Our verdict
Calling the Rapid by Scarpa a tough sell couldn’t be further from the truth. Certainly, from its stylishness and kingly comfort to being astronomically grippy and lightweight, the footwear distances itself from such a predicament by miles. That said, this precisely fitting product has a tough mountain to climb in the eyes of wide-footed women.
Pros
- Top 29% most popular approach shoes
- Richly comfortable
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Stylish design
- True to size
- Supportive
- Astonishing flexibility
Cons
- Mar 29, 2019
- Add a product
Who should buy the Scarpa Rapid
Incredible surface traction (approach shoes) great prominence thanks to its set of hike-worthy qualities. It is a solid option if you prefer an approach shoe that:
- can serve as a dedicated hiking shoe
- Top 29% most popular approach shoes
- Not for wide feet
Who should NOT buy the shoe
People with wider feet are likely to find the Rapid too tight. On the bright side, ladies can opt for the men's version (be sure to go 1.5 US size smaller than your women's size).
Megagrip outsole lives up to its name
With the Megagrip outsole, this approach hiker from Scarpa offers enough sticking power on various types of outdoor surfaces. As it has multi-directional lugs and triangular grooves, wearers can navigate more slippery parts of the route with enhanced slip and skid resistance. Here is what the athletes say about the grip aspect of this Scarpa shoe:
- "updated Mar 19, 2023"
- "the anti-slip feature of a mountain shoe"
This hardwearing rubber component also provides additional bump protection outside surface traction. At the same time, the lugs aren't too toothy which allows you to wear them on the floor as well.
Shock-absorbent heel
The Scarpa Rapid grants sufficient underfoot protection and stability with its molded midsole made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). Its tapered construction gives the shoe a shock-absorbent heel and a svelte overall profile.
The shoe comes with a removable Ortholite footbed. Its presence doubles down on comfort underfoot. It also controls odor buildup, thereby preventing stink.
Additional toe protection
The Rapid's low-cut upper is a combination of polyurethane, mesh, and micro nubuck. It comes with a hardy toe bumper that provides additional bump protection. This reinforced section also gives hikers extra adhesion for some light smearing.
Scarpa Rapid is unbelievably lightweight
"Weight of a running shoe, protection of a hiking shoe," this is how one of the reviewers describes the Rapid. At 10.4 oz (295 g), it is almost 100 g lighter than approach shoes on average (13.8 oz / 390 g).
Glove-like fit but not for wide feet
People with narrow-to-average feet extensively praise the fit of this Scarpa shoe. "Probably the best-fitting shoes I've ever owned," says one of them.
However, the fit ended up way too tight for those with wider feet or bunions due to the "strongly defined toe box." As a result, their toes felt squished. Even with the laces loosened, the Rapid still felt too tight for them.
Heavy-duty closure system
The hiker’s closure system features lace holes that are a combination of plated eyelets and fabric loops. Its flat lace is made of heavy-duty synthetic material. Wearers also appreciated the extra pair of eyelets at the ankle line, which allows for a snugger collar fit.
Unmatched durability of the Scarpa Rapid
The quality and craftsmanship of the shoe have been highly praised by the reviewers. As one of them says, "Italians have shoe-making dialed in." Also, someone who is hard on shoes claims that the Rapid holds up really well.
