Scarpa Spin Planet Trail Shoe Review. The Shoe That Won The 2023 Hardrock 100!

[@alredalred]

Picked up a pair of these because I have fond memories of Scarpa Hiking boots from doing Philmont way back in the day. I love these so far. Feel like La Sportivas but much more accommodating fit wise.

[@ConversationalPace]

Yes definitely a bit more wiggle room than most La Sportiva models. Thanks for watching!

[@ropersix]

The Spin Planet has been my favorite new shoe for 2023. While maybe not the best at any one thing, it's very capable at many different things. I even backpacked with it (Sierras and Wind River) this summer, and it was awesome. It's allowed me to simplify my shoe inventory, and not have to think as much about what shoe to take for every single run (although I still use others, just not as much). I have a somewhat "wide" forefoot, really due to my toes not tapering much, and it fits me true to size. Just barely, but they feel great on my feet (both of them, which isn't always the case), have about 300 miles on them, and still have some life left. I plan to buy another pair then these have had it.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for the report! There definitely is so much value in finding a shoe that can just do it all and you don't have to worry about!

[@sturmunro]

If the shoes don’t make the cut I’d still value your opinion on what you think and why, so an impressions video or similar would be great!

[@ConversationalPace]

We'll definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the feedback!

[@philipking3010]

Good chat as always. Maybe collect a number of shoes and do a group round up of new things to review, there's a ton of first impression videos and that's not really your USP. Merrell Agility Peak 5 have been my surprise shoe of the year, grippy, responsive, cushioned, and fairly light. Worth a look.

[@1973zermi]

totally agree on the AP5. I was tempted by the Scarpa but because of the sizing I choose the AP5. Find them a bit to firm but after 60 Km it"s all goood.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! That Merrell Agility Peak 5 is definitely climbing the ranks for shoes we need to try out. You're definitely not the first to recommend the shoe, which is super cool to hear. I love all these different brands really focusing up on making some quality trail shoes!

[@Gabob3r]

Just ran on the JAT by UTMB in Slovenia they had a ton of Scarpa on show of. Great timing:D BTW i would love to some first impressions bc can’t wait for your videos. Love your work.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Great timing for sure and we'll be sure to mark down your vote for more first impression videos!

[@johnborton4522]

I realize that nearly no one noticed, but in Colorado (where the Scarpa importer was then located ... may still be), the big running/sporting retailers carried Scarpa trail shoes. My GF and I started running in them in ~2014 and we both LOVED them - my GF so much so that she has continued to buy her chosen model on Ebay for more than a decade and will trail run in nothing else (she's been through near a dozen pairs and still has a pair or two of those decade old models new in box in her closet). She suffers anxiety thinking about when she runs out. With their reappearance in the US, perhaps she won't have to.

[@ConversationalPace]

When I talked to Scarpa at The Running Event this past November, they did mention that they are actively trying to make a bit more of a dent in the US trail market!

[@guitarraclasica]

One of the funniest reviews in conversational pace 😂

[@ConversationalPace]

This one had some bangers for sure 😂

[@guitarraclasica]

I have to confess: I am waiting on CP’s review of Tomir 2.0 before I click on that “buy” button.

[@ConversationalPace]

Our pairs are supposed to arrive in the next few weeks. I bet we're maybe 3-4 weeks out from that full review. Next on tap is the Salomon Genesis, and then probably Altra Mont Blanc Carbon, then probably the Tomir 2.0

[@kevinhub57]

Best value for me thus far has been the Brooks Catamount 2. Foam is comfy, good for workouts and feels just protective enough for long hours and days. Could have a little grippier rubber in wet, and the forefoot lockdown could be a little better for really off camber traverses, but overall has worked well for any and all high alpine and more groomed running I've done.

[@ConversationalPace]

I agree, that one is a great do-it-all shoe that is on the lighter side

[@caspar05]

Hi! Thanks for this interesting exchange. I think i heard you say you were actually reviewing the Brooks Cascadia 17. I'm interested in both the Brooks Cascadia 17 and the Scarpa Spin Planet to replace my New Balance Hierro V7 which are starting to approach 500km. I really like the NB (it's my trail complement to the 1080) for outings in the woods, on rolling terrain. In summer, on rocky ground, I found the sole a little soft. Little lack of protection. Especially on the front. Perhaps the drop is a little too high. The two models, the Brooks and the Scarpa, seem to me to be a little stiffer, a little more suited to rough terrain. You've tested both models. Do you have a preference for one or the other? Thanks in advance!

[@ConversationalPace]

The Spin Planet and the Cascadia are really very similar shoes. Both cushioned enough, but just slightly on the firm side, which lends to their ruggedness. I would say the Scarpa might be even slightly more rugged than the Cascadia. With that being said, I find the Cascadia to be much more comfortable and fits my foot much better. I also didn't mess up the sizing with my Cascadia so they actually fit, which helps and definitely makes me more biased towards them. Assuming both fit, it's probably a coin flip regarding which would be the better choice. Hard to do wrong! Thanks for watching!

