“Fast and light” remains the North Star for technical trail footwear, and Arc’teryx just delivered a compelling new entrant to the crowded singletrack.
The Kopec 2 Low GTX maintains the same sleek look as before, but layers in significant fit and performance upgrades that elevate the low-profile shoe.
On-trail comfort is prioritized via the wider, more forgiving fit that’s meant to encourage toe splay, as well as a more responsive midsole foam, designed for improved energy return and protection from underfoot obstacles.
Revised construction continues with the reworked textile and synthetic upper, which features a redesigned eyestay and better flexibility. The Gore-Tex membrane from the previous version stays intact for this second generation, offering protection from weather and water, while the molded rubber toe cap protects against trail debris.
Up top, the low-fit collar offers more dynamic movement and weight savings, while the 5mm lugs down below on the Vibram Megagrip with Litebase outsole are designed with a variety of surfaces in mind.
Thanks to its thoughtful suite of upgrades, the Kopec 2 Low GTX is better suited to fast-and-light approaches and technical day hikes where a full boot could be overkill.
