Just a message for guys who are in the stiffer boot category of preference. I got a brand new pair of Scarpa Ribelle HD in July this year as I had previously had the Ribelle lite's (Synthetic) and they had started leaking in September 2024, basically the first wet conditions they faced, they leaked after about 30 minutes. By the time i got done with hunts for the fall and called Scarpa, turns out those synthetics were outside of their warranty, but Scarpa gave me a 40% off coupon for new boots. So I went with the HD's which are leather thinking I could treat the leather and it would be more waterproof. To note, I love these boots fit with an insole. They are super comfortable for me and feel awesome in steep terrain and on the trail.
Back to the HD's; I did not wear these boots outside the house until mid August when I did a couple hikes to just get them broke in. No rain or moisture whatsoever. I also treated them with Kenetrek's leather waterproof treatment. Go out in September chasing elk here in Idaho. First day it rained, literally in 4 minutes I could feel the water coming through the tongue. Socks were completely soaked in 8-10 mins of these boots first rain. I've had boots lose waterproof after half a year of use but this is a record for me. Just a cautionary tale for guys looking at these boots. I'm going to be working on a warranty with Scarpa but it's annoying.
Back to the HD's; I did not wear these boots outside the house until mid August when I did a couple hikes to just get them broke in. No rain or moisture whatsoever. I also treated them with Kenetrek's leather waterproof treatment. Go out in September chasing elk here in Idaho. First day it rained, literally in 4 minutes I could feel the water coming through the tongue. Socks were completely soaked in 8-10 mins of these boots first rain. I've had boots lose waterproof after half a year of use but this is a record for me. Just a cautionary tale for guys looking at these boots. I'm going to be working on a warranty with Scarpa but it's annoying.
