Trail RunningScarpaTrail Running Shoes

Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes review: an all-round runner for mixed terrain

A versatile, door-to-trail daily trainer that blends grip, comfort and cushioning.

✓  Top PickScarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 Weight300 gDrop4 mmPrice£145 The good✓  Comfortable out of the box
✓  Lightweight at 300 g
✓  Versatile across road and trail
✓  Good value for money
✓  Impressive durability after 200 km
✓  Sock-like fit keeps debris out
✓  Wide toe box, no hot spots
The not-so-good✗  Not dedicated trail shoes
✗  Lack bite on technical terrain
✗  No rock plate
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At a glance

Buy the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 at Scarpa →

Overview

Scarpa is one of those brands that tends to crop up in kit lists for proper mountain missions — crampons, alpine boots, approach shoes and, more recently, some seriously capable trail runners. Born in northern Italy and shaped by the Dolomites, Scarpa’s footwear is built on mountain heritage. We have previously tested their Ribelle Run 2s and found them to be a high-performance choice for technical terrain, so our expectations for their more road-friendly Golden Gate ATR 2s were high.

As the AT in ‘ATR’ suggests, the Golden Gate ATR 2s are Scarpa’s ‘all terrain’ trainers, geared toward runners who need comfort and grip on everything from tarmac and towpaths to farm tracks and hilly trails. They are proper door-to-trail shoes with just the right blend of cushioning and control, and they weigh in at just 300 g for a UK 10.5. That puts them firmly in lightweight territory — especially impressive when you consider how durable they have turned out to be. They are not waterproof, but the airy mesh uppers dry quickly and help keep feet cool. At the time of writing, they retail for £145.

They slot in just above the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2s and are more affordable than the Hoka Challenger 7s. While the Hokas bring maximalist cushioning, we found the Golden Gate ATR 2s far more responsive. Compared to the Terrex, they have more durable uppers and a more secure feel thanks to the sock-like lining. For city-based runners who link up laps of the park with canal towpaths or gravel tracks on the edge of town, they stand out as genuine all-rounders.

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How we tested

To put these shoes through their paces, we clocked up serious mileage across a variety of terrain that UK runners will know all too well — rolling countryside, rocky ridgelines, and the ever-reliable forest path. The first outing was a hilly half marathon from Puttenham, a classic loop that stitches together country lanes, sandy woodland trails and stretches of undulating farmland. Despite being fresh out of the box, the Golden Gate ATR 2s felt instantly comfortable and grippy enough to let us settle in and enjoy the run, rather than thinking about our feet.

A few days later, we took them to the Lake District to see how they handled something a bit more demanding. First up was a loop of Blencathra via Halls Fell Ridge and Sharp Edge — classic Lakeland terrain, with enough rock, exposure and loose scree to keep you on your toes. The Scarpas held firm, even on the sharp, slabby descents. The next day, we lined up the George Fisher Espresso Round: 20 km with 1,082 m of ascent through the Newlands valley. Again, the ATR 2s handled the mix of trail and tarmac with confidence, staying snug and supportive on the descents while still feeling lively on the flats.

Back home, they have become our go-to for everyday training. Most of our sessions have been in the easy to tempo range, and the Golden Gate ATR 2s have handled it all — from gravel and soft-packed forest trails to those tedious stretches of road needed to get there and back. They have slotted effortlessly into our weekly rotation and done a fine job of disappearing beneath us — which is exactly what a good pair of training shoes should do.

Features and performance

Fit and feel

Scarpa has clearly paid attention to what runners actually need when tackling a bit of everything. The uppers are a stand-out from the get-go: sheer, abrasion-resistant mesh that is so light you can see your sock pattern through them. They might look flimsy, but do not be fooled — they have shrugged off thorns, rocky scrambles and bracken without so much as a thread out of place. They are not waterproof, which might put off the GORE-TEX faithful, but the breathability and rapid drying time more than make up for it.

