The weather is finally getting to a place where you are don't need as many layers to keep warm just to go for a run, or you may just be ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Scarpa Golden Gate 2
Scarpa Spin Planet
Scarpa Golden Gate 2
About: Don't let tricky terrain hold you back. The Golden Gate 2s boast a grippy outsole that digs into dirt, gravel, and even loose rock with tenacious ferocity. You'll conquer any course with surefooted confidence, letting you focus on the beauty of the trail instead of worrying about your next step.
Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a weekend warrior just starting your off-road adventures, the Scarpa Golden Gate 2s are a fantastic choice. These shoes are true all-rounders, accommodating runners of all experience levels.
Quote: Golden Gate 2s: They won't just conquer the trail, they'll leave it breathless.
R.C from Colorado
Things We Liked:
"The grip on trails is excellent!"
"It's nice to have a pair of trail shoes that are both comfortable and capable on the majority of terrain.
Areas for Improvement:
"I would like to see Scarpa make a wide version of this shoe also. "
"I would like to see the material of the mid foot and tongue allow for more adjustment for a more comfortable fit, but I guess you have to sacrifice some things to achieve such a light weight shoe."
Final Thoughts
The Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR is a trail running shoe that offers a good balance of comfort and performance on various terrains. Its streamline design provides a responsive midsole that gives excellent cushioning and support, ideal for longer runs or technical trails. The shoe's outsole delivers reliable traction, ensuring stability and confidence on both wet and dry surfaces. Additionally, the Golden Gate 2 ATR boasts a breathable upper that promotes airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable throughout your run. Whether you're running technical trails or putting in long miles on smoother paths, this shoe does well in delivering a reliable and enjoyable running experience.
However, runners with wider feet may find the fit to be narrow, requiring a break-in period to achieve optimal comfort. Additionally, while the shoe offers good stability, some runners may find the forefoot too stiff leaving them feeling like their stride is a little different. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR remains a solid choice for trail runners seeking a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of terrain types with confidence and reliability.
Specs:
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 7.6oz
- Price: $169
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size To Increase by 1/2 size
- Ideal For: Trail Running
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Scarpa Spin Planet
About: Comfort is the cornerstone of any trail shoe, and the SCARPA Spin Planet checks all the right boxes in this category. From the moment you lace up, you’ll notice how snug and secure the shoe wraps around your foot, courtesy of its uniquely engineered integrated tongue. Nice and thin, this tongue provides ample protection from laces, guards the foot from debris sneaking in, and won’t slide out of place as the miles rack up.
For those tackling longer distances, rest assured the Spin Planet provides ample room in the toe box to allow for natural foot expansion plus boosts it comfort rating with an adequately padded heel cup that’s completely free of any plastic components. Unlike other roomy shoes that leave you sliding around, the Spin Planet's just-right padding provides support without compromising your hard-as-nails trail runner status.
I really like the fit and feel of this shoe! After a 25 mile test-drive run, the thing that stood out most was around the nice balance of firmness and cushion. I would definitely reach for these for longer runs or ultra distances.
Things We Liked:
"Spin Planets fit really well around the foot when you find the correct size. I'd suggest starting with 1/2 size up."
"What impressed me the most is how well this shoe performs in wet conditions. I can confidently run across slippery rocks without worry and it was incredible how fast they could drain water and dry after hopping through several water crossings."
Areas for Improvement:
"Tongue seems too large and doesn't have much adjustability. It has a tendency to fold over if you don't manage it. Laces don't have enough holes to do a proper running lockdown, and the laces are quite long."
"I couldn’t find a way to heel lock my laces well enough. That being said, the heel slips a bit on me and I almost lost my shoes to some mud pits.
Final Thoughts
In the quest for an eco-friendly, sustainable trail shoe that doesn't compromise on comfort and durability, the SCARPA Spin Planet emerges as a trailblazer. As the trail running community increasingly embraces environmentally conscious choices, this shoe proves that you can tread lightly on the planet without sacrificing performance or comfort. Lace up a pair, hit the trails, and leave nothing but eco-friendly footprints in your wake.
Specs:
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 10.2oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size To Increase by 1/2 Size
- Ideal For: Speed, Recovery, Long Distances
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Check out the other shoes in the Spring Shoe Guide.