Details
Brand
Scott
Heel To Toe Drop
11 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• AeroFoam+ cushioning• Rubber outsole• eRide technology• Rock protection plate• 11mm drop• Closed mesh upper• Strong tread pattern
Upper
The Scott T2 Kinabalu’s upper is designed to provide a breathable, comfortable, and supportive atmosphere for runners. The upper uses closed mesh that is meant to protect against debris while still creating a breathable shoe. The upper also has seamless TPU overlays that keep the foot supported and protected. The upper also has a mesh tongue, padded collar and a racing insole that combine to offer comfort and protection. The lacing system uses a coating on the laces that keeps them from untying, along with a fastener that keeps the laces in place the shoe supported. This moderately breathable upper is designed to still be somewhat lightweight while still offering protection from debris and water. Scott has definitely put research into creating an upper that works best for trail runner.
Midsole
The Scott T2 Kinabalu’s midsole is designed to provide strong cushioning, comfort and protection while running the trails. The midsole uses AeroFoam+ technology, a lightweight cushioning. The AeroFoam+ is described as a soft foam that feels like Styrofoam, but still has a strong amount of durability. It offers an adequate amount of cushioning while running. The midsole also uses an eRide style, which is described as a style that is to help the foot roll forward during its strike. This style is meant to help runners develop a more natural running style by using the impact energy. Reviewers were impressed with the soft, yet strong cushioning that is provided on the midsole. The only negative concerning the midsole was related to the thickness in the middle, which took some getting used to. Overall, the midsole on the Scott T2 Kinabalu ranked above average.
Outsole
The Scott T2 Kinabalu outsole is designed to provide protection, traction and comfort while navigating the rough elements often found on trails. The outsole is comprised of wet traction rubber, a material that is lightweight and highly abrasive. The outsole has what is considered a moderate tread pattern that uses triangular lugs that provide an optimal amount of traction, control and protection. The outsole also has a rock protection plate that is in the middle of the outsole. The plate is designed to push debris away from the shoe and protection the foot from elements. Most reviewers had excellent comments regarding the T2 Kinabalu’s outsole and the durability and protection associated with it. While one reviewer noted that the shoe’s outsole did not perform great running on the road, as the rubber was too soft, others felt that the outsole helped add a good amount of flexibility and support. Overall, the outsole ranks high for the Scott T2 Kinabalu.
Breathability
The Scott T2 Kinabalu uses a wind-resistant upper that is comprised of mesh to create a breathable atmosphere for the foot. Combined with the overlays that still offer added protection, the T2 Kinabalu offers good breathability in elements that often make the foot too wet. The tongue also uses mesh to create a cool, dry interior. Overall, breathability seems average on the Scott T2 Kinabalu.
Comfort
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is pretty comfortable for a trail shoe. With the AeroFoam+ on the midsole, the cushioned running experience made impact feel light. Reviewers felt that the cushioning was the perfect amount of softness and firmness for a trail shoe. The soft, breathable, and protective upper also adds to the shoe’s overall comfort, as well as the insole and padded interior. Many reviewers felt that the shoe provided a good amount of comfort but still aided performance. The Scott T2 Kinabalu ranks above average for comfort.
Style
Style on the Scott T2 Kinabalu is really depended on what you prefer. With bold, bright colors like bright blue and orange, you could either love or hate the T2 Kinabalu. Reviews range from runners totally loving the color patterns to others who thought the colors were obnoxious. The sleep design appeals to everyone, and given the trend toward more colorful shoes, our rating on this one goes to above average.
Durability
The Scott T2 Kinabalu as a trail shoe needed to have some durability behind it to hold up to the elements. Scott was able to provide durability in the form of a strong rubber outsole with a great tread pattern. The AeroFoam+ midsole also stands up to rough surfaces with no issues. The rock protection plate also provides an element of durability as it stands up to the debris on trails. One reviewer noted that after a hundred miles, he started to see his usual wear, but overall he was impressed with the shoe’s durability. The Scott T2 Kinabalu ranks above average for durability.
Protection
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is made to withstand the many elements encountered while trail running. The shoe offers an optimal amount of protection. Starting with the shoe’s strong outsole that is made of a high-quality rubber with an excellent tread pattern. There is also a rock protection plate on the shoe that is meant to protect the foot from rocks and debris. The shoe’s upper uses a closed mesh and TPU overlays to keep the foot protected from debris getting into the shoe. The sandwich mesh tongue also offers an element of protection as it is designed to protect from common pressure points. The shoe also protects the foot from water as it repels water. Reviewers were impressed with the amount of protection the shoe provides. One reviewer felt that the balance between the protection and the trail feel were optimal. Overall, the Scott T2 Kinabalu ranks high for protection.
