After walking more than 100,000 steps and wearing the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 GTX on a transcontinental flight, I can confidently say these are among the best hiking shoes on the market today. The month-long field test covered a wide range of terrains, from muddy trails in the UK to the extreme heat of India, where temperatures hit 104°F (40°C). In every situation, the shoes delivered exceptional grip and remarkable comfort, keeping feet dry and drying quickly after downpours.
Price and availability: a reasonable investment for high performance
The Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 GTX are available for $189 (about £160) on Amazon and on the official Scarpa website. They come in a wide range of sizes for both men (US 4.5-9, UK 7-13) and women (US 5.5-10, UK 4-8), with half sizes available. The price places them in the mid-range of hiking shoes, similar to the Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof ($185) and higher than models like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 ($140) or the Columbia Tellurix Titanium OutDry ($160). If you seek durable footwear with superior traction on any surface, the extra cost is justified.
Sponsored Protocol
Robust and breathable design: protection and style for every adventure
The Ribelle Cross 2 GTX feature an attractive design, with a low-cut silhouette and clean lines that convey solidity. The breathable mesh upper and TPU film ensure structure and stability, while the durable synthetic technical cord laces never came undone during testing. The fit is slightly narrow, but for average-width feet (like my size 7), it is perfect. If you have wide feet, you might consider alternatives like the Keen Targhee IV, known for its spacious toe box. The chunky sole with deep 6mm lugs offers impressive grip on mud, wet rocks, and steep trails, making the shoes reliable even on the most technical paths.
Sponsored Protocol
Performance on water and mixed terrains: unexpected grip
The most impressive feature of the Ribelle Cross 2 GTX is the traction. The 6mm multi-directional lugs provide exceptional grip on wet, muddy, and dry surfaces. During a hike in the UK, I maintained balance on gravel, mud, and slippery rocks, while steep climbs felt easy thanks to the forefoot flex. The Gore-Tex membrane passed the rain test: during a storm in India, my feet stayed completely dry, even when walking through puddles. However, being low-cut shoes, I do not recommend submerging them in streams or deep puddles; in extremely wet conditions, consider mid-cut boots like the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid.
Everyday comfort: thousand miles without blisters
Beyond hiking, I wore the Ribelle Cross 2 GTX for long urban walks and during two 9-hour flights. Even though feet tend to swell on planes, I felt no discomfort, thanks to the cushioning and support from the dual-density EVA midsole. The lightweight design (12.5 oz per shoe) makes them agile and responsive. After a month of intense use, I experienced no blisters or muscle pain. There is a break-in period to consider: for the first few days, the shoes may feel slightly stiff, but after about a week they adapt perfectly to your feet.
Sponsored Protocol
In conclusion, the Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 GTX are an excellent choice for hikers and travelers seeking comfort, durability, and superior traction. The price is competitive for the performance offered, and their versatility makes them suitable for any season. If you are looking for reliable hiking shoes, these definitely deserve a spot on your list.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/fitness/scarpa-ribelle-cross-2-gtx-review
