This spring, SCARPA released the Spin, a new trail running shoe positioned between its inline shoe siblings, the Neutron and Atom. At first glance, it doesn’t evoke the usual reaction you’d typically get from a trail running shoe: its low profile and lightweight structure coupled with a bright and airy fit lean more towards a road or minimalist shoe than a “mountains for breakfast” shoe. You know what they say though, don’t judge a book by its cover, and that may be hardest sell the Spin will have to make.
Test driving the Spin on a combination of soft, hard, and rocky trails, as well as some mountain terrain and yes – even roads – proved that this shoe is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The first thing you’ll notice is how smooth the ride is, most likely due to its light design and 4mm heel drop. Then it’s the support: there’s a layer of semi-firm cushioning and an embedded forefoot rock plate with an EVA Midsole and Vibram MEGAGRIP outsole. Finally, you’ll be surprised out how comfortable these shoes are. No, not comfortable as in soft and plush, but secure and protected. There’s an inner sockfit construction to hold the foot securely in place, as well as my favorite feature: the breathable mesh upper material is not reinforced by seams, but by a thermo-embossed film that feels like your feet are constantly being hugged!
The Spin is proof that you can still strike a balance between protection and efficiency out on the trails with a minimalist sensation. Its speed and responsiveness are a breath of fresh air for trail running shoes, and its superb traction make it a great option when running on more difficult terrain. The biggest challenge the Spin will have is convincing the market that its inconspicuous shell is home to a comfortable yet rugged trail running machine.