hiker. However, this Scarpa hiking boot has a great mix of stability and agility that may appeal to backpackers and hardcore day hikers who need premium protection and traction for challenging mountains.
Scarpa Kinsesis Pro: best traditional backpacking boot
Main Benefits:
Few backpackers need a heavy-duty, bomb-proof, full-grain leather hiking boot. Scarpa desgined the Kinesis Pro for the few who do. With full-grain leather uppers, GORE-TEX waterproofing, a full rubber rand around the boot, and Vibram outsoles, the Scarpa Kinesis Pro is made to carry heavy weight through gnarly terrain and alpine weather for years. Most backpackers don't want or need a pair of 4-pound hiking boots. For those who do, however, the Scarpa Kinesis Pro is on the short list of the best hardcore backpacking boots.
best Scarpa hiking shoe
The Scarpa Rush II GTX is the best Scarpa shoe for hiking. In fact, it may be the best hiking shoe, period. I prefer it to standouts like the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX and La Sportiva Spire GTX.
Main Benefits:
The low-cut Scarpa Rush 2 hiking shoe pretty much has it all. Excellent stability and support? Check. Lightweight? Check. Waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX? Check. Great traction? Check. It's expensive—and may feel a little stiff to less experienced hikers. However, the Scarpa Rush 2 is potentially the best hiking shoe out there for serious hikers who mostly hike moderate to difficult trails. It's a great pick for hikers who want a premium hiking shoe that's somehow lighter and more supportive than the average hiking shoe.
Scarpa hiking boots/shoes: pros vs cons
Scarpa obviously ranks among the best brands for hiking boots and hiking shoes. However, Scarpa hiking boots and shoes favor more specialized kinds of hiking—not the average hiker. That's why recreational hikers and backpackers should weigh Scarpa's pros against its cons:
Overall Recommendation:
Scarpa's quality is hard to beat. However, Scarpa mostly has made hiking boots and shoes with the Alps and Dolomites in mind. That means the brand is probably a better match for serious hikers than casual hikers and weeked warriors.
best fit
standard-sized feet
best match
hardcore day hiking, backpacking
Where to buy Scarpa hiking boots and shoes?
You probably won't find Scarpa hiking boots at your sporting goods box store chains. They're more likely stocked at outdoor specialty shops in mountain towns or leading outdoor specialty retailers like Backcountry and REI. I've included links above to make it easy to find your size online and browse available color options.
If this post helped you decide to buy a pair of Scarpas, please consider buying them through the links above. That doesn't cost you anything. But the (billion dollar) retailer may send a few dollars my way, which covers my costs and gives me a little back for the hundreds of unpaid hours I've spent writing free content to help men and women find hiking footwear that fits their feet, their budget, and their hikes.
If this site took care of you, please consider taking care of me, too. Thanks, and happy hiking!
