Details
Brand
Scott
Heel To Toe Drop
5 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Dynamic overall trail shoe that adapts to all running styles• Durable construction that’s long-lasting even after many extreme sessions• Great 360 lug design that works well in conjunction with its low profile• Excellent responsiveness thanks to firm but comfortable midsole• A lightweight trail shoe that protects the foot on tenacious trails
Upper
The Supertrac RC has a seamless one-piece upper, which provides an irritation-free run and prevents the shoe from wearing down over time. With welded overlays that provide structure and durability, the upper has a slightly thicker mesh than comparable trainers, but while this compromises its breathability it aids in keeping the foot chamber debris-free. The tongue of the Supertrack RC is thin and conforms to the shape of the foot to provide a secure fit. Its lacing system distributes tension evenly across the foot so no area feels high compression from stress concentration. The laces also connect to tensing material that’s part of the midsole to provide a solid fit.
Midsole
With a midsole made from Aerofoam that provides a good amount of cushioning and grips the foot to keep it in place, the Supertrac RC decided on making a midsole that won’t feel too plush. Instead, there’s a bit of stiffness in the midsole, particularly in the forefoot, which aids in helping the runner have a firm sense of the trail when on a steep incline. This relatively hard feel works well with the rocker construction of the shoe, however, as this shape encourages a natural stride. The 360° lug design works well with this stiffer midsole, as the runner is provided enough cushioning to feel comfortable but still retains a great amount of surface control when on the trail. In short, the midsole cushioning isn’t too plush but finds a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness.
Outsole
The tenacious outsole of the Supertrac RC embodies perhaps its greatest feature of the shoe: the 360° radial lug design. This arrangement radiates from the ball of the fit outwards, which makes sense because when a runner is going up or down a trail, the ball of the foot is making the greatest impact on foot stability when it makes contact with the ground. The lugs are multi-directional in an arrangement, which is much different from most running shoes whose lugs are only arranged in one direction. This placement allows for freedom of foot placement and to maintain foot stability, which is critical when negotiating steep slopes. This wet rubber outsole performs in races on traditional running surfaces and on trails where dirt, mud, and rock are to be traversed.
Breathability
With its seamless one-piece upper, the Supertrac RC is built to last. However, the upper is also made with a thicker mesh than many other trainers, which tends to cut down on its breathability. Some runners have noted that it took longer than usual for the RC to dry after a run and that although it offers a fair amount of breathability, overall this isn’t the most well-ventilated shoe. However, what is lost in breathability is gained in overall protection, which trail runners will appreciate–particularly depending on how extreme their outdoor running trails are.
Comfort
With a firm but comfortable Aerofoam midsole that provides cushioning without being too plush, and a mesh one-piece, seamless, bonded upper that reduces the risk of irritation one a run, the Supertrac RC aims to be as comfortable as it is able on off-road runs. Its secure heel cup keeps the heel firmly in place while its toe box allows for long, comfortable runs. The welded overlays provide great support while also securing the midfoot firmly without a feeling of restriction, and the overall design of the RC is low cut enough for dynamic movement.
Style
The Supertrac RC looks every bit the serious trail running shoe that it is: with a black upper and bright neon yellow outsole and highlighted overlays, the RC is paradoxically flashy without being garish. The neon yellow provides high visibility in low-light situations while the black upper is a subdued contrast to the more colorful elements. It may not be a shoe you would wear to the grocery store, but this isn’t an everyday shoe anyway: it’s meant for long-distance runs and strenuous trail running. Low cut and sleek, on the trail runners will appreciate its high visibility outsole while its dark upper cleverly hides dirt and debris after a long run.
Durability
Although the upper’s thicker mesh may not provide the greatest ventilation, the seamless bonded one-piece upper is incredibly durable. With welded overlays that provide structure and protection, the upper unit keeps its integrity even after many, many hard-charging adventures on the trail. The wet rubber outsole is similarly of durable construction, with its numerous thick lugs retaining their integrity and tenacity long into the shoe’s life. While it may not be the most well-ventilated shoe, the Supertrac RC will last a long time without wearing down against the elements it confronts in the great outdoors.
Protection
The thick, durable wet rubber outsole–covered in 360 lugs–protects the foot well against the unpredictable terrain and materials that runners encounter when out on the trail. Similarly, its heavy mesh upper also provides a debris-free experience, while its rubber toe bumper protects toes from impact injuries.
Responsiveness
Thanks to a thinner midsole in the forefoot and an overall comfortable but firm midsole, runners wearing the Sueprtrac RC will feel the responsiveness of this design, which provides superior surface control. The 360° radial lug pattern on the outsole also provides a great amount of responsiveness, as runners can easily change direction and force of toe-off with ease.
Support
Built for neutral runners with moderate arch support, the Supertrac RC is not specifically a support shoe, instead built with nominal support.
Terrain
Made to tackle the great outdoors with ferocity, the Supertrac RC can tackle the most extreme terrain runners can find outside: sharp inclines, rocks, mud, and dirt. The only limit is the runner’s desire and imagination, terrain-wise. Similarly, the RC performs spectacularly on traditional running surfaces and is also meant for long-distance running.
Price
Although on first glance it could be considered a somewhat expensive trainer, the Scott Supertrac RC could be considered moderately priced for a trainer of its class and caliber. Particularly for such a versatile and tenacious trail runner, this is an investment that will pay off thanks to its long-lasting, durable construction.
Drop
The Supertrac RC has a 5mm drop, which is about half as low as the standard running shoe’s drop, and when combined with the Supertrac RC’s “rocker” construction that promotes natural stride, runners not used to a lower drop will still find this lower drop provides a comfortable ride.
Stability
Well-balanced between its tenacious outsole and the firm but comfortable midsole, and boasting of a 5mm drop, runners who suffer from slight overpronation will find the Supertrac RC a stable shoe to run in. However, it is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
With a sort of firm flexibility, where the Supertrac RC flexes at crucial points but mostly depends on its “rocker” system that encourages a natural stride, the RC isn’t the most overly flexible trainer but allows for flexibility in crucial areas.
Traction
One of the great highlights of the Supertrac RC is its excellent traction. With the 360° radial lug pattern on its outsole, runners will appreciate how they can change direction on a whim and navigate sharp inclines with ease, which is crucial when traversing more radical terrain. And since the lugs are made from durable wet rubber, their traction will not be compromised even after heavy use.
Bottom Line
Scott has only been in the racing shoe business for less than a decade but with the Supertrac RC, they may have already struck upon a standout shoe design. Its combination of superior grip and traction, sleek design, firm but comfortable cushioning, and seamless upper makes this a trail runner that can stand up to the most extreme and challenging trails. Its aggressive 360° radial lug pattern allows for multidirectional traction that will serve trail runners well as they negotiate the unpredictable terrain of the outdoors. Although the midsole may seem a little stiff to some runners, this will serve runners on the trail and in races well with its supreme responsiveness.;The seamless bonded upper reduces irritation and provides great protection while running outdoors, while the foot remains secure within the foot chamber after lace-up thanks to the grip of its midsole and heel cup. Although some runners may find the rocker construction that promotes natural stride slightly constricting, overall this feature helps transitions and is yet another element that allows for a smooth ride. For runners that are serious about hitting the trail and needing as much dynamic traction possible to negotiate the rough and tumble terrain that goes with running through nature, or for long-distance runners looking for traction that will give them the upper hand in races and a trainer that will continue to perform mile after mile, there are few as tenacious or dynamic as the Scott Supertrac RC.
