For a brand that’s been around for over 90 years, it’s refreshing to see new innovations added to Scarpa’s trail running shoe range. Calling on years of experience and knowledge, Scarpa has collaborated with multiple Mountain Running World Champion Marco De Gasperi on their new range.
From short to ultra distances, Scarpa’s range of off-road running shoes aims to provide the right shoe for your environment. Waterproof shoe options like the Ribelle Run GTX have an injection of Gore-Tex to protect the feet when splashing through icy puddles on wet trails. While models such as the Golden Gate are designed to provide a shoe that’ll perform both on paved surfaces and off-road, for your ultimate hybrid running shoe.
If you’re the type of runner that needs that extra bit of cushioning while running, Scarpa have created the Spin Ultra and Spin Infinity for comfort over long distances. Meanwhile for fell runners, the Golden Gate Kima RT has an enclosed carbon plate and new foam construction designed to reduce fatigue and perform on the most technical of trails.
Perhaps you’re looking to get into skyrunning or are after a more protective technical shoe for rough mountain terrain - the Ribelle Run should tick all those boxes and more. All Scarpa trail running shoes come in both men’s and women’s options, with a gender-specific last (mould) and different colourways to choose from.
Scarpa Ribelle Run: features
The Ribelle Run has previously won ‘Performance Trail Shoe of the Year 2021’ with us at Trail Running Magazine, and it’s easy to see why. Designed for rough mountain running and skyrunning over short to medium distances, the Ribelle (pronounced Rib-el-ee) aims to take on a variety of technical terrain with both precision and comfort.
Starting at the toe of the shoe, an extended toe bumper wraps around the whole shoe to protect the foot from errant rocks and rough surfaces.
The striking upper made with Scarpa’s Sock-Fit LW construction combines a breathable mesh bootie with reinforced, heat-sealed sections for durability, which aim to provide a snug fit while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Despite its lightweight and performance-oriented design, comfort remains a key consideration in the Ribelle, which has an Ortholite insole and padded EVA band surrounding the shoe to gently cushion the heel and tongue.
A good mountain running shoe must provide a secure fit so that the foot isn’t sliding about during descents or rocky sections. Scarpa has implemented this into its design with a reduced volume for a snug hold and upper which wraps the foot and locks in the heel.
The lacing system with lock clasp and band should make for easy adjustment and help avoid any pressure points when tightening the shoe.
On the sole of the shoe Scarpa has used its Supergum outsole with 4mm lugs to provide extreme grip on both wet and dry surfaces, coming into its prime on technical, uneven terrain. The Ribelle Run is also available in a Gore-Tex version for extra protection from the elements when winter running.
Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT: features
The Golden Gate Kima is another technical trail running shoe, specifically designed to boost performance during fell running.
The main goal of the Kima RT is to reduce fatigue out on the fells, which is achieved through the use of a 3D carbon plate and responsive double-layer midsole foam that combine to make the shoe as responsive and energised as possible. The ideal behind this being that the runner is able to move faster and with more precision over technical terrain, with less energy expenditure.
The vegan-friendly shoe has a double-layer upper, which combines microfibre for structure and an anti-abrasion mesh to add durability, with the aim to remain breathable on the go.
A new last has been developed for the Kima RT based on the average runner’s foot, which translates to less volume in the forefoot in order to create a more snug fit.
Inside the shoe you’ll find the same Sock-Fit LW as the Ribelle, which is designed to gently wrap the foot and prevent any pressure points forming as you run. An additional internal cage (like the ribs of the shoe) made from micro-suede should equal more lateral stability when running.
The all-important lugs set along a Supergum outsole are a healthy 6mm in length, which should hold provide unrivalled traction and performance across the wettest and most technical of terrain.