The Golden Gate ATR 2 is the update of Scarpa’s door-to-trail runner, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile shoe. With a lighter weight and more dynamic foam arrays, it feels more capable of handling longer-haul trails than some of its all-arounder competitors (the Saucony TR2, for example).
Since we’re usually only on pavement for shorter stretches en route to the more rugged goods, we prefer a shoe that is roughly 80 per cent trail and 20 per cent road. The new version of the Golden Gate excels on gravel, hard-packed dirt, rocky singletrack and meadow.
“These are now my go-to travel shoes because I know they’ll shine on any kind of terrain, and they might just replace my everyday trail and road shoes too. They’re nimble, stable, and reliable all in one.” – Pro ultrarunner Lucie Hanes
The fit is exceptionally snug yet forgiving. The EXO construction on the upper allows for ample flex without looseness. And the well-named SockFit is impressive—a one-piece tongue that wraps over the midfoot, adding stability to the sides—which is particularly reassuring when you’re making balletic moves over irregular rocks.
The midsole is dual-density Bounce Foam designed for shock absorption and rebound—the upper section (blue in the Azure/Lime men’s colorway) is softer and bouncier, while the lower section (white) is higher-density to protect your heel and forefoot. This setup delivers both support and thrust response.
The midsole stack (28/24mm) is in the mid-range, which makes this a good all-purpose, multi-terrain workhorse delivering a smooth ride. The Bounce Foam is protective while still allowing the runner to feel the ground and maintain stability.
The dual-density foam dampens impact, while simultaneously delivering responsiveness and thus better control. The Presa outsole boasts 3mm lugs, a standard depth for a combo trail/road shoe. The Presa system is especially effective at shedding excess dirt and debris.
While the new Golden Gate can easily handle pavement for shorter stretches, its strength is its adaptability over variable terrain. If you’re packing light and taking a single shoe while travelling, this would be a solid choice.
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