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Scarpa Spark

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Scarpa Spark trail running shoe

Trail running shoes that are lightweight with a low heel-to-toe differential, wide toe box, true to size, excellent lacing system and the best part of all made with recycled synthetic and breathable mesh uppers for a wonderful ride. They make you feel like you are floating instead of runnning.

Pros

  • Made out of recycled synthetic and breathable mesh uppers
  • Cushy ride without adding the extra weight
  • Shoes are light, less than 10 ounces
  • Dry fast
  • No ankle turning
  • Wide toe box
  • Cushy ride
  • Great colors to pick from. Love the Lipgloss/Orange color

Cons

  • You will need to buy two pairs so you can alternate them between runs to make each pair last longer
  • They are expensive ranging from $90-$115, depending on where you buy them
  • Wish they were made in the USA--instead they are made in Italy

This is one totally awesome trail shoe. Being a trail runner for over 30 years I have tried every trail shoe on the market. The lightweight and low-to-the-ground framework with a 6mm drop from heel to forefoot helps keep balance and stability on uneven trails. You get to enjoy a trail minimalist shoe without losing the protection you need when you run rugged terrain.

The shoe not only gives you some extra toe box room it also offers exceptional overall comfort that basically molds to the shape of your foot. Add in that your purchase of the shoe is good for the planet and how can you go wrong?

My experience with trail shoes is that if you enjoy a little cushion in your shoe most of the miminalist shoes don't provide that. Then you run into shoes with a higher low- to- ground framework that can cause you to turn your ankle. The Scarpa shoe has just enough cushion that I don't miss my heavier trail running shoes. You can wear them right out of the box, there is no beak-in time needed. 

I have worn these shoes on 100 mile and 50 mile races and have had them wet and muddy. They dry amazingly fast too. I have had 6 pairs now and just recently purchased another pair as I am getting to run a 50 miler up on the Superior Trail in September. 

Don't walk, run to the store and get these shoes. I promise you that you won't be disappointed. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $92

The low rise on the shoe is great on uneven trails. Very secure footing for slick rock and roots to loose trail base.

Pros

  • Low rise outsole
  • Trailrunning
  • Light weight

Cons

  • Some of the stitching came loose around the toe box rather quickly

Overall a great trail running shoe, looking to get another pair. Only concern was some of the stitching around the toe flex area unraveled rather quickly.

Very breathable (not waterproof)...my feet tend to perspire a lot. Minimal use of foam padding.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $80

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $29.74-$118.95
Reviewers Paid: $80.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $34.95-$119.00
Reviewers Paid: $92.00
Product Details from Scarpa »

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