RIBELLE® CROSS 2 GTX MEN'S

Good scrambling hiker

After one adventurous hike, it has good grip on rock, on steep ramps, over wet rocks and tree fall and was comfortable on even trail. I have a regular width and somewhat low volume foot. For me, it was true to size, an athletic and firm fit and surprisingly comfortable for a rigid shoe.

Backpacking shoe?

I only have 5 miles on them but I think they will work fine for backpacking. I don’t feel the sharp rocks through the sole and they are rigid enough with a 30 pound backpack that they feel stable on uneven surfaces. I had previously been using Ribelle Run shoes for backpacking and they worked great. I think these might be better. The only downside is that I didn’t want water proof shoes because they don’t dry out as fast as non water proof ones after crossing a deep stream.

Great hiking shoe/boot for varied terrain

TLDR - Frankenstein shoe. comfortable, conforming trail runner upper with a stable, supportive, comfortable midsole and a tank tread outsole. great for varied, uneven, rocky terrain. Fit - same size as every Scarpa shoe/boot I have owned (current Mid is Mescalito TRK GTX and recently Morraine Low and Mid). I have a wide forefoot and narrow heel. Due to the lack of reinforcement/protection aka rubber rand or suede on the upper outer side, the is enough "give" in the fabric to accommodate my wide foot. The heel has a little more volume than I need so there is minor heel slippage but this is a common fit issue for my feet .. nothing that causes problems with 15+ mile hikes. Upper - Basically feels & works like a trail runner upper. Comfortable and the Gore-tex has worked effectively in Spring conditions - loose snow and mud. Lacing system works well and tongue is nicely padded. Midsole - Good protection from sharp rocks and rough surfaces. Good balance of support with some cushion. Not a bouncer, soft midsole so the stability on varied , uneven terrain is good. Outsole - I really like the Presa SuperGum. The Moraine shoes I used on the O-Circuit last month had a version of this and I never had an issue with traction. Currently working great in Montana spring conditions.