Details
Brand
Scott
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Breathable mesh upper• Lightweight design• Innovative removable insole• Aerofoam EVA cushioning• eRide rocker technology• Bright colors• Roomy upper
Upper
The material used in the upper of any shoe needs to be bother durable and breathable to keep the foot from overheating. With the T2C Evo, Scott has used mesh upper material that allows for extreme breathability. To increase the durability, there are synthetic overlays layered with the mesh. The collar of the shoe also has additional padding for comfort. There should be plenty of breathability to take these shoes on fast speed runs on warm days but runners should still feel protected on colder, breezier days when wearing socks. Unfortunately, the upper material is not waterproof. Those in search of a waterproof option, should look elsewhere. Overall, the upper material will feel great against the skin and be a source of comfort for most runners.
Midsole
The midsole tends to absorb the bulk of the impact when a runner’s foot hits the ground. Scott has used their Aerofoam midsole cushioning to help lessen the blow of every stride. This material is particularly noteworthy because Scott claims that it is 50% lighter than typical EVA foams found in traditional running shoes. Because of this, Scott was able to keep the overall weight of the shoe down while not compromising the cushioning found in the midsole. This creates an amazingly comfortable experience while being light enough to take on speed workouts and race day. Another nice feature is that Scott has included a removable perforated insole that helps with drainage of water out of the shoe. This can come in handy when you’re giving the shoes a quick rinse after a long sweaty run.
Outsole
The outsole of any good running shoe needs to be durable enough to withstand the impact of many miles of running. Scott has done a solid job with the EVA and rubber found throughout the outsole of the T2C Evo. This shoe will hold up well and give enough traction for most road runs. With road runners in mind, it is designed to be a durable, lightweight, and good for everyday speed training and it certainly delivers. The lugs on the bottom of the outsole aren’t very large, so traction is slightly compromised.
Breathability
As previously stated, the breathability of the shoe is pretty remarkable. The mesh upper allows for ample airflow during even the warmest runs. Whether wearing socks or not, the foot should be able to breathe nicely in most conditions. The synthetic inserts on the upper do lessen the breathability ever so slightly, but they are a good trade-off for the added durability. The added benefit of a perforated insole helps with internal ventilation of the shoe as well. It’s a nice bonus to be able to remove the insole and rinse out the shoe after an intense run as well.
Comfort
The Scott T2C Evo is a very comfortable shoe. This is mostly due to the Aerofoam EVA cushioning that is found throughout the midsole of the shoe. Runners will feel supported on every stride with enough bounce to maximize the efficiency of their pace. Scott has used their eRide technology as another feature to encourage more of a midfoot and forefoot stride while wearing this shoe. The eRide feature creates a slight rocker sensation that pushes the foot forward and may take some time to get used to for heel strikers. The padded collar and smooth tongue of the shoe should limit any chafing or irritation and allow for a comfortable run in a variety of conditions.
Style
Style is always a subjective topic when it comes to running shoes. Some runners prefer the brighter colors to stand out from the crowd. Other runners want something more low-key that can blend in with others. Scott decided to go the flashier route with the T2C Evo. These shoes come in some bright color options that are very eye-catching. The bright colors are matched with some stripes along the side with the large Scott logo. Some runners will love this look, while others will hate it. Say what you will, but Scott running shoes have a style all their own.
Durability
Durability is a key component of a good running shoe. Most runners put a lot of miles on their shoes and they don’t want them breaking down prematurely. Scott has enhanced the durability of their T2C Evo shoes with several important features. First, they’ve used a rugged rubber throughout the outsole of the shoe to hold up to daily wear and tear. Second, the upper portion of the shoe has synthetic inserts in an effort to enhance the durability of the breathable mesh material. Scott has also loaded the midsole with their Aerofoam EVA cushioning that is both durable and lightweight. This shoe should have no problem keeping up with even the most disciplined runners.
Protection
The foot needs to be protected when it’s being put through the grind of daily running. With the T2C Evo, Scott has put most of its protection in the midsole with its Aerofoam EVA cushioning. This technology is able to protect and support the foot stride after stride. The traction found on the bottom of the outsole also helps to protect from large rocks and tricky terrain. The heel support in this shoe is also solid, which will keep the foot in place to minimize pain and injury risk.
Responsiveness
A lightweight training shoe needs to be responsive in order to be good for speed workouts and race day. Scott made sure to build the T2C Evo with responsiveness in mind. The Aerofoam EVA midsole cushioning helps to absorb the impact of each stride while providing enough bounce and feedback to propel into the next step. The eRide technology gently pushes the foot forward in an effort to improve the efficiency of each stride. With an upper that is so lightweight and roomy, every move with the shoe is felt and supported. The spacious toebox of the show also allows for toes to splay out and gain contact with the ground in a responsive way.
Support
Even when a shoe is lightweight and designed for speed, it still needs enough support to handle the impact of running. The Scott T2C Evo shoes aren’t going to be the most supportive shoes on the market, but they should have enough for the average runner. The heel support, in particular, is quite nice. Some runners may feel that the upper is a bit too loose and roomy to be 100% supported. Runners who are coming from a more minimal shoe should have no issues with the support. Runners who are coming from a more substantial shoe could take some time to get used to its lightweight support.
Terrain
The Scott T2C is really designed for road running and track speedwork. This is the type of terrain where it’s at its best. This is certainly not a trail running shoe, and those who are looking for a shoe for that kind of terrain should look elsewhere. This shoe will be at its best if you keep it to flat, smooth terrain.
Price
Scott shoes aren’t known as the priciest on the market. There are discounts to be found and deals to be had on many of their running shoes. The T2C Evo can be found on the lower end of the running shoe price matrix. There are plenty of features in these shoes that could command a higher price tag. Some may say that you get what you pay for when it comes to running shoes, but Scott has packed a lot of quality components into a very reasonably priced shoe.
Drop
Scott uses an 11 mm heel-to-toe drop on the T2C Evo shoes. This is a far cry from some of the top 0 drop shoes that get so much attention today. This larger drop is designed to help guide the foot naturally to a mid and forefoot strike rather than a heel strike. While this may take some getting used to in the short term, it should pay off with more efficient running in the long term.
Stability
Some runners crave the maximum stability found in some of the top stability shoes, while others prefer a more minimalist approach. Scott has landed somewhere in the middle with the T2C Evo shoes. These shoes provide some stability thanks to a supportive heel cup and Scott’s eRide technology. The eRide rocker system gently guides the foot to a more natural and efficient stride while not being too overbearing.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the Scott T2C is fairly good. The lightweight construction helps to make these shoes feel light and flexible on the foot. The Aerofoam EVA cushioning found throughout the shoe isn’t too stiff or rigid. Runners should be able to flex naturally on each stride. The roomy toe box and flexible mesh upper allow the foot plenty of room to flex. These definitely won’t be as flexible as some of the top barefoot shoes on the market but compared to other lightweight trainers, they stack up nicely in the flexibility department.
Traction
The outsole of the Scott T2C Evo does provide some traction but it’s not to be recommended for all types of terrain. Sure, there is some traction on the shoe but the lugs are fairly minimal compared to some of the other all-terrain options on the market. Runners should be fine if they stick to roads, sidewalks, and the rubber or cinder track. Those are the types of terrain where these shoes will really shine.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a durable lightweight trainer at an affordable price, the Scott T2C Evo could be the perfect shoe for you. It manages to combine a lightweight design with some amazing cushioning technology and a rocker system to enhance your stride. The breathable upper makes this a strong candidate for speedwork on a hot day or even a solid racing shoe across short, fast distances. Scott has a real winner on its hands with this shoe.