[@caspar05]

@@ConversationalPace thank you!

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

Merci pour vos vidéos et vos explication très constructive , une de mes chaussure préféré était la Nike wh8 .....mais sur une course de 60 km j ai pu m apercevoir que sont plus gros défaut était le maintient latéral du pied, gros point négatif pour moi , sinon tous le reste était parfait . En parlant de couteaux suisse , allez vous tester les merell agility peak 5 ? Car cette chaussure semble être une hoka speedgoat en mieux .

[@1973zermi]

J'ai adoré la WH8, mais après 500km l'amorti à considérablement diminué. J'ai trouvé moi aussi que le maintiens latéral était problématique... Je me suis fait une petite entorse d'ailleurs. J'ai l'agility depuis 2 semaines plus je cours avec plus je la trouve excellente.

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

@@1973zermi ça me conforte dans l idée d acheter les agility Peak 5 😀 , merci .

[@ConversationalPace]

Merci d'avoir regardé! Espérons que Nike renforce la tige sur la prochaine version du Wildhorse. Nous continuerons certainement d’essayer d’introduire Merell AP5 en studio ! (Translated with Google)

[@1973zermi]

Et en plus ils parlent français ! Vous êtes vraiment les meilleurs !😅

[@colinmcc8564]

I dont remember exactly how my Nnormal Kjerag shoes were packaged, but I believe a) the shoe box was the shipping box (kudos for not putting a box in a box), b) the extra laces were just loose in there, and c) there really wasnt much else in there.

[@ConversationalPace]

That's how it should be! My last Sauconys came like that where the shipping box was also the shoe box.

[@alexlenail1704]

I got Scarpa's Ribelle Run's to try some runs with some bolder scrambles around summits in Wyoming. I found the presa rubber outsole to be much less sticky than vibram. When I needed to feel solid on some wet granite, the presa rubber was slipping around -- in conditions in which the vibram rubber doesn't. Was spooky. Wouldn't recommend // hope scarpa puts some stickier rubber on their shoes in the future.

[@ConversationalPace]

That's definitely some good feedback! We definitely didn't get into any sort of territory like that. That's surprising that the rubber didn't perform better on exposed rock like that.

[@sinepari9160]

Putting the Presa outsole on the Ribelle Runs was like putting really bad tires on a Ferrari imo. I went through two pairs because the rest of the shoe was just phenomenal.

[@craigbarth_rsb]

I'm keen to try these as an alternative to my Peregrines and Spin Ultras. On my second pair of Scarpa Spin Ultras - they're pretty bombproof for mountain running/hiking, 1st pair clocked up @1000km outsole still ok, heel cushioning worn through, but the 2nd pair has developed an annoying squeak in one shoe after 300km... The Ribelle Run & Spin Infinity unfortunately don't really fit me so worth trying different models if 1 doesn't fit.

[@ConversationalPace]

These would definitely compete up with the peregrine pretty closely. Might be worth a try!

[@sinepari9160]

I went through that presa outsole so quickly that I won't own another Scarpa with presa for training. The rest of the shoes are just fantastic. I went through 2 pair of Ribelle Run's and one pair of spin planets's really quickly. Maybe quicker than any other outsole I've ever used over 30 years of running. I realize sticky rubber is what it is and wear vs grip but hard to justify in a $150+ shoe. I'm on some Dynafit ultra 100's now with the POMOCA outer and they're holding up better even though categorized in the 'sticky' category.

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for your feedback! Where do you run and train that chews up outsoles so much? It's definitely a delicate balance between grip and durability. Not sure if there is a perfect medium for everybody, but sounds like the Dynafit rubber blend works better with where you take the shoes.

[@sinepari9160]

@@ConversationalPaceI train in the mountains west of Denver where I live in Conifer, CO. I do train on some pretty rough terrain for sure. All the vibram and contagrip (salomon) have lasted longer. I only have about 50 miles on the dynafit rubber but I can tell they're going to last longer. I think the 4mm lugs with that compound just wear faster. The dynafit ultra 100 have 4.5mm lugs if they're judging it American vs Euro. I've put a ton of miles on Inov8's as well (have 4 pairs of trailflys that I rotate) and LOVE their shoes. I don't think I'd buy a nike shoe, just me, I'm anti-nike lol I was on hoka's back in 2007 (Bondi :)) and have ben using hoka, inov8 and newtons (here in Golden CO) since. Now I'm trying the euros.. The dynafits are very firm, almost like a running/approach shoe. i like it!! The ribelle runs were my perfect shoe, but didn't last. my only issue with them.

