Background
As an avid Scarpa Spin Ultra user, I was always going to be hypercritical of their newest edition, the Scarpa Spin Ultra 2, so I wished them luck as I slipped them onto my fussy feet.
This Italian brand hasn’t always been well known for out-and-out trail shoes, and as a previous hiker, it felt slightly odd buying a set of Scarpa running shoes at first. But, after reading some trusty reviews a couple of years ago, something transformational happened as I bought my first pair. They rapidly became a staple diet in my amateur running career, supporting me both in foot comfort and faster times across finish lines. I had struggled to find a supportive shoe that provided comfort without being too heavy and offered agility in the most technical of landscapes in the Scottish Highlands, home to plenty of unforgiving terrain. However, the impossible became possible, but little did I know there was something even better being created.
Scarpa Spin Ultra 2
There was much anticipation for these shoes to arrive, given how much of a fan I was of the previous model. We all know that first impressions count, and I excitedly ripped the box open to reveal an attractive, neat, and sleek-looking pair of shoes. I was blown away by how little they weighed in the box, to the point where I was worried there had been a mix-up! As a much lighter pair of shoes, weighing only 500g for one (for a size EU 38), I felt a noticeable difference right away after practically living in the previous Spin Ultra model beforehand. Upon examining the shoes, it was clear that they had become more streamlined, with new systems in place and an upgrade in material choices.
The difference to the previous shoes was highlighted when I stepped onto the trails – there was instantly more grip, the soles felt softer, and I felt more stable running in them, particularly on uneven ground. When I thought that the fit couldn’t get any better, I felt like I had a revitalized spring in my step with the newer model. Somehow, the first run felt immediately bouncier, and the shoes provided more responsiveness on tougher terrain than before, which is very helpful when you live next to the mountains. The Scarpa Spin Ultra 2 were designed for mid to longer-distance trails, mostly marketed under the ‘long-distance’ umbrella, and I gave them a run (or runs) for their money in every terrain I could get access to, to give them a real test. I was training for a few different styles of events – an easier, local forest trail race, and a longer, more technical trail race in the Austrian Alps, so only using these shoes throughout training felt like a big ask but I wanted to see if they upheld their promise of a newer, upgraded design.
Features
- 4mm drop
- Stack Heel 28mm/Toe 24mm
- Shock-resistant 3D TPU toe cap
- Breathable mesh Upper wrap
- Lace loops integrated with upper structure
- Hidden lace pocket with traditional laces
- VELOX LB MAX sole – Low-density EVA forefoot insert
- EVA midsole built with TPEE foam
- Outsole VIBRAM – an exclusive design by Scarpa megagrip rubber compound
- Made up of recycled and bio-based materials
The Test
Given my upcoming races, I was looking for a pair of shoes that would allow me to perform shorter bursts on the trail for speed, but shoes that would allow me to complete 30-mile training runs comfortably. Albeit, after the 15-mile point, most people’s feet feel pretty worn, but in comparison to pretty much every other pair of shoes I own, these were by far the comfiest, and based on the features, I’m going to try and explain why.
PROS
Firstly, these shoes are a medium volume fit. Although they don’t come in a wide option, they offer plenty of space in the toe box for my oddly shaped feet, and although not overly spacious, there is enough room to splay my toes and feel unrestricted. Another plus point is the 3D TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) shock-resistant toe cap, which in other shoes is missing, hence why I have purple toes for most of the season, until now! Scarpa has hit the balance just right here, and they’ve really gained some points with the breathable mesh upper wrap created for comfort and to avoid the pressure points.
The mesh upper feels like it’s barely present and very kind on the skin. Often, tongues on trainers can feel uncomfortable and dig in, but not these shoes, as it feels non-existent. This sock FIT LW (Light wrap) is what it exactly says on the tin – a very light wrap which feels snug and comforting. This is down to the tongue being constructed in a single piece of elastic fabric. The fabric used encourages the air to circulate, preventing sweat, especially in the hotter months, and the TPU used is known to provide elasticity, strength, and resistance. This material also cleverly promotes ventilation, which the boot of my car in the height of summer will also be pleased to hear.
The Exo System enables protection on the lateral side, combined with the upper, supporting the foot perfectly. The upper hosts a lacing system with lace loops integrated into the upper structure and assists with force, even when squeezing through rocks and pelting down trails. One of my highlights is the hidden lace pocket similar to the previous model of the shoe, but this time with an even softer tongue in place. The hidden compartment prevents the laces from untying, which is time-wasting when in a race, and is not what we need! It’s a traditional lace system too, which I personally always feel adds life spans to shoes as they aren’t overcomplicated, AKA- less tech to smash. The laces are neat and compact, which is a high scorer in anyone’s book.
The EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole is a major driver for the comfort of these shoes, offering significant properties for shock absorption. A supercritical foam is used for a cushioned and responsive midsole, and boy, it is soft! As someone who suffers from occasional plantar fasciitis, the soles of my feet can be easily sensitive, especially through intense training, but the choice of EVA prevents pain, offers support, and I could really feel the difference compared to other shoes. I literally did feel a spring in my step from the off! Scarpa also used a VELOX LB MAX low density insert for these shoes, with an ESS insert – so much so, I haven’t put my own personal insoles in yet and possibly won’t ever need to.
The lower drop of these shoes allows for a much quicker turnover, and when training, not only did I feel light in these, but I also felt my cadence had improved somewhat – I was more nimble, responsive, and the lug design covers braking and acceleration on the trails.
I have to say they do provide an outstanding fit and the the midsole worked great for me. It is a PEBA/EVA blend – PEBA being the compound used in many of the super road racing shoes. They are made from castor oil, delivering improved rebound and resistance to compression set from an eco-friendly source. As a result, this increases the lifespan and performance, protecting you from aggressive terrain, which was a win- win for me. These are without a doubt the mountain goats of the cupboard, relentless in the best possible way! Size wise, they are exactly the same as the previous model, which for me is always half a size up, but that’s personal preference (and remember, I have oddly shaped feet).
There is a significant amount of cushion involved with these shoes with their TPEE foam without them feeling too heavy. Even running up heather and bog ridden slopes felt much lighter compared to other shoes which assisted with fatigue.
There is an outstanding grip from the Vibram Megagrip Litebase sole. This is an exclusive design by Scapa for high grip and better traction. The rubber forms a solid bond with the ground which stabilizes and grips and I don’t want to speak too soon, but I am yet to slip downhill, which is quite something for someone as clumsy as I am. The lugs also seem strong and reliable.
The versatility of these shoes is superb – gravel, sand, tarmac, grass, heather – you name it, it responds and performs – the grip is significant and even on the harshest of rocks in the Cuillin (Isle of Skye gabbro rock) – they seem to connect and enjoy the ride.
The durability of these shoes is looking good – my pair isn’t showing too many signs of wear and tear yet despite being used on plenty rocky mountain ridges and technical terrain both in the UK and Europe – not to mention hundreds of miles on canal paths. I think this is quite possibly due to the materials they use – their “Green Manifesto” means that they prioritise reducing environmental impact so use recycled and recovered materials, innovative production techniques, and focus on product durability and longevity. SCARPA also emphasizes transparency, ethical sourcing, and community engagement to foster a more sustainable future for outdoor enthusiasts. Buying from Scarpa helps the environment – that sounds good to me!
CONS
The price on the official Scarpa website fot the Scapa Spin Ultra 2s retails at £170 which is on the upper-end for a trail shoe. Though it could be argued ‘buy cheap, buy twice!’
The shoes only come in one colour – neon orange and white, so not so great if you have a specific colour in mind for your next trail shoe.
Conclusion
I feel somewhat loyal to the dreamboats that are the Scarpa Spin Ultra 2. As someone who isn’t the most confident of downhill runners, especially in technical terrain, these shoes have really helped me gain some trust, and I am genuinely still as excited to put these on now as the day I opened the box around 4 months ago. At 4mm, you feel close to the ground, so well in control. As a long term Inov8 Roclite lover for rocky trails, it seems they have just adopted some best friends in the Scarpa Spin Ultra 2. Perfectly reliable, and dare I say, the Scarpa Spin Ultra 2 now sit higher on the shelf.
The upper mesh is a real winner for me because so many shoes ‘dig in’ when the tough gets going, but not this pair. They are comfortable and seem to cosy up to your foot somehow without losing breathability, even in longer endurance adventures.
These are the hob nobs of the shoe world, excelling when things get too hot and take a kickin’. When you thought a shoe couldn’t get any better, the second version comes along and blows it out of the water – something I personally haven’t witnessed often with trail shoes. The balance is perfect- they are the chosen pair for long distance, as well as the chosen pair for mountain ridges.
I am pleased to report that although it was a big ask to find a shoe to train in for a forest trail race and a longer, technical trail race, the jury is most definitely in, and they did me proud. Hitting high notes for their use of eco-friendly materials, with the pair made up of recycled and bio-based materials, you’d better run and purchase some before I buy the lot.
About the author: Em is an ultra runner at heart, and likes nothing more than running up mountains, dancing on ridge lines and awkwardly runs her way down to the pub with her dodgy ankles!
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