Article by Jen Schmidt and Jeff Valliere
Editor's Note: We welcome Jen Schmidt to the RoadTrailRun test team. Jen lives in Northern California and runs roads and trails in the Auburn area. She is a 2:41 marathoner and an alternate on the US 50K road team.
Scarpa Spin Planet ($159)
Introduction
Jeff V: The Scarpa Spin Planet is designed for long distance technical mountain running. With a deeply cushioned EVA high compression foam midsole that is forgiving, yet compliant underfoot while being stable and predictable, an EXO mesh and microfiber upper that offers a protective, secure fit without feeling confining and a grippy Presa rubber outsole with effectively shaped lugs for superior grip on a wide range of surfaces/terrain. Additionally and tying into the name “Planet”, the Scarpa put an emphasis on building this shoe with a high level of sustainability, with an upper made from 100% recycled materials, the midsole 45% recycled and the outsole 30% recycled.
Pros:
Protective underfoot: Jen/Jeff V
Stable: Jen/Jeff V
Grippy outsole on rock: Jen/Jeff V
Surprisingly responsive on toe-off: Jen
Overall protection: Jeff V
Stability and adeptness on technical terrain: Jeff V
Strong sustainability focus including midsole and outsole
Cons:
Heavier than expected: Jen/Jeff V
Too stiff for less technical trails: Jen/Jeff V
A bit of a break in period: Jeff V
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Spec Weight: US men's 9 - 10.2 oz / 290g
Sample Weight: US men’s 12 oz / 339g, oz / g US M10
women’s oz / g US
Stack Height: men’s 28mm heel / 24mm forefoot (4mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 95mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jen: This is my first Scarpa shoe, and it aligned with my expectations from a mountain-oriented brand. Structured and solid. It felt quite stiff putting it on, but some early concerns around heel slippage and narrow toe box went away after a few runs in the shoe.
The upper isn’t quite as breathable as the catalog description suggests: I found that it trapped significant moisture over the course of 1-2 hour trail runs.
I was pleasantly surprised that there’s a subtle rocker that gives it a little more return on the toe-off than I expected on runnable terrain, but that’s not where this shoe is designed to shine.
True to size for length but generous around my narrow midfoot.
Jeff V: Out of the box it is clear that the Spin Planet is an all mountain, all day technical trails shoe, with a reinforced sturdy upper, a generous but not overly built up midsole and a rugged, well lugged outsole.
At 12oz/339 grams in my US 10, they are heavier than I expected extrapolating ahead of time at the usual difference between the advertised weight of a size 9, that is usually good for ~⅓ of an ounce, but to be nearly 2 ounces heavier was surprising.
Either way, the Spin Planet offers a lot of protection and all mountain rugged performance and does not feel overly heavy on the foot and thus I am not overly bothered by the weight. Just keep in mind this is no speedster.
The upper features an exoskeleton design and thermo welded cage to provide supreme protection and support to contain the foot. The materials are somewhat thick and quite well structured to protect the foot in rough, rocky, technical mountain terrain and do a great job providing security, especially when sidehilling and on steep downhills. Despite the beefy upper, the mesh is quite breathable.
The toe bumper is really thick and protective, ideal for rocky technical running and hiking.
The lacing is snug and secure with one and done cinch.
The gusseted tongue is on the thin-ish side, but very sturdy and protective.
The top of the tongue is forked for added comfort/conforming over the top of the foot. The heel collar is well padded, comfortable and secure.
The heel counter is semi flexible but leans more towards sturdy and protective. The sewn in heel tabs are handy, but not entirely necessary.
Fit is true to size in my usual size 10. They have a more race-like secure fit for great security and confidence in technical terrain. The heel and midfoot are very secure, as is the toe box, though they have just enough wiggle room for my thin low volume foot so as to not feel confining even on hot days and longer runs. No matter what terrain I am negotiating, steep off trail, side hilling, rock hopping, I feel confident in the Spin Planet.
Midsole & Platform
Jen: Cushioned and stable. The substantial EVA foam and relatively thick midsole are protective and comfortable on longer runs. More a workhorse than a racehorse, this is not the shoe for ground feel or maximum energy return. Torsional rigidity meant my feet didn’t fatigue as much as in more flexible shoes, but these felt a little clunky on more technical sections.
Jeff V: The high compression EVA midsole provides a very good balance of cushioned comfort and provides protection, stability and predictability for dedicated days of running over rocky, high alpine technical terrain.
The midsole in my opinion is not particularly responsive or inspiring to go fast for the most part, but I think is very appropriate for the intended purpose of this shoe. There is definitely enough cushion and substance here for long days on the trail and most importantly, off the trail.
Outsole
Jen: Fairly grippy on loose rocky singletrack. My guess is that it would perform much better in the mountains than on the runnable trails where I tested it.
