Details
Brand
Scott
Heel To Toe Drop
11 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• AeroFoam Infinity midsole provides superior responsiveness• eRide midsole rocker• Race Specific Tounge• Breathable mesh upper i• Synthetic overlays add protection
Upper
Runners were really receptive and spoke positively about the upper of this shoe. A seemingly small, but important, feature that runners loved was the race-specific tongue. The tongue of this shoe won’t shift in place and offers added padding to keep the runner comfortable. It also features a fast-drying material to keep the runner cool and dry even on the hottest days. The upper features a breathable mesh material for superior breathability. It is open and provides unbeatable air flow to the foot. Scott also wanted to be sure that this shoe could hold up against intense races and mileage, so they included overlays to provide the runner with more support and durability. These overlays are seamless in construction which help reduce friction and eliminate irritation along the upper of the foot.
Midsole
The midsole of the Scott Palani RC is unique in that it doesn’t feature a more traditional CMEVA midsole foam, instead, it offers Scott’s patented AeroFoam Infinity. This midsole foam is an injected molded EVA foam. The difference is that, in general, IMEVA midsoles tend to be springier, offer better responsiveness and provide more cushioning their CMEVA midsole cousin. This midsole does just that. It provided cushioning to the shoe without sacrificing responsiveness. This is great for protecting the runner against the abrasive shock of running on hard surfaces because the midsole of this shoe does a great job or absorbing the shock to limit the impact to the joints. This midsole also features the eRide technology. This is a feature in the midsole that promotes a natural running movement by propelling the foot forward. It does a great job of reducing fatigue in the runner by absorbing the shock of each footfall and returning the energy back to the runner.
Outsole
The outsole of the Scott Palani RC shoe is simple and high quality. It is made from a durable rubber material. It has clearly embedded textures to grip the road and add traction. Runners reported feeling safe and secure even on slippery surfaces because of the grip provided by the outsole. This outsole is also highly durable. Runner love that even after high mileage, the shoe looked and felt new. Because of the light traction provided through the outsole, runners loved this as a treadmill shoe too.
Breathability
The breathability of this shoe is top notch. Runners loved that the shoe helped keep their feet cool and dry even on the hottest days and the longest runs. This can be attributed to the breathable mesh upper that covered the shoe. This material is actually open and allows for the highest level of air flow. Runners also reported that the inside of the shoe dries quickly to keep the runner comfortable and reduce odor in the shoe.
Comfort
This shoe received top marks from runners in the comfort category. They loved this shoe for the added cushioning provided by the IMEVA AreoFoam Midoles. This foam is more springy and cushioned than traditional CMEVA midsole foams. It provides superior responsiveness and does a great job absorbing the harmful shock of each foot fall. In the long run, this helped runners stay injury free. The upper of the Scott Palani RC is lightweight and breathable, so the runner’s feet stay cool and dry and free from friction which can lead to blisters.
Style
The Scott style is a unique one. The Palani RC only comes in one color option: Bright yellow and black. Needless to say, if you are a runner whose primary focus is fashion, these might not be the top choice for you. Many runners were happy to trade style options and color combinations for the superior fit and performance that this shoe has to offer.
Durability
These shoes provide the runner with durability in two key areas, the upper and the outsole. Yes, the upper of the shoe is breathable and lightweight, but it is comes designed with seamless overlays to help the foot stay in place and keep the shoe from prematurely breaking down. Runners reported that even after high mileage, the shoe still looked brand new. The other area is in the outsole. The rubber in these outsoles is highly durable and hold up well to the elements of the road.
Protection
This shoe does a decent job of protecting not only the runner from the elements of the road, but the design elements also protect the shoe from premature wear and tear. The upper is covered in synthetic overlays. This not only keeps out unwanted debris, but it keeps the shoe looking and feeling newer for longer. The midsole of the shoe is made from a highly receptive material and is a powerful shock absorber. This protects the runner from jarring impact and keeps the joints safe and healthy. The outsole of the shoe features some deep grooves to added traction which protects the runner from slippery road conditions.
Responsiveness
The Scott Palani RC received high praise for the shoe’s overall responsiveness. This shoe has a 5-millimeter drop and a cushioned midsole that combine to create a very responsive shoe. Runners reported that they felt very connected to the road beneath them and were able to quickly respond to changes in direction, speed, and road conditions.
Support
The two key support areas of this shoe are in the upper and the midsole. The upper features synthetic, seamless overlays that help keep the foot securely in place. This reduces friction and irritation for the runner. The other area is through the midsole. This midsole is designed to absorb shock and add cushioning for the runner. Runners reported feeling very supported on their runs. The shoe hits the right balance of lightweight and supportive, which allows it to still function as a fast, racing shoe.
Terrain
This is a shoe that was designed for the road. The mid-weight and the added cushioning make it a great racing shoe. Runners also loved this shoe as a cross training companion in the gym. The outsole of the shoe features a durable, grippy rubber so groomed trails are fine, but this is not a shoe that is designed for the more intense needs of trail running.
Price
This shoe comes in right in the middle of the racing road shoe price range. This isn’t going to be the pick for the runner who is really focused on keeping costs as low as possible, but it also isn’t going to completely break the bank.
Drop
The heel drop on this shoe is 5-millimeters. Anything 4 millimeters and below can be considered a natural running shoe, so this shoe is very close. It prides itself on being a flat and fast shoe for the runner who needs a more cushioning but still wants to feel connected to the road below them and go fast. This shoe isn’t 100% flat, but it feels pretty close to that.
Stability
This shoe is marketed as a neutral running shoe and not for the runners who need assistance with overpronation. However, since the shoe does offer added support in the midsole via the cushioning and responsiveness, those with slight pronation issues felt comfortable and protected running in the Scott Palani RC. If you are a runner with extreme pronation issues, this is the best shoe for you, but if you are looking for minimal support, this can be a good choice.
Flexibility
Runners did not have much to say about the flexibility offered in the outsole of this shoe. The outsole material is rubber and the heel drop is only 5 millimeters which leads to a flexible underfoot experience. Runners did comment that the upper of the shoe is very flexible and promotes a more natural movement than other shoes that are covered in overlays. The overlays protect the runner from road debris and keep the shoe looking and feeling new, but they don’t stifle the movement of the runner in any way.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe is made from a durable rubber. It also has embedded grooves to latch on tightly to the road below it to add extra traction for the runner. Runners commented that even on slippery surfaces, they felt secure and protected. Since it does offer a higher grip that some other road running options, runners also liked this shoe for speedwork on the track and the treadmill.
Bottom Line
The Scott Palani RC is a high-quality shoe for the runner who is looking for a perfect combination between cushioned, fast, and comfortable. The IMEVA AeroFoam Infinity midsole material is designed to be springy and ultra responsive. The weight of the show is 8.5 ounces. This is not the lightest weight shoe you can purchase, however, it is still light enough to perform as a fast racing shoe. Runners love this shoe for their mid distance races as well as their longer distance training runs. Sure it only comes in one color and style, but what it lacks in options it more than makes up for in quality. It provides a breathable, fast drying upper and a durable outsole. It won’t break the bank, but it also is not the most inexpensive shoe on the market. From the upper to the outsole, this is a great shoe that runners are raving about.
