Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT – Test and Review

Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT

First impressions and fit:

On unboxing these trainers, you can immediately see they mean business. They are equipped with an impressive sole sporting a “Presa SuperGum outsole” which Scarpa have designed for “ultimate traction and security when venturing above the treeline”.

I have fairly wide feet and, like most runners, size up in trainers and therefore trialled a ½ size up. I usually favour a wide fit shoe, or more foot shaped brands like Altra but these accommodated my feet with no issues. In fact, these felt good straight out the box and needed no real bedding in. They have a firm feel, which won’t be for everyone, but as they are sold as a low cushioning shoe that shouldn’t come as a surprise. I tested them during November, in the good old British weather, so I wasn’t able to see how they coped with the inevitable foot swell in the warmer months.

They are a 6mm drop, which is a change from my normal zero drop shoes but I had no issues with this. It is, however, always recommended when transitioning to change in drop, to do so gradually.

The laces have a stretchy feel and remained tied throughout all my runs (even when dunked in a peat bog) – something all runners appreciate! They gave a secure fit, but if I was being picky, they are slightly on the long side so could get caught on loose branches etc. They are the more traditional style not the quick cinch lacing system Scarpa have adopted for the Ribelle Run.

So just what are they like to run in?

The trainers utilise Scarpas Sock-fit LW technology to provide a “dialled in fit for moving fast over technical terrain”. I have to agree with Scarpa – they seem to hug your foot and move with you enabling you to just let go and trust in them. I felt the shoes handled everything I threw at them and some. Whether you are out for a run on the trails, or competing you need to have trainers you can trust to have your back and not give a second thought to.

The midsole features two different densities of a SCARPA exclusive “Active EVA” compound. The lower layer, in a softer density, is designed to “cushion foot strike and adapt to rocky terrain”. The upper layer of medium density Active EVA is there to “provide support and structure to minimize foot fatigue”. They also feature a 1mm, multi-layer carbon fiber plate that acts to both protect the underfoot and provide energy for propulsion.

I must agree with Scarpa here – they felt firm but responsive on whatever surface I encountered. These trainers are predominantly designed to cope with mountains and harsh terrain, which is obviously where they excel, however for me a trail shoe needs to be a good all-rounder to make it into my extensive trainer collection. I therefore tested them on sand, wet rock, loose stones, slabs, wet grass, mud/peat (various depths and consistencies), tree roots, hard-packed trails and road.

So how did they perform?

After testing the Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT trainers for a month over every trail surface on my usual stomping ground I felt like I had got to know them rather well. However, to really test their capabilities, I took them (or should I say they took me!) on a 19-mile loop around Edale taking in Jacobs Ladder, Kinder and Broadlee Bank and boy did they perform.

Although not designed specifically for muddy terrain they coped well and shed most of the peat and mud – meaning much less slippage than many trail shoes I have ran in. They had a full dunking numerous times on the Pennine Way and came out ready to fight on. I glided over loose stones and gravel, and they had superb traction on wet slippery rocks.

The carbon plate gave more than adequate protection underfoot on stony surfaces, and for those runners, like me, who have a tendency to play rock football in the mountains you won’t find a better protective toe cap.  The energy return was noticeable when heading into serious territory and with the secure fit I was able to let go when descending without fear of the trainers letting me down.

So, who should buy them?

They are clearly made for the mountains and so for you mountain goats out there, they are a great pair of trainers to add to your collection. However, having tested them on as many different terrains and surfaces as possible, in my opinion they aren’t just made for mountains and stand up well against stiff competition as a good all-rounder. With the bonus that they are also completely Vegan.

You can check out the mens Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT at https://www.scarpa.co.uk/running-shoes/golden-gate-kima-rt/ or at the ladies at https://www.scarpa.co.uk/running-shoes/golden-gate-kima-rt-wmn/ and there’s a choice of Grey-Azure or Lake Blue-Lime.

Reviewed by Charlotte Beddow