Scarpa Spin Ultra

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Scarpa Spin Ultra: Review

β€œA trail shoe that offers a protective and stable ride for long-distance runners.”

Overview


The Scarpa Spin Ultra is a trail running shoe designed for runners seeking a blend of protection, comfort, and stability on rugged terrain. This shoe stands out for its wider fit and dual-density EVA foam midsole, which provides firm underfoot protection and a stable platform for various distances, including ultra marathons.

Key Features:

  • Foot Protection: Dual-density EVA foam midsole and a hard plastic toe bumper shield the feet from trail hazards.
  • Stability: The shoe's design offers a stable ride without the need for an internal rock plate, thanks to its firm cushioning and broad forefoot platform.
  • Comfort: Generous padding around the ankle and heel, along with a cushioned tongue, provides out-of-the-box comfort.
  • Grip: The Vibram Megagrip outsole delivers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, although it may struggle in muddy conditions.

The Scarpa Spin Ultra is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize foot protection and stability for long-distance runs. Its comfort and grip make it suitable for both competitive racing and daily training on technical trails.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Scarpa Spin Ultra


The Scarpa Spin Ultra has garnered praise for its protective features and stability, making it a solid choice for trail runners tackling long distances. The shoe's wider fit accommodates a range of foot shapes, and the dual-density EVA foam midsole ensures a stable and protective ride. While the shoe is not the lightest on the market, its durability and comfort have been noted as strengths. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides reliable traction, though it may not perform as well in muddy conditions. Despite its higher price point, the Spin Ultra's build quality and performance justify the investment for serious trail runners. Overall, the Scarpa Spin Ultra is a dependable trail running shoe that excels in providing protection and stability for ultra distances.

Comparable Shoes


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The Hoka Torrent 3 is a lighter alternative to the Scarpa Spin Ultra, offering a more cushioned and springy ride. While the Torrent 3 may not provide the same level of foot protection or stability as the Spin Ultra, it is a more budget-friendly option that excels in comfort and responsiveness.

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The La Sportiva Karacal is another shoe that balances cushion and stability, similar to the Scarpa Spin Ultra. The Karacal, however, features a more aggressive outsole that may perform better in muddy conditions, making it a strong contender for runners who prioritize grip on soft terrain.

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The Salomon Speedcross 6 is known for its aggressive tread, making it a better option for runners who frequently encounter muddy trails. While the Speedcross 6 may not offer the same wide fit as the Spin Ultra, it is a less expensive shoe that scores higher in traction on soft surfaces.

7 Scarpa Spin Ultra Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Offers excellent foot protection and stability for long-distance trail running
Wider fit accommodates a variety of foot shapes
Durable construction with high-quality materials, including Vibram Megagrip outsole
Comfortable design with ample padding and cushioning

3 Cons

Heavier and less flexible than some other trail running shoes
May not provide sufficient traction in very muddy conditions
Higher price point may not be suitable for all budgets

In Depth


Upper

The Scarpa Spin Ultra features a breathable technical mesh upper with reinforcements that enhance protection during runs. The upper construction includes a hard plastic toe bumper and a tongue designed as a single elastic piece, ensuring a stable and supportive fit. This design choice contributes to the shoe's overall protective qualities, particularly beneficial for trail runners who encounter rocky and uneven terrain.

Midsole

The midsole of the Scarpa Spin Ultra is crafted from dual-density EVA foam, offering long-lasting cushioning and a responsive feel. This material choice contributes to the shoe's protective nature, absorbing impacts and providing a stable platform for the runner. Additionally, a TPU insole insert further enhances comfort, making the Spin Ultra suitable for a variety of distances, from short runs to ultra marathons.

Outsole

Equipped with a Vibram Velox LB Max / Megagrip outsole, the Scarpa Spin Ultra ensures superior grip and traction on technical terrain. The outsole's design, featuring well-spaced lugs, excels on dry surfaces and rocky trails, though it may struggle with traction in heavy mud. This outsole composition is ideal for runners who frequently tackle challenging mountainous environments.

Size/fit

The Scarpa Spin Ultra is known for its wider fit, accommodating a broad range of foot types. The shoe's European sizing and roomy toe box provide comfort for long-distance runs, allowing for natural foot swelling. Runners should note that the shoe fits true to size in terms of length and width, offering a neutral fit with a 6mm heel-to-toe drop.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Scarpa Spin Ultra, with ample padding around the ankle opening and over the heel. The cushioned tongue mitigates lace pressure, and the shoe's overall construction is designed for immediate comfort. This makes the Spin Ultra an appealing option for runners who value comfort, especially during extended trail runs.