Jeff V: The Presa outsole on the Spin Planet is one of the better outsoles on the market, which is not a surprise given Scarpa’s mountain focus. The lugs fall into the mid height range (around 4mm), but have a very effective design and arrangement, aggressive enough for loose terrain, but not so obtrusive that they feel awkward or a liability on hard surfaces.
The rubber compound is sticky and performs well on a wide variety of surfaces, as well as when wet. I run the Spin Planet on my local technical trails and off trail, as well as in the high mountains, talus hopping, scree surfing and light scrambling and I feel quite confident in my footing. Durability thus far is proving to be above average.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jen: It’s hard to dock points when I wasn’t using this shoe to its full advantage. The trails I run most days are Auburn-area singletrack (think Western States trail) or OHV doubletrack, and I got the sense this shoe wanted rockier, more technical terrain. I found the combination of cushion and underfoot protection to be a nice choice for longer runs at slower paces or when my feet were fatigued, but it wasn’t my first choice for uptempo work. That said, I generally lean towards light and responsive trail shoes, so if you prefer a little more cushion or are running different surfaces, you may love it.
Jen’s Score 8.8 / 10
slight deductions for ride (-0.9), fit (-0.2), style (-0.1). If I were designing the next version, I’d try for a slightly lighter and more breathable upper, more locked-in midfoot fit, and more flexible/responsive ride.
😊😊😊
Jeff V: The ride is protective, predictable and stable, very appropriately tuned and balanced for rocky, rugged, technical mountain terrain. While not super quick and responsive as an all arounder shoe, they are very quick and competent when the terrain gets increasingly challenging, steep, off camber, then they really shine.
I appreciate the quality, rugged durability, security, protection and overall technical performance and would recommend them as a day to day trainer if you favor more technical terrain or a dedicated high mountain shoe for long days of talus hopping, ridge running and light scrambling.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.6/10
Ride: 9.5, Fit: 9.5, Value: 9, Style: 9.5, Traction: 10, Rock Protection: 10
😊😊😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Saucony Xodus 2 (RTR Review)
Jen: The Spin Planet is more structured and rigid, with a wider midfoot, but is slightly softer underfoot
Brooks Cascadia 18 (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Cascadia is actually a half ounce lighter, though you cannot tell that when wearing them side by side. Both provide amazing protection, confidence in technical terrain, are durable shoes that will last a long time. I would give the Cascadia the edge for more versatile day to day training, with a slightly more relaxed foot, whereas the Spin Planet is perhaps a bit more appropriate for long days up high and off trail with better traction, security and maybe protection.
Scarpa Spin Ultra (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Spin Ultra feels a bit softer underfoot and has a slightly more relaxed fit, is lighter and perhaps better for moderate trails, vs. the added protection and overall more durable build of the Spin Planet. I find the Spin Planet overall more fun to run in, quicker, more agile and just a better shoe overall.
Scarpa Spin Infinity (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Spin Infinity has a higher stack of softer foam and is a great all around shoe for longer, less technical miles than the Spin Planet and is even a little lighter. The Spin Planet is superior though in rugged, technical terrain with a lower more stable feel, better protection and better traction.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Speedgoat 6 is over 2 ounces lighter in my US 10, has more cushion, is more responsive, has comparably very good traction, a secure upper and is very quick, lively and a blast to run in. The Spin Planet feels just a touch more stable as it is lower to the ground, but still very protective. Fit is comparable, although with the Spin Planet perhaps being a bit more secure and more protective, durable upper.
Tester Profiles
Jen found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's and road marathons are nearest and dearest to her heart, but she loves chasing competitive and personal goals on any surface and over any distance. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn and Truckee, usually averaging 70-95 mpw. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team. She has a marathon PR of 2:41 and was recently selected as an alternate for the USA team for 50k world championships.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
5 comments:
Following
Long time fan of Scarpa and bought the Spin Planet from Europe a year ago. I'm bigger than the average runner at 6'4" 225# (college tight end :) and while heavy, this shoe is so well-made and has been very durable. Don't expect deep, plush cush but it's solid and protective. My foot is between D and EE and this is the first Scarpa trail shoe (until the Golden Gate 2) that provided enough room for me. The outsole is great in the mountains but an ice skate on wet asphalt/urban walking trails (found out the hard way walking my dog :)). Thanks for giving Scarpa some exposure. They make great gear.
I would also add that big guys will not bottom out this shoe like a lot of max cush offerings. It's firm and stable but very protective. Wish they offered more colors in the US. I couldn't wear the Spin Infinity (too narrow and firm-hurt my feet after just a few miles, even after break in) but love this one. My 7th or 8th Scarpa and this is the best yet.
This shoe was on the feet of Aurelien Dunand-Pallaz Hardrock 100 2023
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