Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes review: an all-round runner for mixed terrain
Equally at home on tarmac and trail, the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2s are lightweight, breathable, and impressively durable training shoes – ideal for runners who bounce between pavements and paths.
Extra input from GBAC member and ML Tom Holding.
Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes
Ideal for: trail running and hiking on mixed terrain
Not suitable for: mountaineering or ultra marathons
The Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2s are lightweight, breathable trail running shoes built for the kind of mixed routes most UK runners tackle — where pavement gives way to park paths, forest trails and gravel tracks. Designed with 4mm lugs, a responsive midsole and a snug, sock-like fit, they strike an impressive balance between comfort, grip and ground feel. They’re not built for technical mountain days, but for everyday training across varied terrain, they’re reliable, versatile and easy to wear. After 200km of testing, they’ve held up brilliantly — and at £145, they offer solid value for runners after one pair that can do it all.
The Good
Comfortable
Lightweight
Versatile and usable on different terrain
Good value for money
Hold up well over time
The Bad
Not dedicated trail shoes
Lack bite on technical terrain
Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes review
Scarpa is one of those brands that tends to crop up in kit lists for proper mountain missions — think 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’ve 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 the latest version of 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’re proper door-to-trail shoes with just the right blend of cushioning and control, and they weigh in at just 300g for a UK 10.5. That puts them firmly in lightweight territory — especially impressive when you consider how durable they’ve turned out to be. They’re not waterproof, but the airy mesh uppers dry quickly and help keep feet cool. At the time of writing, they retail for £145.
While we’re on the subject of price, they slot in just above the Adidas Terrex Agravic Flow 2s and are more affordable than the Hoka Challenger 7s. And while the Hokas bring maximalist cushioning to the party, 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. In short, if your weekly mileage involves a blend of roads and trails, the Golden Gate ATR 2s stand out as genuine all-rounders — perfect for city-based runners who link up laps of the park with canal towpaths or gravel tracks on the edge of town.
How we tested the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2s
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: 20km with 1,082m 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’ve become our go-to for everyday training. Most of our sessions lately 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’ve slotted effortlessly into our weekly rotation and have done a fine job of disappearing beneath us — which is exactly what a good pair of training shoes should do.
Features and performance
Scarpa has clearly paid attention to what runners actually need when tackling a bit of everything, from gritty pavements to boggy bridleways. The uppers are a stand-out from the get-go: sheer, abrasion-resistant mesh that’s so light you can see your sock pattern through them. They might look flimsy, but don’t be fooled — they’ve shrugged off thorns, rocky scrambles and bracken without so much as a thread out of place. They’re not waterproof, which might put off the Gore-Tex faithful, but for us, the breathability and rapid drying time more than make up for it.
Beneath your feet, Scarpa’s own PRESA outsoles replace the usual suspects like Vibram or Continental. And honestly, we didn’t miss them. After 200km, the soles are still in great nick, and the 4mm lugs offer confident grip across the kind of ground most UK runners will encounter — think gravel tracks, forest singletrack, and rocky ridge lines. It’s only on steep, loose gravel climbs or wet grassy slopes where things start to feel a bit sketchy, but that’s 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. That said, there’s no rock plate here, and while that keeps the weight down, it does mean sharp stones can occasionally make their presence known underfoot.
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, which we really appreciated on off-camber trails. Paired with wide toe boxes, solid heel cups and a pressure-free lacing system, it’s a setup that stayed comfortable over long distances straight out of the box. No rubbing, no hot spots, no faff.
With a 4mm drop and a stack height of 28mm at the heel, 24mm at the toe, they naturally suit midfoot strikers — but even those used to a bigger drop will find the transition relatively gentle. Heel strikers just need to ease into it. Once you do, it’s a seriously smooth and stable ride, no matter where the day’s route takes you.
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 wasn’t a chore — there’s enough bounce to keep things feeling fresh.
They’re not made for technical mountain missions, and they’re 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’ve held up well. After 200km, the soles are barely worn and the uppers still look sharp. That kind of durability matters when you’re shelling out £145.
Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 trail running shoes FAQs
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Very. After 200km of mixed-terrain use, there’s 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’ve tested.
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Excellent on most UK terrain. The PRESA outsoles and 4mm lugs grip well on tarmac, dry trail, grass and rocky paths. They’re less effective on loose gravel climbs or muddy descents, but that’s the trade-off for better road feel and comfort.
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They’re not insulated, but they’re not meant to be. The ultra-thin mesh uppers are highly breathable, making them ideal for year-round use when paired with the right socks. Just don’t expect cosy winter warmth — these prioritise ventilation.
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Exceptionally breathable. The thin, unlined mesh uppers offer maximum airflow and dry quickly. On hot days or sweaty tempo runs, this is a real plus — your feet won’t feel like they’re stuck in a greenhouse.
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At £145, they’re not cheap — but they are worth it. For a lightweight, vegan-friendly pair that handles road and trail equally well, and holds up brilliantly over time, the price is justified. They’re a smart investment for anyone who needs one pair to do it all.
Conclusion
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. They’re lightweight, comfortable, grippy and breathable, and they transition beautifully from pavement to trail. We wouldn’t take them fell running or up wet grassy slopes, and we’d love to see a rock plate in a future version, but those are minor quibbles.
These aren’t flashy, carbon-plated shoes or something built purely for race day. They’re 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’re a solid buy.
