The fit of the Scott Kinabalu 2 trail shoe is excellent, both in length and width, and the insole feels supportive underfoot. The moderate cushioning is ideal for both hard-backed trails and hill and mountain paths, although you might prefer more cushioning for greater comfort if you are planning on very long-distance routes.
I find the shoe quite stiff around the heel cup and tongue area. Some people might like greater security at the ankle but I find the tongue digs in.
Fiona Russell’s verdict
I find the shoe quite stiff around the heel cup and tongue area. Some people might like greater security at the ankle but I find the tongue digs in.- Fit
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Light colours
- Obtrusive Tongue
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £140 Weight: 320g Materials & features: heel-to-toe stack, 29mm, 21mm, rubber outsole, rocker-shape sole, dual density Kinetic Foam, eRIDE midsole, women-specific Ortholite footbed, thermoplastic polyurethane support cage, form-fitting tongue Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm Lug depth: 3mm to 5mm Sizes: UK3 to 8.5 Women/Mens version: Yes URL: https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/ |
The uppers have some abrasion resistance including a rand that circuits the lower part of the shoe, plus a toe cap and heel protector. All of these will reduce wear on the shoe from natural obstacles such as vegetation and rocks but there are more robustly designed shoes on test. In addition, the colour choices in the female shoes are light hues and they will quickly end up looking mucky.
The Scott is not the lightest shoe on test, nor the heaviest, and it actually feels quite nimble on the trails. It is best suited to forest trails and hill paths, rather than off-the-beaten track terrain.
I slipped about in mud and also on wet rocks and tree roots but felt confident on rough, dry ground. I would reserve these trail shoes for summer conditions.
Scott make a few claims, such as “kinetic foam” sole that “returns 14% more energy” than standard EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam; a rocker shape to create a stable mid-stance; and “eGait” to promote a more dynamic running position and reduce heel strike. It is difficult to prove or disprove any of these claims but while the shoes are comfortable and easy to run and walk in, they do not seem especially wow-y to me.
Tested by Fiona Russell
Fiona Russell is a size UK8.5 and has a narrow foot. She is a keen trail and hill runner, as well as a mountain walker and especially enjoys the Munros and Corbetts in Scotland. To test this trail shoe, she walked and ran in each pair of shoes on a range of terrain.
