Scarpa Rapid Review

The Scarpa Rapid is a hybrid design between a trail running shoe and an approach shoe, making it a versatile option for runners who scramble into more technical terrain.

Performance Comparison

Climbing Ability

When we first got our hands on these shoes, we had dreams of a comfortable running shoe that could climb as well as our favorite approach shoes. Unfortunately, these shoes just don't climb that well when the terrain gets more difficult. The sole is soft and flexible, both laterally and vertically, which is great for running, but it prevents the secure transfer of force from the foot to the rubber sole. These shoes climb blocky terrain well enough, but precise smearing and edging are not in the cards.

The sole under the toe features a flat rubber climbing zone, which is nice. But when forced to smear on 5th-class terrain, we noticed that the more weight that is brought to bear on the ball of the foot, the more the foot slides backward in the shoe, which rolls the toe upwards and away from the surface of the rock. This loss of surface area in the climbing zone decreases friction, producing a slow sliding motion as the rubber in contact with the rock shifts further down the shoe's sole.

A slightly stiffer last would improve smearing ability, not to mention edging power, which is expectedly poor in this soft running shoe. Crack climbing is okay in the Rapid, but the top of the toe box isn't rubberized, so jams don't feel secure. If technical climbing movement is involved, we always wish we had traditional approach shoes.

Hiking Comfort

The upside of poor climbing performance is excellent comfort on the trail. We took this shoe on long runs on rocky trails and always felt as comfortable as we do while wearing top-of-the-line trail running shoes. Clearly, these are designed and engineered for comfort while walking or running. On long and non-technical approaches, or whenever we just need a comfortable shoe for standard approaches to the crag, we reach for the Rapid.

A thick, cushioned sole, a thin, breathable mesh upper, and a comfortable lacing pattern produce a shoe that is a pleasure to wear on every surface imaginable. From the weight lifting gym to the trails, we wear this shoe everywhere comfortably. It's also great for long, easy alpine missions focusing on cardio and vertical gain. Our testers love this shoe on long alpine scrambles where attaining the summit involves some 4th or low-5th-class terrain after miles of talus walking and trail-banging. The cushioned sole means the descent is a lot more enjoyable, too.

Weight and Packability

The Rapid is much lighter than most approach shoes on the market, thanks to its thin sole rubber, soft last, and minimalist mesh upper. Most other approach shoes have more rubber, stiffer material in the bottom of the shoe, and a thicker upper. By cutting out these features, this running shoe scores weight savings, likely at the expense of climbing performance. But for the running and scrambling terrain these shoes are designed for, these performance sacrifices are worth the weight savings.

The shoe is mostly compressible, except for the thick foam-padded soles, allowing these shoes to be easily packed into a route backpack for carrying up and over multi-pitch climbs. They are a bit bulky to hang on the back of a harness, but they do have small nylon loops on the back of the heel cuff that can clip to a carabiner if you're not bringing a backpack on the route. More minimalist approach shoes compress smaller, but the Rapid isn't close behind.

Support

With a thin mesh upper and flexible last, these shoes don't provide as much support as stiff leather approach shoes. They allow plenty of flexibility for nimble movements while running through uneven terrain. Missteps are more likely to turn into rolled ankles than in other approach shoes, but that flexibility is key to running comfort.

A stiff, rubbery material around the back of the heel and extending forward to the instep (arch) provides some support for the heels and ankles, or at least enough to prevent most catastrophes in rugged talus and scree fields. If you carry a light alpine pack for day missions and can move quickly and nimbly, these shoes provide enough support to protect you. However, they won't provide enough support for climbers carrying heavy loads. And if you encounter an unexpected snowfield on your alpine jaunt, they don't edge or kick steps well.

Construction Quality

The Rapid is as durable as most trail running shoes, and as such, the foam padding above the sole is the first component to show signs of wear. We didn't notice any abrasion or tearing of the thin mesh upper, but we expect that to be the next thing to go, especially if the user does much foot jamming.

Compared to other approach shoes that use thicker and more durable materials like leather for the shoe's upper, these aren't built as durably. And, where other models protect their padding with rubberized treatments, the Rapid leaves its foam open to the elements, where rock and grit on the trail can wreak havoc. Our experience with Vibram Megagrip suggests that the soles should last longer than the foam, meaning resoling isn't likely to be a concern over the lifetime of these shoes.

Should You Buy the Scarpa Rapid?

These shoes are expensive for a technical running shoe, but they perform well, and they don't have much competition in this niche design field. While minimalist and lightweight, the Rapid uses strong materials and intentional reinforcements in key areas. For many users who simply need comfortable shoes to wear around the crag that can tackle all but the most extreme approaches, these shoes might be the only shoes you need. If your standard use of approach shoes is for easy technical climbs in low to mid-5th-class terrain, these could be a good addition to your quiver for more casual days and mountain runs.

What Other Approach Shoes Should You Consider?