Scarpa Ribelle HD - First Impressions

[Mudd Foot]

Not sure what easy on the Achilles means; having owed both the Ribelle HD’s and the Charmoz, the Charmoz would be my suggestion.


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[Simon98]

Thanks ... since last using my current winter boots nearly three years ago I have got a permanent tendonitis on one side, even before that wearing those boots all day sometimes would be very uncomfortable on the Achilles. Will look into Charmoz.

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

I'm looking for a boot that can take C1 crampons that is easy on the Achilles, reading reviews this seems to be a good option. Does anyone with Achilles issues have any experience with these. (Mammut Kento is another option but sounds like poor grip on the sole). Thanks.

I've had achilles tendonitis for the past 2 years and as much as I love the Ribelle's because it holds my heel in better than any other boot, my Achilles do seem to get a touch aggravated.

After a little more rehab on my Achilles I did try the Ribelle again this past season for a couple hikes. When slow hunting off trail in the timber, I really like the support and didn't notice any issues. Walking on the harder packed trail or faster pace is when I have been noticing my tendonitis.

I've been running the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX instead which has been easier but don't think they're C1 crampon compatible. The Zodiac Tech's had an even more vertical heel element so maybe no problem for the Achilles, but my heel just moved too much in them so I returned them.

Seems like a catch-22 in that the boots that would hold my heel in less have less pressure on the Achilles.

Good luck as I feel your pain!

 

[lifeisgoodsteve]

Ok, for those who love the Ribelle HD, who'll be the first to test out the Ribelle Lite HD ??

RIBELLE® LITE HD MEN'S

<p>The Ribelle® Lite HD combines the efficiency and agility of the Dynamic Tech Roll System with a lighter more flexible upper, setting the bar for lightweight mountain footwear.</p>

us.scarpa.com

 

[Spoonman]

Ok, for those who love the Ribelle HD, who'll be the first to test out the Ribelle Lite HD ??

RIBELLE® LITE HD MEN'S

<p>The Ribelle® Lite HD combines the efficiency and agility of the Dynamic Tech Roll System with a lighter more flexible upper, setting the bar for lightweight mountain footwear.</p>

us.scarpa.com

Look good. Glad they stuck with the Hdry.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Ok, for those who love the Ribelle HD, who'll be the first to test out the Ribelle Lite HD ??

RIBELLE® LITE HD MEN'S

<p>The Ribelle® Lite HD combines the efficiency and agility of the Dynamic Tech Roll System with a lighter more flexible upper, setting the bar for lightweight mountain footwear.</p>

us.scarpa.com

It’s about time they released them in North America. They have been out for a couple years atleast in Europe. If you do some searches, you can find some reviews from over there. I may try out a pair when they are in stock.


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[lifeisgoodsteve]

FYI - For any who've been considering the Ribelle HD, looks like they're on sale a few places at a big discount from about $350 to $287. Saw REI and Backcountry advertise this so may be others soo.

 

[Braaap]

I bought a pair of Ribelle HD boots last year and finally decided that they don’t work for me. I love the fit of my Zodiac plus boots but wanted a more heavy duty boot so I contacted Scarpa and it turns out the Ribelle is based on a different last and has a different fit than Zodiac boots. Below is the response I received from Scarpa.

“Thank you so much for reaching out. The Zodiac Tech and Zodiac Plus are formed from the same last, BZH, so they will have the same fit! The Ribelle uses a different last than the Zodiac line, and is a littler higher volume in both the forefoot and the midfoot.”

The issue I have with the Ribelle is volume so this made perfect sense. I bought a pair of Zodiac Tech’s to replace the Ribelle and they’re perfect. I have a low volume foot but like a wide toe box and the Zodiac line is the best I’ve found for me.

Hopefully this helps anyone considering these two boots.

 

[esven89]

Any updates on people using these boots? I’m in the market and was thinking of getting a set. Long term thoughts?

 

[9.3koolaid]

Any updates on people using these boots? I’m in the market and was thinking of getting a set. Long term thoughts?

Mine are no longer waterproof after 3 years.

 

[Spoonman]

Mine are no longer waterproof after 3 years.

Same here.

 

[Neverenoughhntn]

Not real long term, as this is my first season with these, but have well over 300+ miles on mine since August in rough, rocky terrain in WY, and CO. Still waterproof, and in phenomenal shape. Leather, rands, stitching, soles, and even original laces, all in perfect shape. Having tried several other brands over the years, I’m thoroughly impressed with the ribelle hds!

Conparatively….Past experiences, in similar terrain and miles, I've had the following issues:

Schnees & Kenetrek - Rand peeling, leather cracking and gouged by rock. Lost waterproof relatively quick.

Crispi (Briksdal SF models X3 pair) - Hands down the most comfortable boots out of the box, but stitching near the lower ankle comes apart in 1 season. Loses waterproof relatively quick. Soles/traction wear significantly quicker than most. Ankle lock on the lacing system - only the metal hook version lasts more than a season for me.


Contrarily, the only issue I had with the ribelle hds, is the break in took a LONG while for me. Light blistering, on my right heel, for probably the first 100 miles. Granted, this is individual/personal fit issue; however, I will say it never got to the point of being debilitating (1st trip was 18 miles in 3 days, and second trip was 60+ miles in 7 days).

…another random positive for these boots, is I don’t ever seem to have to re-tie them throughout the day (for whatever that’s worth).

 

[esven89]

Thanks for the feedback! I bought a 46 and 46.5 this evening online to figure out what fits my foot best! I’m stoked for new boots! My 13 year old danners need to be retired lol