Scarpa Ribelle Run XT Review 2024

Using the combined features of the Ribelle range of mountaineering boots and their excellent running shoes the Scarpa Ribelle Run XT is an excellent fast hiking and trail running shoe for cooler, wet conditions.

PROS

• Gore Tex lining helps keep feet dry over wet ground.
• Lightweight
• Will fit a variety of foot shapes

CONS

• Quite a firm foot strike
• Stiff midsole
• Gore Tex will mean hot feet in warm conditions.

We’ve been fans of the Scapa Ribelle range of boots for quite some time here at CGR. Kev featured the Ribelle Mountain Tech OD back in 2017 and has featured the updated Ribelle Tech 3 HD more recently. I have featured the Ribelle HD and found them to be an excellent, all round mountain boot. So, I was instantly curious to see how Scarpa have integrated some of the Ribelle features into a running/hiking shoe.

The Scarpa Ribelle Run XT is a Gore Tex version of an earlier, unlined model the Ribelle Run. The Gore-Tex liner enables the shoe to be worn in cooler, wetter conditions – pretty much ideal for the shocking February conditions we’ve all had to endure this winter. I’ve been using them for training and longer days out through February and March, they have been warm and kept my feet dry in various conditions including light snow.

The Ribelle Run XT has a wider foot profile than some other Scarpa shoes I have worn. This has worked well with the thicker socks I tend to wear in winter and to be honest I haven’t found them to be that much wider than any other shoes/boots I have used in the past. I tested a size UK8 (Eur42) and found the fit excellent. I would say I have an average foot profile, not overly narrow nor very wide and reckon that they are sized to suit a variety of foot shapes. But, as always I would recommend you try running shoes on in a specialist shop as foot shape can vary massively. 

Pretty much perfect for wet, winter running.

Durability is enhanced by the high rand and burly toe protection. The rand is the familiar Ribelle style being high and fully wrapped around the shoe. This makes for a great wet weather  shoe and is also suitable for low level snow (although I would have no hesitation of using these with my running spikes as the the sole is quite stiff) and wet ground. The rand coupled with the Gore-Tex lining has kept my feet dry in what has been the wettest 18 months on record here in the UK and the Ribelle Run XT’s come out at the first sign of rainy conditions. There is also a thick toe cap that further protects the shoe and is a godsend when descending with tired legs at the end of the day.

The high rand and Gore-Tex liner made the Ribelle Run XT’s great for winter adventures.

The Presa sole, which I came across when using the Scarpa Rush Trek GTX, has performed well on the ground I’ve been covering. Friction has been excellent on dry rock and the aggressive lugs have offered security on wet ground. I’ve been using them solidly all winter and the the sole is showing little signs of wear so I’m impressed with the durability of the compound. The profile isn’t the best for climbing and I don’t think I would be using these on technical scrambling, but I have been perfectly fine on Grade 1 scrambles such as Jacks Rake and Striding Edge – all fine with no complaints.

The stiff midsole offered security when traversing rocky terrain.

Scarpa have designed the Ribelle Run XT using the same sole construction as the Ribelle Run series of trail running shoes so they enjoy a cushioned EVA midsole, a Polymide + fibreglass supportive shank and a 6mm drop. This has all been fine for the activities I’ve been using them for, which has been medium distance trail runs and speed hiking (mostly this). For me, the sole feels too stiff for longer runs and these days I prefer a softer cushioned shoe but they are super versatile so I’ll continue to use them for wetter days. The Gore-Tex liner is standard for this level of shoe and my usual proviso still stands – expect hot feet in all but cold conditions.

Finally the Ribelle Run XT is finished with a durable and hardwearing upper that is supercharged with a thermobonded exo skeleton that affords excellent protection on rocky ground. A padded, mesh liner with a padded, bellowed tongue, tunnel lacing and half-round synthetic laces. There is also a rear loop to help get them on and for clipping onto a climbing harness if needed, there is also a removable Ortholite footbed. I have enjoyed using these shoes and and they will definitely be part of my winter running kit for many years to come.

The Scarpa Ribelle Run comes in sizes EUR 39-46 1/2 in half sizes and EUR 47 &48 in no half sizes.

More information and where to purchase can be found on the Scarpa website.

Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.