Kit & Gear

REVIEW: The SCARPA Trail Running Shoe Range 2021

Inspired by 5-time World Mountain Running Champion, Marco De Gasperi, the SCARPA Trail Running Shoe range has undergone a major transformation, unveiling a completely new look in terms of design and specification for 2021. With an extended range of trail specific shoes, there is plenty to get excited about, as we introduce the brand’s three key models and highlight the difference in purpose between the Spin Ultra, Ribelle Run and the Golden Gate ATR.

Our SportsShoes.com ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting these exciting new trail shoes to the test;

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1. SCARPA SPIN ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

The perfect choice for moderate to ultra-distance runs, the multi-award winning SCARPA Spin Ultra offers extra cushioning at an amazingly low weight, with great stability and ample upper protection to keep your feet feeling good on all types of terrain.

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Ben says: This multi-award winning shoe is perfect for running on hard off-road surfaces, providing a combination of comfort, stability and protection.

There is a lot to like about this shoe. Firstly, it looks great – in fact I think SCARPA have done an excellent job in creating a range of trail shoes which strike an excellent balance between design and performance.

The Spin Ultra is extremely comfortable to wear and a large part of this is down to the breathable mesh upper which wraps around your foot, acting as a second skin. A TPU film has been used for added durability and to provide extra stability and support. In my opinion, this sock-like fit and feel is the key feature of this shoe.

I also like the shape and length of the tongue and there is a really handy lace pocket to store the excess material once they have been tied, eliminating the risk of coming loose and tripping over them during exercise. Additionally, the soft foam material of the tongue absorbs all of the pressure from the laces when tied and really enhances comfort levels.

Underfoot, the EVA midsole provides plenty of rebound and bounce – noticeable when you begin to put some real force through the shoe. There is ample cushioning which especially helps when running longer distances, soaking up impact and giving you much-needed energy return on hard surfaces. SCARPA use a Vibram Megagrip outsole to provide grip and traction. The 4mm lugs can confidently handle most types of off-road terrain, but I would say they are more suited to drier conditions and harder trail surfaces.

In terms of sizing, I’m usually a UK10 or UK10.5 (depending on the brand) and opted for the latter with this pair (EU 45). This shoe fits small, so I would recommend sizing up if you are unsure of which size to buy. I also think that anyone with a wide foot would find this model quite a tight fit. Personally, they’re great for me but then again, I do have very thin feet, so please bear this in mind if you’re looking for a new trail shoe.

SHOP SCARPA SPIN ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING SHOES HERE

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2. SCARPA GOLDEN GATE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

The SCARPA Golden Gate is the perfect shoe for medium to long distance runs on mixed terrain, including off-road as well as paved surfaces. This model is well suited to athletes of any weight and experience level, who are looking for a reliable and comfortable shoe for their daily training. An extremely versatile road-to-trail transitional shoe in the world of trail running.

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Ben says: The Golden Gate is completely a new concept for SCARPA, because it’s a trail shoe dedicated to beginners and for anyone looking to make the transition from road to trail.

Much like the Spin Ultra model, this shoe has a sock-like fit and feels really comfortable to wear. It features a similar TPU enhanced upper which increases durability and wraps around your foot for added support and stability. However, the key difference is the inclusion of a 3D mesh design with micro perforations in the fabric to increase airflow, making it the most breathable shoe in the range. The upper materials are light, yet strong and key pressure points have been reinforced with a TPU film for added protection and durability.

The Golden Gate features a traditional lacing system, which I personally think is a real shame, as the lace pocket design of the Spin Ultra is really effective. That said, the sock-like upper does ensure a really personalised and snug fit, which helps to increase the level of comfort.

The RESA TRN-02 Sole is made using a durable, high-performance rubber with 4mm lugs, designed to grip on a range of surfaces. As this is essentially a hybrid model, allowing you to switch between road and trail, it is ideal for anyone wanting an all-round shoe to cope with a wide range of surfaces and terrain.

Sizing and fit feels almost identical to that of the Spin Ultra. I would recommend going for a more generous size if you are unsure of which to choose.

SHOP THE SCARPA GOLDEN GATE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES HERE

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3. SCARPA RIBELLE RUN TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

The Ribelle Run trail running shoe is for those who are looking for absolute precision and high adaptability on any degree of difficulty or type of terrain. It is designed for short to medium distance trail and skyrunning. This lightweight, high-performance shoe is perfect for athletes who are seeking sensitivity and precision on rough, technical terrain.

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Ben says: Last but not least, is the Ribelle Run - 'a shoe that represents the imagination and soul of the brand. Designed for the most technical trails, this model descends from our most recognised mountain boot’ - Marco De Gasperi

Of all the SCARPA models in this season’s trail running range, this is my favourite shoe in terms of both look and performance.

The Ribelle Run is made from a tough Ripstop upper, designed to give you plenty of protection against harsh, mountainous terrain. Like the other models in this range, it’s built with a sock-like construction, with breathable panels at the front and around the sides. But the key difference here is the increased level of protection around the entire perimeter of the shoe, which at the front extends right down to the outsole. This thick layer of material wraps around your feet and ensures maximum protection against sharp rocks.

Yet again, this shoe features its own unique lacing system – a drawcord to tighten and a lace keeper to secure the excess material. I must confess, I am disappointed about the absence of a lace pocket, which as previously mentioned, works so well on the Spin Ultra. This is mainly because you have to wrap the excess laces around the lace keeper a couple of times and it’s not a very neat way of storing them. That said, they have always stayed secure during a run, so perhaps I should be less critical!

The EVA midsole is comparable to the Spin Ultra in terms of performance. Although it doesn’t have the soft, squidgy cushioning of a Hoka trail shoe, it does help to absorb the impact when striking hard ground, whilst providing ample cushioning and energy return.

The Ribelle Run has a PRESA® outsole, a more durable rubber compound, designed to provide exceptional grip on any surface and terrain. Although the grip is better than that of the other models in the range, I would’ve preferred a deeper and more aggressive lug pattern, which is essential in the UK for trail running in more extreme conditions.

Previous comments regarding sizing and fit also apply to this trail shoe.

SHOP THE SCARPA RIBELLE RUN TRAIL RUNNING SHOES HERE

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SHOP THE COMPLETE SCARPA TRAIL RUNNING SHOE RANGE HERE

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