Cushioning

The Scarpa Spin Ultra's cushioning is characterized by its firmness and responsiveness, provided by the dual-density EVA foam midsole. This cushioning system is designed to protect the feet from trail impacts while maintaining a stable ride. The shoe's cushioning is particularly beneficial for ultra distance runners who require sustained comfort and protection.

Breathability

The Spin Ultra's upper is constructed with a breathable mesh that helps to keep the feet cool and dry during runs. This breathability is essential for maintaining comfort, especially in warmer conditions or during longer runs where ventilation becomes increasingly important.

Stability

Stability is a key attribute of the Scarpa Spin Ultra, with its firm midsole and broad forefoot platform providing a solid base for runners. The shoe's design allows for natural foot splay and offers a secure ride without the need for an internal rock plate, making it suitable for varied and unpredictable trail conditions.

Durability

Durability is a strong point for the Scarpa Spin Ultra, with its robust construction and high-quality materials. The shoe's outsole, featuring Vibram Megagrip rubber, is noted for its longevity, even after extensive use on rocky terrain. This makes the Spin Ultra a wise investment for runners who put in a high volume of trail miles.

Grip

The grip of the Scarpa Spin Ultra is provided by the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which performs well on dry rock and loose trails. The outsole's lug pattern is designed to offer traction on a variety of surfaces, though it may not be as effective in muddy conditions. Runners can expect reliable grip for most trail running scenarios.

Who should buy the Scarpa Spin Ultra?


The Scarpa Spin Ultra is well-suited for trail runners who require a shoe that offers both protection and stability on technical terrain. It is especially beneficial for those with wider feet who struggle to find a comfortable fit in narrower shoes. Runners preparing for ultra marathons or those who frequently encounter rocky trails will appreciate the Spin Ultra's durable construction and protective features.

Who should not buy the Scarpa Spin Ultra?


Runners who prefer a lightweight and highly flexible shoe may find the Scarpa Spin Ultra too heavy and rigid for their taste. Those who primarily run on soft, muddy trails might seek a shoe with deeper lugs for better traction in such conditions. Additionally, runners on a tight budget may want to consider more affordable alternatives that still offer good trail performance.

Scarpa Spin Ultra: What's it good for?


The Scarpa Spin Ultra is particularly good for long-distance trail running, including ultra marathons and daily training on rugged terrain. Its protective features and stable design make it suitable for runners tackling technical trails with a mix of rock, dirt, and variable conditions. While it may not be the best choice for extremely muddy environments, it excels on dry and loose surfaces where grip and foot protection are paramount.

4 Scarpa Spin Ultra FAQs


Is the Scarpa Spin Ultra suitable for runners with wide feet?

Yes, the Scarpa Spin Ultra is designed with a wider fit, making it a comfortable option for runners with wide feet. The roomy toe box allows for natural foot expansion during long runs, contributing to the shoe's overall comfort.

Can the Scarpa Spin Ultra handle technical and rocky trails?

The Scarpa Spin Ultra is optimized for technical and rocky trails, thanks to its protective dual-density EVA foam midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole. These features provide stability and traction, making the shoe suitable for challenging terrain.

How does the Scarpa Spin Ultra perform in wet conditions?

While the Scarpa Spin Ultra offers reliable traction on most surfaces, its performance in wet conditions, especially on muddy trails, may be less effective. The outsole's lug pattern is not designed for deep mud, so runners may experience some slippage in these conditions.

What type of cushioning does the Scarpa Spin Ultra have?

The Scarpa Spin Ultra features a dual-density EVA foam midsole that provides firm and responsive cushioning. This type of cushioning is ideal for protecting the feet from impacts while maintaining a stable ride on uneven trails.

Scarpa Spin Ultra alternatives

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Scarpa Spin Ultra
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Scarpa Spin Ultra
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priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
released
Released
Mar 2022
May 2020Jun 2019
productAthletes
Pro athlete users
β€Œ
Jan MargaritClare Gallagher
Weight
Weight
309 g
326 g
343 g
M: 221 g
W: 176 g
M: 459 g
W: 391 g
360 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
18 mm
15 mm
16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
12 mm
4 mm
4 mm
12 mm
Heel
Heel
24 mm
19 mm
20 mm
Brand
Brand
Scarpa
New BalancePUMALa SportivaMerrellPUMA
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightLow dropLow drop
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
Vibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
0

Scarpa Spin Ultra: what the experts say (1 review)

Scarpa Spin Ultra characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainTrail (+533)
BrandScarpa (+8)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)Heel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
FitWide toe box (+273)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
EventsUltra marathon (+136)
ColorwaysBlack / Orange, Black / Pink, Blue, Blue / Pink, Green, Iron Grey / Sky, Red, Turquoise
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2022
Measurements
Weight
309 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
24 mm
Forefoot
18 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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