As Scarpa's first step into shoes for softer, muddier ground, the Spin ST are a bit of a winner, says Rob Greenwood. In this 12-month review he's really put them through their paces, and still failed to test them to destruction.

Scarpa have been building up their range of running shoes over the last few years, but as far as fell running is concerned the Spin ST represents their first foray into the weird and wonderful world of bog, mud, grass, heather and rock. What they've come up with is something that is grippy, hard wearing and (relatively) light. This isn't a combination that's easy to achieve, and it's one that I've greatly valued.

In Use

Over the last 12 months I've used the Spin ST a lot, including each and every English Champs Race I did throughout 2024, whether short distance, medium or long. Scarpa list them as short distance shoes, but we'd say that rather undersells the versatility on offer here. After a ton of mileage, they've taken an absolute beating, and whilst they don't now look new I would say they've held together impressively well. The uppers feel absolutely bombproof and I know Scarpa have put extra effort into reinforcing key areas, so as far as longevity is concerned, I've been really impressed with what the Spin ST are capable of - and the proof is the fact mine haven't fallen apart yet! 

However, interesting though the uppers are it's the sole that everyone wants to see. The Spin ST features a whopping set of 7mm lugs, with good clearance between. Whilst the Vibram Megagrip compound might not offer VJ levels of stickiness on rock, it is sticky, and in my opinion offers a better balance as far as durability is concerned.

My initial impression was that the Spin ST featured minimal cushioning, but having used them a lot I'd say it provides more than you'd expect. Obviously they're designed to be used on softer terrain, where you won't need as much cushioning, but the reality of a lot of running - particularly fell running - is that whilst some of your run may be on rough/vegetated terrain, much of it will also be on footpaths or rocky ground, which is where you benefit from that extra padding. I used them within AL races such as Pendle Cloughs and Wasdale and suspect they'll be my shoe of choice when I come around to doing the Old County Tops later this year.

Weight

On the note of weight, my pair of Spin ST weigh in at 310g per shoe (size EU44), which is light, but not super-light; Scarpa say 520g per pair size 42.

Stack Height: Heel: 22mm / Toe: 18mm 

Drop: 4mm

Fit

The Spin ST comes in both men's/higher volume and women's/lower volume versions. The men's definitely sit at the lower volume end of the spectrum themselves, particularly around the forefoot and toe box, and they have quite a tapered fit across the toe. Whilst I've seen some describe them as narrow, I'd say I have wide feet and they've fitted me fine, which given the shape at the front end may be a surprise. As always, since foot shape and fit are so personal to each of us it's essential with footwear to try them in a shop before you buy; the last thing you want to do is find out they don't fit you half way through your first long run! When it comes to sizing, they are true to size - no need to go up or down.

Features

Perhaps the most noticeable feature on the Spin ST is its collar - and ironically, that's the feature I'm actually least convinced by. The idea behind it is that it helps to keep out debris, but the reality is that it acts more like a funnel, and in my opinion the Spin ST would be better off without it (it'd be lighter too).

The Spin ST features something called the 'NBS Lace Lock', which - unlike the collar - is absolutely brilliant. I've read in some places that this removes the need to tie up your laces, but that's nonsense. If you lock your laces down, do them up as normal, then tuck them into the lycra pocket it completely eliminates the risk of them undoing - something that's particularly annoying in races.

If there were to be one other criticism of the Spin ST it would be its footbed, which is stuck in - hence impossible to remove. After a lot of use, and possibly because of how wet they tend to get, mine has shifted around a little. It hasn't presented a problem, but I think it would be an improvement were it to be separate - just so you could remove or replace it if you wanted (or needed) to.

Summary

As Scarpa's first step into shoes for softer, muddier ground, the Spin ST are a bit of a winner. The fact that they are as hardwearing as they are makes them an attractive proposition, because within a high wear environment - where your footwear are either being eroded by the rock or corroded by the bogs - longevity counts for a lot. The fact that the Spin ST have the necessary grip, and some interesting features like the lace lock, make them a strong entry into the fell running market. If I could make one change it would be to remove the collar, because interesting a feature though it is, I think they'd be better off without it.