[@ConversationalPace]

Sounds like you've definitely found the weak spot in this Presa rubber. All the other shoes you've had successs I would definitely consider pretty direct competition to Scarpa as a brand, so sounds like Scarpa still has some work to do 😅. Have you tried any Lasportiva models? I've heard of them being pretty popular in the Colorado region for their grip on rock and more technical terrain.

[@sinepari9160]

@@ConversationalPace I do have some sportiva's but they're not trail running specific. I'm wearing some spire GTX's now and also have a pair of the wildcat 2.0 GTX model. They've worn well but I don't put a lot of miles on them like a true trail running shoe. I wear the spires almost daily and love them. Fully waterproof and like a low cut boot.

[@sinepari9160]

@@ConversationalPace Picked up some Scarpa Ribelle Run XT's last week and they look pretty awesome but haven't taken them out yet. They have the Presa TRN-05 outsole as opposed to the original Ribelle Run's TRN-01 outsole. The TRN-05 has larger lugs and is a little beefier so it should last longer. We shall see! Also, I'm 6' 185#'s (not 130-150#'s like you guys lol) so that could be why I'm wearing shoes out much more quickly.

[@zacharygarner9425]

The Scarpa Ribelle run is pretty cool. Unprecedented level of comfort and protection for a nimble feeling shoe. The toe box has a reasonable amount of space but is tapered which has caused problems for me even in a larger size

[@ConversationalPace]

That is a super cool looking shoe! Definitely looks like the kind of shoe where the more technical running, the better.

[@archie776]

Love these reviews, some of the best online! I haven’t tried any scarpa shoes for running but their hiking boots are great. :-)

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Seems like they should be able to make pretty solid ground in the trail running industry with the history and background they have in the mountains.

[@TrailRunnerReviews]

Yeah, I would say this brand and La Sportiva both have good in-house rubber due to them both making climbing shoes. A lot of the legwork is already done. They probably mess with more formulas than a lot of other shoe companies do. I’ve climbed in both brands and they have rubber dialed.

[@TrailRunnerReviews]

Noted tho on other runners feedback- once it got wet things got spicy. That seems to be the dividing line between in-house rubber and vibram. I’m almost to the point of not buying anymore ftwr without it. Vibram Megagrip is KING.

[@ConversationalPace]

I guess in my case, I'm very fortunate to not have to worry about wet rocks and such during the winter months. All my grip issues are mostly related to tread pattern of the outsoles on dry and loose conditions.

[@audiophizile13]

I agree about megagrip. I've tried most rubbers but I've not tried VJs yet. I don't do a TON of wet but its not worth the tradeoff to have a rubber that is scary when wet

[@dewaynescott5114]

The sustainability Rant = Epic review. Thats my 159 point of view.

[@ConversationalPace]

I felt it was necessary. haha

[@sturmunro]

Best value shoe for me is the Nnormal Tomir because it’s built like a tank. Similar to what you describe with the Scarpa’s, the EVA takes some time to warm up but I expect them to go for hundreds of km/miles

[@ConversationalPace]

While these types of shoes are a bit boring, I definitely think they deserve a place in the shoe lineup. Always nice to have that one shoe you know you can just rely on for almost anything. Thanks for watching!

[@ianbritton7534]

Surprised you did not mention Nnormal - either shoe.

[@ConversationalPace]

I haven't run in the Tomir, and while I do think the Kjerag is a great swiss army knife shoe, these shoes are super different. On paper at least, the Tomir should compare to this Spin Planet. It is interesting though how many companies have their version of a swiss army knife shoe, but they are all super different in terms of cushion, protection, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@ericperramond3463]

Bonus points for the sustainability rant on this one - looks like an interesting shoe, and I spy maybe a little forefoot drainage vent/hole which might improve drainage - but DANG it I wish these companies would stop throwing extra bits of plastic, paper, and disposables into the box. I'm buying the shoe, not stickers, not anything else. Yeesh... still, fun to see you tackle a new brand, have always been curious about Scarpa. YES - quick 1 minute first impressions might be good, so that buyers/lurkers can see if there's any change from = to - to + impressions from first, to the full review. Have had a few shoes that went from meh to wow so it could be fun. Great review, and best trail shoe content on the internet today. Keep it up guys!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! Agreed, I don't need all this extra junk in the box. The box protects the shoe well enough when shipping. I think as we enter year 2 of the channel, we'll be able to talk about updates to shoes that we have already run in and reviewed. So definitely more of all the types of reviews coming!

[@gregeberhardt1711]

Recycled sounds good but if you look back it was the plastic industry who pushed it to keep everyone using plastics….ie don’t worry it can be recycled…..would think the shoe quality should be their main focus. Plant a tree for ever shoe sold.

[@ConversationalPace]

Yeah I think most of these companies are doing it more for the marketing than anything. Some are truly trying to be more sustainable.