Review: Scarpa Spin Planet Trail Running Shoes

I’ve got an extensive history with Scarpa trail running shoes. I’ve been testing various models from the Italian brand’s trail running collection for almost 20 years and the Scarpa Spin Planet trail runners are the epitome of “no fuss” trail running shoes. They just plain work — without fanfare or gadgets.

Scarpa Spin Planet Trail Running Shoes Features:

• Breathable mesh upper made from 100% recycled content
• Burrito-style wrapped tongue design
• Cushioned midsole with 45% recycled content
• PRESA® TRN-06 outsole features 4mm unidirectional lugs made of 30% recycled rubber
• Stack: 28.5mm
• Drop: 4mm
• MSRP: $159

Italians and mountains unite

Italians know mountains. Specifically, Italian shoemakers know mountains. It’s in their soul. As part of that, Scarpa is also dedicated to being light on the planet and the Spin Planet aims to do just that. Made from oodles of recycled material, the Spin Planet does just what its name suggests — spinning old materials into new ones (just like our planet does). With that, I’ve been happily testing the Spin Planets on my home trails and have found them to be quite agreeable.

Let’s dive right into the uppers. Made from 100% recycled material, these mesh uppers breathe like superstars. In fact, they are the best-breathing uppers I’ve tested in a long time. Airflow is king with the Spin Planet and they feel amazing on the warmest days. But, when it’s cold, you feel it too.

Pulling them on, I was grateful (as always) to have a pull tab. However, Scarpa designed this pull tab for looks and not function. Sadly, it does little to help pull the shoes on without mashing down the heel. I’d like to see it placed in a proper location so it can provide some utility. Interestingly, the heel cup is a bit… well… plush? Most heel cups have cushioning on either sides of the Achilles, but The Spin Planets just went all-out cushioning in the heel cup. I worried it might cause blistering, but other than being fluffy, my heels lock into place and don’t move around one bit. Definitely better than the Arc’teryx Sylan GTX I recently tested.

I immediately noticed the comfortable foot wrap provided by the asymmetrical tongue design. This wrapped tongue is fully-attached on the instep side of the shoe and slides underneath the outer laces — adding to the instep support they provide while wrapping my feet with unified support. I like burritos and I also like the burrito wrap on these shoes. Mmmm… I’m hungry. 

With an admirable stack height of 28.5mm, I was anxious to know how they would treat my old bones. I’m happy to report that the midsoles offer ample comfort and cushioning for general purpose trail running. For training and racking up the miles, the Scarpa Spin Planet is just what you want. It lands comfortably and predictably compresses and then the toe-off is strong and capable. They do lack the dynamic rebound found in some shoes, like the Adidas Terrex Agravic 3 or the Salomon Genesis. Still, that lack of return pop doesn’t detract from the overall journeyman feel of these shoes.

What initially felt sort of “ho-hum” has become one of the main things I like about the Spin Planet — they are fuss-free trail shoes. I can run in them at any pace and they are reliable and capable. I can also use them for hiking just the same. The 4mm lugs offer tons of traction on all terrain, uphill and down. I didn’t ever feel like they were overwhelmed, and, they are very smooth for road approaches or walking.

I do wish they had actual rockered outsoles. The outsoles are pretty flat from the ball of the foot rearward, which makes them less smooth from landing to toe-off. It’s not like I’m running squares, but there are more fluid shoes on the market that smoothly propel you forward and, unfortunately, these don’t quite do that. Still, they are great training shoes, but are perhaps less-optimal for race day (if that’s your jam). If you just like logging miles on your local singletrack, these are very easy shoes to live with.

Stability has been middle-of-the-road. I had my concerns with the narrow profile, but they aren’t unstable until you step wrong when you’ll notice a little bit of uncertainty. I never felt anything beyond just a little hit of movement and zero issues with actual ankle twisting. The amazing wrap of the uppers do keep my feet confidently in place and the shoe provides neutral stability. I applaud the trail feel of these shoes. It allows me to feel connected without being numb to the trail.

Fit: I opted for a size 11.5, which is my usual size for trail running shoes across almost all brands.

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