Inside, the shoes wrap your feet in a stretchy, sock-like lining that adds both comfort and function. It creates a snug fit that keeps debris out and adds a bit of lateral support too — something we really appreciated on off-camber trails. Paired with wide toe boxes, solid heel cups and a pressure-free lacing system, it is a setup that stayed comfortable over long distances straight out of the box. No rubbing, no hot spots, no faff.

With a 4 mm drop and a stack height of 28 mm at the heel and 24 mm at the toe, they naturally suit midfoot strikers — but even those used to a bigger drop will find the transition relatively gentle. Once you do make the switch, it is a seriously smooth and stable ride, no matter where the day’s route takes you.

“They have slotted effortlessly into our weekly rotation and done a fine job of disappearing beneath us — which is exactly what a good pair of training shoes should do.”

On the trail

Beneath your feet, Scarpa’s own PRESA outsoles replace the usual suspects like Vibram or Continental. And honestly, we did not miss them. After 200 km, the soles are still in great nick, and the 4 mm lugs offer confident grip across the kind of ground most UK runners will encounter — gravel tracks, forest singletrack, and rocky ridge lines. It is only on steep, loose gravel climbs or wet grassy slopes where things start to feel a bit sketchy, but that is the trade-off for having a pair that also runs so smoothly on tarmac.

That smoothness is helped along by Scarpa’s Bounce Foam midsoles with i-Respond tech — a setup that gives just enough bounce without sacrificing trail feel. The ride is cushioned, for sure, but it never feels mushy. There is no rock plate here, and while that keeps the weight down, it does mean sharp stones can occasionally make their presence known underfoot.

In use across the UK

From long loops in the Lake District to weekday efforts in local woods, the Golden Gate ATR 2s quickly became our go-to training shoes. On Blencathra’s rocky ridgelines, they gave us confidence and stability. On winding forest paths and open fields, the grip felt secure. Even plodding along a few miles of pavement to reach the trailhead was not a chore — there is enough bounce to keep things feeling fresh.

They are not made for technical mountain missions, and they are not racers, but for the everyday British runner tackling a bit of everything — mud, road, rock, grass — these shoes fit the bill. And crucially, they have held up well. After 200 km, the soles are barely worn and the uppers still look sharp. That kind of durability matters when you are shelling out £145.

Buy the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 at Scarpa →

Our verdictDurable, dependable and genuinely versatile — a solid buy for the everyday British runner.In a world where trail running shoes are getting increasingly niche — and increasingly expensive — the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2s do a brilliant job of ticking multiple boxes. Lightweight, comfortable, grippy and breathable, they transition beautifully from pavement to trail. We would not take them fell running or up wet grassy slopes, and we would love to see a rock plate in a future version, but those are minor quibbles.These are not flashy, carbon-plated shoes or something built purely for race day. They are durable, dependable trainers for real runners clocking real miles across the mixed terrain we know and love here in the UK. And for that, they are a solid buy.Buy the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 →

FAQs

How durable are the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes?Very. After 200 km of mixed-terrain use, there is barely any wear on the soles and the thin mesh uppers show no signs of damage. Compared to rivals like the Adidas Terrex Flow 2 and Saucony Peregrine 12, these are some of the more hard-wearing trail running shoes we have tested.

How much traction do the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes deliver?Excellent on most UK terrain. The PRESA outsoles and 4 mm lugs grip well on tarmac, dry trail, grass and rocky paths. They are less effective on loose gravel climbs or muddy descents, but that is the trade-off for better road feel and comfort.

How breathable are the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes?Exceptionally breathable. The thin, unlined mesh uppers offer maximum airflow and dry quickly. On hot days or sweaty tempo runs, your feet will not feel like they are stuck in a greenhouse.

How warm are the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes?Not insulated — and not meant to be. The ultra-thin mesh uppers prioritise ventilation. Ideal for year-round use with the right socks, but do not expect cosy winter warmth.

Are the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes worth the money?At £145, yes. Lightweight, vegan-friendly, handles road and trail equally well, and holds up brilliantly over time. A smart investment for anyone who needs one pair to do it all.