Golden Gate Kima RT Homme

I have a permanently dislocated second toe (torn off plantar plate), which means I have limited mobility in the joint and it is painful to bend (though for this condition I have a very high level of functionality). Before my injury I preferred minimalist shoes (not how I injured myself!). Now I need something that restricts the flexion force on my toe, and the carbon plate in these shoes works for this. These have a low to ground feel due to the low stack height, don't feel restrictive in the forefoot, and have a low drop. They a low level of stability control and I would prefer less, but it's not a problem. They are heavier than a minimalist shoe but do feel lighter on my feet than they are. Most other carbon plated shoes have a thick, soft, high rebound sole which I don't like. These are great for trail running due to the outsole and I have not had durability issues (I also wear these for everything else). My original pair's sole is almost worn flat now but the sole stiffness has not deteriorated too much (very little compared to non-carbon insole shoes I have used).

The Kima’s stayed in my closet untouched for a few months while I waited for alpine season before I realized that they weren’t just a high-mountain shoe. The sneaky carbon plate in these makes them an amazing pace-pusher on any kind of trail. They’re perfect for speedy interval workouts on rolling gravel roads and fast finishes for progressive long runs on singletrack. I find them incredibly responsive and fast to bounce back in time to keep up a quick cadence at higher speeds. They’re not the most cushioned SCARPA, so don’t rely on these for a daily trainer, but that’s not the point and they won’t get a real chance to shine that way. Pull out the Kima’s when it’s time to pull out all the stops!