The Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR is a versatile road and trail running shoe that provides a comfortable, cushioned ride without sacrificing responsiveness or grip. With its durable construction and Presa outsole, this shoe is perfect for mixed terrain, from paved roads to groomed trails.
Main features:
- Durable Presa outsole: Provides excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces.
- Cushioned midsole: Provides a comfortable ride without being too soft.
- 4mm heel to toe height: Promotes a midfoot landing for improved efficiency.
- Lightweight design: It weighs 255 grams for men and 215 grams for women.
- Support rod: Provides a secure fit and stability.
I bought the Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR shoes to replace my aging On Cloud Flyers which didn’t even fit well enough to wear to the pub (as trendy as they were). I finally got tired of the constant cleaning required to keep the sole clear and the degradation of bounce for running. The Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 shoe has been a great replacement for the type of races I do, which are training runs over shorter distances and cliff approaches over varied terrain.
The Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 are a big improvement over the original shoes. The soft bounce and Presa sole provide an excellent all-round running experience.
Performance:
The Golden Gate 2 ATR shines on mixed terrain, providing a balance of comfort and responsiveness. The cushioned midsole provides ample protection on hard surfaces, while the Presa outsole provides excellent traction on trails. The shoe’s 4mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a midfoot landing, promoting efficiency and helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Although the Golden Gate 2 ATR is not designed for deep mud, it handles softer ground well, making it ideal for trails with variable conditions. The shoe’s lightweight design and responsive midsole make it suitable for both long runs and tempo workouts. The excellent Presa sole has been tested on a variety of Scarpa running shoes as well as hiking shoes and boots. It is durable and provides secure grip on dry, rocky ground. The 4mm lugs aren’t really aggressive enough for very muddy terrain or steep, wet grass, but for most standard training style running it has been excellent.
I really enjoyed all my summer trail running in these shoes – so comfortable.
Fit and comfort:
The Golden Gate 2 ATR offers a comfortable and secure fit. The upper is well ventilated with durable, breathable mesh and the Sock Fit LW tongue provides ample support, while it features a gusset to keep debris out. The lacing system worked very well and you should be able to slip on a variety of lacing styles depending on your foot shape. The shoe runs true to size and the toe box is roomy enough to allow your toes to spread out naturally. The front bumper provides just enough protection from water and debris, but it’s very soft, so don’t expect protection from toe stubs! They are a great alternative to my general trail running shoes.
The heel feels nice and stiff and I really liked this feature because about a year ago I injured my Achilles tendon, so the extra support it offered was really welcome. The heel is finished with a nice, large pull tab that not only helps with getting the shoes on and off, but is also a piece of gear to hook onto my climbing harness for descending cliffs.
Stiff enough to provide safety on rough scree descents.
General impression:
The Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR is a versatile and comfortable road-trail running shoe that is well suited to runners who enjoy mixed terrain. With its durable construction, responsive midsole, and excellent traction, this shoe is a solid choice for runners looking for a reliable and versatile option. They have proven to be a very versatile shoe that I have worn during all my summer runs, hikes, gym sessions and climbing approaches. They are super light, very agile and very comfortable in hot weather. One downside is that the ATR 2 shoes only come in full sizes, so you need to be sure of their fit – I tested a UK size 8 and found them a bit bigger, so had to wear thicker socks for a better fit. I would like to have half size options.
The Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR is available in two colors and sizes 40 to 48 EUR. There is a women’s specific version that is available in one color and sizes 36 to 42 EUR.
The RRP is £145 and they can be purchased directly from Scarpa UK and specialist retailers.
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