Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes review: sturdy, stable and surprisingly versatile
A solid choice for slower miles over mixed terrain, the Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes are comfortable and durable with impressive crossover potential for hillwalkers. They’re not the lightest or most dynamic shoes on the market — but they more than make up for that in all-day comfort and planet-friendly credentials.
Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes
Ideal for: hillwalking, hiking, fastpacking & trail running
Not suitable for: winter hiking, sprints
Built for long days on mixed terrain, the Scarpa Spin Planet is a supportive, breathable and sustainable trail running shoe that suits runners who value comfort over speed. It’s slightly heavier than other shoes in this category, with a noticeable lack of spring, but its sturdy build and all-round versatility mean it shines on steady training runs, hiking trips and multi-day challenges. With a roomy toe box, well-cushioned ride and reliable traction on harder ground, it’s a strong option for comfort-focused runners and those after a capable crossover shoe.
The Good
Excellent all-day comfort
Impressive hillwalking crossover
Secure midfoot support
Breathable upper dries fast
Spacious toe box
The Bad
Noticeably heavy
Lacks spring
Weak in mud
Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes review
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 — whether that’s alpine ridgelines or Lakeland fells. We’ve tested several Scarpa products in the past, including the Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 and the Scarpa Ribelle Run 2 — both of which impressed us with their crossover appeal and quality craftsmanship.
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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. It tips the scales at 774g per pair (UK 10.5), which puts it on the heavier end of the trail running category — and while that heft can be felt on longer runs, it’s also what gives the shoe its strength and stability.
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. And thanks to its generous cushioning and relatively wide heel platform, it performs as well on gentle mountain paths as it does on canal towpaths and country trails.
Testing the Spin Planet in the UK
We’ve tested the Scarpa Spin Planet extensively over the past few months across varied terrain and typical British conditions. The first run took us through local woodland trails — all dry spring dirt and occasional puddles — where the shoe handled itself admirably. Traction was solid, especially on harder-packed ground, and the breathable upper dried out quickly after a light soaking.
Since then, we’ve logged dozens of miles on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in the Chilterns, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales, as well as a few challenge events including the Yorkshire Three Peaks. We’ve used the Spin Planet 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.
A closer look at Spin Planets’ features
Let’s start with comfort — because that’s where the Scarpa Spin Planet really shines. Straight out of the box, the shoe 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.
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.
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 so far 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 during off-camber sections and tight turns.
Scarpa Golden Gate’s ATRs next to the Scarpa Spin Planets..
Performance in the British outdoors
From the South Downs to the Dales, the Scarpa 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 we found the stability, support and all-round comfort to be worth the trade-off. It’s not going to give you that race-day spring, but if your goal is to finish rather than fly, this is a dependable choice.
Scarpa Spin Planet trail running FAQs
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Built well and constructed with rugged intent, the Scarpa Spin Planet holds up well to trails and general use, though the sole may wear faster on tarmac than some harder compounds.
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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 we’ll always appreciate.
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These aren’t winter-specific but paired with decent socks, they’re fine for most UK conditions outside of snow season. The Spin Planet excels in mild to warm weather.
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Very. The recycled mesh upper in the Spin Planet offers great airflow, and it dries quickly too — perfect for damp days or river crossings.
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At £150, the Scarpa Spin Planet feels fair for what you’re getting: sustainable materials, all-day comfort, and genuine crossover performance.
The Scarpa Spin Planet trail running shoes: Our verdict
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. It’s built for people who want their footwear to be comfortable from first mile to last — who care less about seconds per kilometre and more about how their feet feel after 12 hours on the move.
There’s a clear sweet spot here: mid-to-long distance efforts on varied terrain, where grip, support and breathability matter more than race-day explosiveness. We found it genuinely capable over forest paths, farm tracks, grassy ridgelines and hardpack canal towpaths — and just as at home on training runs as it was on multi-day hikes. The roomy toe box, supportive midfoot and well-cushioned sole come together to create something that feels forgiving yet confident underfoot.
No, the Spin Planet isn’t a technical racing shoe — it lacks the bounce, precision and featherlight feel of true speed-oriented designs. But that’s not what it’s aiming for. This is a trail running shoe for everyday use. For real-world runners. For slow-burn hill days, back-to-back efforts and walks that might turn into runs (or vice versa). It’s the kind of shoe that leaves your feet feeling looked after, not punished — and for the majority of us, that’s the kind of kit we’re glad to put our trust in.
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