Outbound Reviewed: SCARPA Spin RS Alpine Running Shoes

Admittedly, trail running is a fairly new pursuit for me. I have a lifetime of experience "running" around mountains, scrambling up ridges and exploring the woods, but heading out specifically to jog is a new experience. When I first began, I went through a half-dozen pairs of shoes, and several dozen pairs of blisters. I wouldn't necessarily say I have Cinderella feet, but it seems that the rigors of running really take a toll on me, and the shoes need to be absolutely perfect. 

Enter the SCARPA Spin RS. The dual-density EVA midsole provides amazing stability and helps provide power back to your stride, and the Vibram Megagrip rubber provides traction on any surface. The sole features four different shapes and sizes of tread lugs to provide traction on any surface, in any direction, and to help keep pesky dirt and mud from sticking to the bottoms of the shoe which weighs you down and provides unnecessary stress on your joints. Anyone who's ever tried to hike or run with shoes caked in 5 extra pounds of mud can appreciate what a helpful feature this is.

I particularly love the mesh uppers to help keep my (constantly) hot and sweaty feet cool and dry. The construction is extremely ergonomic, making these shoes feel like they were sewn custom for your foot. Just the right amount of hug in the just the right places, without any squeeze points.

The bottom line – these shoes are brilliantly designed, tough as nails, and literally shaved 45 seconds off my average mile time when I took them around my standard loop. When these wear out, I have no doubts that I'll immediately be buying another pair of the SCARPA Spin RS.