Responsiveness
The Scott T2 Kinabalu has elements designed to aid responsiveness. The shoe uses an eRide technology that allows the foot to roll forward during the strike. This allows the runner to develop an efficient running form by using the impact as energy for a forward motion. The rock protection plate also contributes to the shoe’s responsiveness as Scott uses the terminology “push-through-plate.” The 11mm drop takes some getting used to because of the increased thickness, however, many reviewers felt that the shoe felt light despite this. There AeroFoam+ also makes the T2 Kinabalu more responsive as the soft cushioning allows runners to push off during impact. Overall, the Scott T2 Kinabalu ranks average for responsiveness.
Support
The Scott T2 Kinabalu as a trail shoe uses some features to provide added support to trail runners. The shoe’s upper uses the overlays to not only keep the foot snugly in place but also support the foot as well. There is the chance that the shoe could cause the foot to roll a bit, so it is important to secure the laces correctly so that this doesn’t happen. The lacing system uses a coating on the laces that keeps them from untying, along with a fastener that keeps the laces in place the shoe supported. Additionally, the AeroFoam+ cushioning and strong outsole also provide support while running.
Terrain
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is made for heavy trail elements with lots of mud and water. The shoe performs well in the mud and even on the ice. Traction on the shoe is excellent as there is a strong tread pattern on the optimal rubber outsole. The shoe also repels water, which is a key element on trails. The rock protection plate, or as Scott calls it a “push-through-plate,” is an added benefit as it protects against debris often found on trails. Even the AeroFoam+ midsole is made to withstand and cushion on hard surfaces. While reviewers did say that the shoe could be used for road running, some felt that the rubber was too soft. Overall, reviewers felt that the Scott T2 Kinabalu performed well on trail surfaces.
Price
The Scott T2 Kinabalu retails for $140, however, if you can find them, they now are available for around $40 because new versions are available. At $140, reviewers felt that the price was a bit expensive. While trail shoes are typically on the higher end of the price range for running shoes, the T2 Kinabalu was still more than many of the similar brands that were on the market. However, Scott used technology that creates a well-rounded, versatile shoe that does well on comfort, durability and protection, all key elements for those who are regular trail runners.
Drop
The Scott T2 Kinabalu has an 11 mm drop. To some reviewers, the drop seemed high, but the drop seems to be affected by the addition of the eRide technology. So if you judge by drop, understand that there are additional factors. Once reviewers ran in the shoe, they didn’t have an issue with the drop.
Stability
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is neutral with no build artificial features to provide stability. However, the shoe itself offers some stability with the structured upper, strong outsole, and highly durable cushioning. Overall, the shoe is average for stability.
Flexibility
The Scott T2 Kinabalu has just the right amount of flexibility trail runners are looking for. The shoe offers a good amount of flexibility. While some train runners prefer more flexibility, most felt that the shoe provides just the right amount. Some reviewers noted that the shoe was a little stiff at first, but after a few miles, it relaxed. Overall the T2 Kinabalu has average flexibility.
Traction
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is designed to handle the elements many trails throw at runners. The traction is made to withstand the tough surfaces. The outsole is made of a strong rubber with a moderate tread design that performs well on muddy, wet and even icy conditions. The AeroFoam+ cushioning also helps impact the traction while running on trail surfaces, as it is not soft and not too firm, allowing the shoe to grip. Reviewers were pleasantly surprised with the traction on the Scott T2 Kinabalu and had great experiences in some harsh conditions. The Scott T2 Kinabalu ranks high for traction.
Bottom Line
The Scott T2 Kinabalu is a versatile trail shoe for runners looking to use it for training or competing. Scott did a great job of combining features that work well together to create a durable, comfortable and protective shoe. With features like a closed mesh upper, rubber outsole, rock protection plate and a good tread design, the shoe is ideal for wet and muddy conditions. The T2 Kinabalu’s AeroFoam+ cushioning, padded interior and eRide technology combine to create a comfortable yet supportive running experience. Depending on your style, Scott uses some bright, bold colors that may or may not appeal to you, but once they are covered in mud, who really knows what color they are. The Scott T2 Kinabalu is a great shoe for runners looking for a shoe that works well on trail terrain.
