Trail runningScarpaTrail running shoes

Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes review: sturdy, stable and surprisingly versatile

A rugged eco-conscious runner that's more at home on long, slow adventures than race-day sprints.

By Tom Holding

✓  Recommended Scarpa Spin Planet RRP£150Weight774g/pairDrop4mm The good ✓  Excellent all-day comfort
✓  Impressive hillwalking crossover
✓  Secure midfoot support
✓  Breathable upper dries fast
✓  Eco-conscious construction
The not-so-good ✗  Noticeably heavy
✗  Lacks spring
✗  Struggles in thick mud
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At a glance

Buy the Scarpa Spin Planet at Go Outdoors →

Overview

Scarpa is a brand best known for kitting out mountaineers, climbers and hillwalkers. Based in northern Italy, this family-run company has built a rock-solid reputation over nearly a century for making durable outdoor footwear that performs on tough terrain. We've previously tested the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 and Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 — both impressed with their crossover appeal and quality craftsmanship.

The Scarpa Spin Planet continues in that vein, but this time with a keener eye on sustainability. Designed primarily for mid-to-long-distance trail running, this is a do-it-all shoe that blends running and hiking performance — weighing in at 774g per pair (UK 10.5), it's on the heavier end for trail running, but that heft is what gives the shoe its strength and stability. At £150 it's a solid mid-range price for a shoe that genuinely crosses over.

In terms of positioning, the Spin Planet lands somewhere between the ultra-cushioned Hoka Mafate Speed 4 and the lighter, more race-tuned Inov-8 Roclite Ultra G 320. It's not the most dynamic shoe in the pack, and won't suit those chasing PBs on technical descents — but for door-to-trail outings, steady ultras and walking-run combos, it punches well above its weight.

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How we tested

We tested the Scarpa Spin Planet extensively across varied terrain and typical British conditions. Starting with local woodland trails — dry spring dirt and occasional puddles — then across dozens of miles on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in the Chilterns, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales, as well as challenge events including the Yorkshire Three Peaks. We've used them on farm tracks, roads, gravel, grass and steep hill paths, and the verdict has been consistent throughout: these are among the most comfortable trail shoes we've worn in a long time.

Features and performance

Comfort and cushioning

Straight out of the box, the Spin Planet felt plush underfoot without being overly soft. There's 28mm of stack at the heel and 24mm at the toe, giving a modest 4mm drop that supports a natural running gait. The cushioning is nicely tuned for longer efforts — especially for heel strikers or anyone used to walking as much as they run. It gets more comfortable the further you go, rather than less.

The PRESA TRN-06 sole — made from 30% recycled rubber — balances grip with comfort. With 4mm lugs and a moderately sticky feel, the Spin Planet handles well on dry trail, hard-packed paths and even wet rock. It's a little underwhelming in deeper mud, but otherwise solid across the range of surfaces most British adventurers encounter.

Upper and fit

The 100% recycled mesh upper is airy and quick-drying — a real bonus on multi-day hikes or back-to-back training. The toe box is roomy enough to let your feet breathe and splay naturally, even as the miles build up. Despite the light feel, the upper has held up well to brambles, stiles and brush.

The asymmetric tongue design (gusseted only on one side) felt odd at first but proved surprisingly effective — no sliding, no rubbing, and no stones sneaking in. The EXO lacing system gives midfoot lockdown and lateral stability, which made a noticeable difference on off-camber sections and tight turns.

"These are among the most comfortable trail shoes we've worn in a long time — and they're as happy on a DofE expedition as a steady ultra."

Performance in the UK

From the South Downs to the Dales, the Spin Planet has consistently delivered a secure, comfortable ride. There's no escaping the weight — you feel it especially during runs above 15 miles — but the stability, support and all-round comfort make it a worthwhile trade-off for most uses. For hillwalkers who run, DofE leaders, or anyone after a more dynamic feel from their footwear, they're right at home across British terrain.

Buy the Scarpa Spin Planet at Go Outdoors →

Comparison with rivals

Against the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 — also in our stable of tested kit — the Spin Planet is heavier but more crossover-friendly, making it the better call for mixed hiking and running. Against the Scarpa Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX, the Spin Planet is the lighter, faster option for those who prioritise forward movement over ankle support. The Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 is the closest comparison — lighter and more versatile for mixed terrain, but less comfortable over longer, slower efforts.

Our verdict A trail running shoe for everyday use — not race day, but real British adventures. The Scarpa Spin Planet is a brilliant match for slower, steadier efforts — especially if your adventures blur the lines between running and walking. If you're heading out with a pack, supporting a DofE group, ticking off the Yorkshire Three Peaks or simply linking up local trails from your doorstep, this shoe just makes sense. There's a clear sweet spot here: mid-to-long distance on varied terrain, where grip, support and breathability matter more than race-day explosiveness. Not the lightest, not the bounciest — but genuinely comfortable, eco-conscious, and built for real-world runners. Buy now →

FAQs

How durable are the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes?Built well and constructed with rugged intent, the Spin Planet holds up well to trails and general use. The sole may wear faster on tarmac than some harder compounds, but across mixed British terrain it's proved resilient.

How much traction do the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes deliver?Good traction across most UK terrain — hardpack, forest trails, rocky slopes — though less impressive in thick mud. The Spin Planet offers stability over slippage, which makes it well-suited to the varied surfaces of British hiking and running routes.

How breathable are the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes?Very. The recycled mesh upper in the Spin Planet offers great airflow and dries quickly — perfect for damp days, stream crossings, or summer multi-day trips where feet get wet and need to dry overnight.

Are the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes good for hillwalking?Yes — this is one of their strongest suits. The Spin Planet offers more protection, stability and cushioning than a standard trail runner, making it a genuinely capable hillwalking shoe for those who prefer a lighter, faster feel than a traditional walking boot.

Are the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes worth the money?At £150, they feel fair for what you're getting: sustainable materials, all-day comfort, and genuine crossover performance. For regular adventurers who do both running and walking on varied British terrain, they're a smart buy.