By 
The RW Takeaway: A sturdy build and durable outsole make the Ribelle Run a standout for its protection on rocky technical trails, wet terrain, and steep climbs and descents.
Key Tech: Medium-density EVA midsole, ripstop mesh upper, protective TPU rand with toe bumper, SuperGum rubber outsole with 4 mm lugs, Ortholite sockliner, Quicklace system
Pros
- Mirage Tech Metallic Men S Lifestyle Sneaker White
- Stuart Weitzman two-tone round-toe boots
- Shadow 6000 Sneakers In Grey Suede And Fabric
- Interchangeable lacing options
Cons
- Característiques Under armour Sabates Running Micro G Pursuit Bp
- Slightly narrow toebox
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) |
| GTX Weight | 11.3 oz (M), 9.6 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
Shoemaker Luigi Parisotto purchased the Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, or Scarpa, in 1956. Today, his descendants are at the helm and still crafting alpine boots and climbing footwear, with the addition of a few trail-running shoes. One such model is the Ribelle Run, a durable trainer billed for the types of rocky terrain you’d find in the Italian foothills where the company got its start. The terrain in Eastern Pennsylvania offers a similar rugged playground for our NAKEDs in the shoe.
“Traction was excellent on the sandstone of the Appalachian Trail, on slippery clay-like mud around local lakes, and through deeper water crossings,” said one NAKED, who found the 4mm lugs gripped well despite being shorter than those of her favorite Salomon Speedcross. The outsole still gave her enough traction on the trails of French Creek State Park’s Endurance Fest after several rain-soaked days in early spring. We owe a portion of that to Scarpa’s expertise as a climbing brand, capable of formulating its own impressive mix of rubber compounds.
We found it durable like a mountaineering sole, but on par with, if not slightly tackier than, Vibram’s MegaGrip on wet surfaces. It’s a dense and firm material that one NAKED, who frequently breaks the studs off his shoes, couldn’t crack even after more than 60 miles on the rockiest terrain he could find.
Part of Scarpa’s “they don’t make ’em like they used to” quality comes from the fact that, well, many brands literally don’t. The midsole uses a pretty outdated EVA material that’s responsive enough, but unexciting as most companies upgrade to bouncier Pebax, TPU, or plush super foams. It’s a protective and seriously stiff ride with enough impact absorption—and some extra softness from an Ortholite insole. But NAKEDs told us its responsiveness drops as the miles increase or the mercury plummets.
“Scarpa da running Nike Flex Experience Run 9 Donna Nero Speedgoat BOOTS a revers fourrées cuir Hoka a run for its money,” said one NAKED, who wore the shoe for his annual April Foolish 50K race. “Not so much for the cushioning, but because the narrower platform makes the Ribelle Run feel more nimble.”
Also waning in the current shoe-scape are heavy overlays. While the GTX model uses a waterproof membrane, both versions still have a thermally welded TPU film that’s further reinforced by ripstop polyester. Those layers meet a hard rubber toe rand, inspired by the brand’s climbing shoes, and a stabilizing TPU frame that halos the entire heel and arch.
As you’d expect, it makes for an insanely sturdy exoskeleton—testers told us it’s impenetrable by pointy rocks and sharp trail debris. (Make a fist and give it a tap. It’ll sound like someone is knocking at your door.) But, the construction adds weight and limits the upper’s stretch on a shoe that’s already lower-volume in fit and tight in the toebox.
Clearly, that snug fit didn’t constrain our ultra-savvy NAKEDs, mentioned earlier. They told us that’s due in part to the sock-like upper, which tightens on a cinched pulley system. One NAKED told us it was easy to adjust for more wiggle room when her feet swelled after five hours on the trail. Still, if you really hate the long quicklaces, dig around in the tissue paper of your shoebox. Scarpa’s got a pair of traditional laces in there for you to swap in.
More NAKED Feedback
Shelby B. | NAKED since 2021
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
On the Scarpa Ribelle Run:
“After several days of rain, I raced an ultra in French Creek State Park with the kind of mud that sucks the shoes right off a runner. The Scarpa Ribelle Run has a secure ankle fit from the flexible, sock-like collar that’s unlike I’ve ever experienced previously—you’ll need the back pull tab to get these shoes on. It kept trail debris out of my shoes and felt locked-in. The rest of the upper felt airy due to the vented side panels, but not stretchy. The side panels helped with drainage on really wet, puddle-filled trails. (My feet did still get wet, but the shoes drained quickly, which kept me from feeling waterlogged as I ran through deeper stream crossings.)
“These shoes have supportive midlevel cushioning. It is not mushy-soft, but still has enough comfort. I never felt like I was slamming my feet on rocky or hard-packed trails. The rubber outsole also wraps up at the front of the shoe, which helped protect my toes from dings and rocks. I have trouble finding shoes that feel secure in the heel, and these Scarpas felt both comfortable and secure in that area. However, the forefoot and toebox were too narrow for me and my toes felt pinched. Shape the toebox more like a Topo or Altra and we’re in business!”
Jonathan D. | NAKED since 2014
Arch Height: High | Pronation: Underpronator | Footstrike: Heel
On the Scarpa Ribelle Run GTX:
“I enjoy shoes with firmer, responsive rides and this shoe was quite firm and stiff. It’s not a super soft or luxurious ride by any means. But when running full-out during a trail race with a lot of rocks, this shoe felt protective. I was stoked with the shoe’s performance on more technical trails—even though the extra protection meant losing some ground feel.
“I could feel that the midsole design was trying to prevent rolling an ankle. I was comfortable opening up my stride as I never felt unstable over rocks and roots. But the way my high arches were being forced inwards felt odd at first.
“My Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 feels snug and tight like a soccer cleat. The Ribelle Run GTX had a little more room and coziness from the extra interior padding. The fit was snug, but not uncomfortable (besides the fact that the waterproof upper felt like a sauna). The stowing strap that is situated over the tongue keeps the slack from the speed lacing stowed. But without a lace garage, it is left open to being snagged in heavy brush.
“I had occasional slips in some of the leafier sections on the hills, but the outsole stuck to the dry rocks. This made hiking up the hills much more enjoyable, and made the flat rocky paths a joy to just bulldoze through. The solid and stout lugs really helped keep me upright and my heels planted for my next step on the downhills.”
