SCARPA PROTON

PRICE: £110
WEIGHT: 386g

If you’re after a shoe for cruising along hardpack and gravel tracks, look no further than the Scarpa Proton. It’s incredibly comfy straight out of the box, due to a plush upper, well-cushioned midsole and supportive heel cage. With a 10mm drop, Scarpa say the Proton is aimed at beginner runners, but it would be ideal for heel strikers or road runners new to the trails. It’s quite built-up compared to other shoes, but it has a really comfortable ride and excellent stability features.

The Vibram outsole, constructed from what feels like a tough, hard-wearing compound, should take a beating, and although the lugs aren’t huge, they’ll certainly do the job on harder surfaces. The tough stub protector and elastic lace pocket are well thought-out features. It might not be the speediest, but for cruising, training and longer distances, it’s
a good addition from Scarpa.

VERDICT

Best for ALPINE RACES. A comfy, stable shoe – great for runners new to easier, hardpacked alpine trails.

Grip: 7/10
Cushioning: 9/10
Precision: 6/10