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SCARPA say: “RAPID XT is a comfortable leather shoe with a clean design which is suitable for approach, trail and light hiking. Every detail is studied to ensure grip, comfort and protection such as the all-around TPU rand, which is abrasion resistant. The sole is Vibram® MegaGrip with climbing zones at the toe and Brake System in the back, ensuring stability and grip. The innovative shape, wide and ergonomic at the toe, is designed to follow the contours of the foot.”
The Rapid XT is part of the new Rapid family, which contains 3 shoes in both male and female styles. A standard XT (reviewed here) a Gore-Tex version and a mid GTX version, with all 3 also available in Women’s specific fit and colours.
Firstly, I d say that these shoes have no resemblance to the old Rapid family, which had much more in common with trail running shoes than hiking shoes in my opinion.
I’ve used the new Rapid XT as my go-to hiking and climbing approach shoe over the last 6 months. It’s comfortable for long hikes, scrambles well enough (although it’s definitely not in the class of a sticky approach shoe with this) and it is proving to be incredibly robust.
Starting with the sole unit, the Rapid XT has been furnished with Vibram Megagrip rubber. It has a climbing zone at the front which works well on more technical approaches or scrambling ground and the overall grip seems to be good in wet and dry conditions, be it on loose ground, rock, mud or grass.
The sole is definitely durable and not looking the least bit worn after 6 months of abuse, the TPU rand has protected the leather uppers nicely and I have to say I’m super impressed with the quality of construction and robustness here. I was really fan of the old Rapid but did find they lacked the durability for lots of rough and technical terrain.
SCARPA claim the shape of the shoe to be innovative. All I can say is that it fits my medium volume foot, exceptionally well. I actually wear a size 42 in this and it’s perfect. My usual street shoe would be 43 for reference but this seemed too big in the Rapid XT.
The Rapid XT has what they call an “Agility XT” sole comprising an EVA midsole with different densities to cushion impacts and increase comfort. Stability is supported by a TPU insert placed in the medial area. Dynamic Protection System (DPS) in the forefoot for propulsion and reactivity. In the real world these feel plentifully cushioned for quick descents on firm terrain without being soft and unstable. They also have sufficient rigidity for climbing.
The lacing system is simple on the Rapid XT. It does its job well and the heel has a simple tab which is useful for clipping them to your harness or an anchor on multipitch terrain.
Overall I’m super impressed with Rapid XT. It’s a solid workhorse approach/trail/hiking shoe that isn’t the lightest (400g per shoe size 42) but not the heaviest either. It’s not quite the holy grail, lightweight, sticky approach shoe I was hoping it might be for summer rock guiding, but it’s pretty damn good. They also look great, IMHO!
And, you never know – there may even be an LT version in the pipeline 😉 Watch this space!
Find out more and buy from the SCARPA website
RRP: £165/€175
Kevin Avery is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based near Chamonix, France. You can check out what he’s up to on Instagram @kevinavery.mountainguide or contact truenorthalpine@gmail.com to make a booking.
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