Remember when “trail runner” meant burly and heavy with a big drop? It appears SCARPA has found a new normal with the Ignite. It has a rock plate and aggressive tread, yet weighs in at just 10.2 oz for a size 42. The upper provides protection and support, yet breathes nicely.

Security of Fit
Testers disagreed on the fit of this shoe, which means you are going to have to try it for yourself. Male testers found the fit to be secure and locked down in the forefoot, but sloppy in the heel, and female testers found the fit to be medium throughout with plenty of room to move in the toe box and nothing out of the ordinary with heel slippage. Go figure.

Comfort & Protection
This shoe’s midsole runs on the firm side and a forefoot rock plate increases underfoot protection and rigidity, yet the Ignites are still comfortable. When you are laced up and ready to go, your feet feel like they are ready for business—think tempo run instead of LSD. That said, they have room in case feet swell over the course of long miles. Padding around the cuff and tongue is comparable to other shoes in this category.

Speed
All in all, speed is average for this category. During your workout, you are going to get out of it what you put into it.

Agility & Traction
The agility was notch or two above average. On fast downhills and turns, the forefoot is secure with no toe banging. Some male testers felt it suffered in loose terrain due to lack of heel security. The multi-directional 4.5-mm lugs are not so big that firm rocks or pavement feel squishy, and grabbed well in soft earth and on gravelly turns. 

Energy Efficiency
This struck me as an energy neutral shoe. The firm outsole feels solid and efficient under foot with no residual “spring.”

Value
At $125, this shoe is at the high-middle of the price spectrum for this category.