The Scarpa Ribelle Run is a new-ish technical trail runner, and it’s excellent. The sizing is true in the length, and the shape suits a slightly wider foot. Featured within our guide to The best trail shoes for hiking and hillwalking. The upper is a pretty minimal in-house ‘sock fit’ construction, closed around the foot with drawstring ‘speed lacing system’ that works well. The top of the shoe has a stretchy, built-in gaiter that’s very effective at keeping most small grit out. Breathability is equally great – there’s less slipper-like comfort here, but the shoe dries fast and keeps the sweat at bay.
RRP: $189 | £145 | Available from: Alpine Trek & Sports Shoes | Weight: 678g | Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm | Lug depth: 4mm | Materials and features: Built-in gaiter, Presa midsole, Supergum outsole, ripstop mesh and film upper Sizes: 6.5-12.5 | Women’s version: Yes
The Supergum outsole performs impressively on slick rock but meets its match on Knoydart gloop – the 4mm, widely separated lugs on this shoe can’t really cope with that fine scrim of moss and grass. It tends to skid out a little on finer material too, but not catastrophically so. I’m a fan of Scarpa’s Presa midsole – there’s just enough cushion and the shoe is low enough to the ground (‘stack’) to give great feedback underfoot whilst protecting the foot. The chunky heel rand extends right around for extra protection.
The Scarpa Ribelle Run is a great all-rounder: more than nimble enough for running and protective enough for backpacking, when I want something a little more substantial. I just wish that the lugs were 5mm, and there were a few more of them.
Written by David Lintern
David is a size UK10.5 and has a wide forefoot and a narrow heel. He’s an occasional trail and hill runner, and an advocate for trail shoes for walking and backpacking during the summer months. These trail shoes were tested last spring, summer and autumn on- and off-trail in the mountains throughout Scotland, from the north-west to the Borders – walking, backpacking and on the odd hill run.
