Details
Brand
Scott
Heel To Toe Drop
11 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• eRide Midsole Technology• Multi-purpose racer• Outsole made of an aero foam• Drainage holes in the outsole
Upper
One seemingly small issue with these shoes is the laces. The darn things won’t stay tied! This doesn’t, by any means, take away from the overall quality of the shoe, but it does distract. I would replace them with a higher quality pair of laces that actually stay tied. The upper of this shoe is made by using a seamless construction along the outside and the inside of the shoe. This thoughtful construction reduces irritation and friction which, in turn, eliminates the risk of blisters and hot spots. This is key for a triathlete because many runners commented that they could wear the shoe without socks because the inside has a sock-like feel to it and still feel comfortable and free from blisters or irritation.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe uses what is Scott called the eRide technology. This midsole material gives the shoe the perfect combination of responsiveness and cushioning. This midsole is designed with the needs of the neutral runner in mind, but many athletes said that it actually gave additional stability and support for the slight overpronator as well. This foam feels very soft and cushioning to runners, and this is especially important when we consider who fatigued your legs will feel on the last stretch of the triathlon.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe has a unique look. It expands out past the midsole to give the runner a larger base. Scott suggests that this reduces the risk of injury and reduces the risk of joint damage. This outsole looks like it might be cumbersome, but it actually uses an aero foam that is designed to be lighter and more cushioned than other outsole materials. It is clear through the design of the outsole that this shoe is for your triathlon. It comes with drainage holes along the outside and the underfoot is designed to add grip without sacrificing flexibility.
Breathability
The needs of the triathlete are more complicated than the needs of other athletes. Breathability takes on a whole new meaning to the triathlete. Athletes need a shoe that will not only allow their feet to breath and stays dry during their hot runs, but they also need a shoe that will give them maximum, quick drying capabilities to ease the transition between water, bike, and run. This shoe does a great job with breathability. The upper is made from a breathable mesh and breathability holes are visible all along the upper of this shoe. This allows for maximum air flow and the material ensures quick drying and contains wicking elements to keep the foot cool and dry and help it dry quickly if it is wet.
Comfort
These guys know what they are doing in terms of comfort. The shoe is quick and light like a lightweight training shoe, but it does provide added cushioning through the midsole to soften the blow of each foot strike. This is especially appreciated during the last leg of a triathlon. The patented Scott eRide Technology in the midsole gives the shoe extra cushioning without adding extra weight, which is imperative for a good racing shoe.
Style
If your name is Scott, I’ve got good news for you. You can proudly display your name along the side of your racing shoe if the Scott T2 Palani 2.0 is your shoe of choice. All jokes aside though, this is a unique and I believe, good looking racing shoe. There are multiple bright color options in this shoe is you are the type of runner who likes to make a bold statement during your races. A shoe that is aesthetically pleasing is important to a lot of runners, and it’s nice to know that you can have a shoe, like this one, that is not only cool to look at but also gets the job done.
Durability
One athlete raved that he has over 300 miles on these shoes, and they are showing no sign of slowing down. Yes. These shoes are pricey. There is no getting around that point, but if they shoe is outlasting other shoes that are cheaper, are they really a cheaper shoe? Reviewers suggested that this shoe needs to be replaced less frequently than other trainers they have used. If we consider this, the durability of the shoe helps justify the higher price tag.
Protection
Protection for a triathlete means something different than it does for the average athlete. Since there are so many tiny elements that can seriously though the triathlon off. Protection for the triathlete means a shoe that has been thoughtfully designed to ease transitions, quickly dry feet, add provide a positive return of energy to keep the foot from fatiguing. This shoe does all of those things. Specifically, one of the best elements of this shoe is the seamless sock liner of the inner. This greatly reduces the risk of blisters and irritation. Additionally, it offers larger holes in the upper to help with air flow and support breathability.
Responsiveness
These shoes offer a good level of responsiveness. It is important for the triathlete to be able to feel the road below them and make quick tempo changes when need be. This shoe’s outsole is durable enough to protect the foot but lightweight enough to provide good responsiveness.
Support
One of the things that are great about this shoe is that it really takes into consideration how fatigued your legs will be during the last stretch of the triathlon. These shoes provide more cushioning than some of the similarly weighted shoes in their class, and many runners appreciated the higher drop for added support too. This added comfort and support through the midsole does an excellent job of alleviating pain by absorbing some of the shock in each footfall. Especially at the end of a long race, this added support can be the difference between finishing strong and obtaining an injury.
Terrain
This is a shoe that is designed for the roads, and specifically the race. The Palani 2.0 is specifically designed for the athlete who is competing in Olympic distance triathlons or Half Iron Men competitions. The underfoot is designed with various design elements that all work together to give the runner additional grip and promote forward movement.
Price
When I started running, a good friend gave me some good advice. She told me that running is a cheap sport because all you have to do is spend money on a good pair of shoes. This is true, but the shoes can actually be quite pricey. They are an example of those shoes. You need to prepare yourself to spend close to one hundred and fifty dollars for these babies. Many athletes who wear and love these shoes would tell you that the price is justified, but if you are looking for a cheaper option, there are other shoes out there for you.
Drop
This shoe has a nine-millimetres drop. This is a good drop for the runner who is looking to feel close and connected to the road but needed a little extra cushioning too. Anything at four or below is considered a minimalistic running shoe, so the fact that this is nine millimetres still promotes a forward motion on each foot strike. This is important in helping propel the runner forward on that last leg of a long race.
Stability
A unique feature about these shoes is that outsole and the base cover more space, and this gives the runner a really stable, protective base for their runs. The shoe is listed as a neutral running shoe, but testers felt that it was a great shoe even for the runner who tends to slightly overpronate.
Flexibility
The outsole and midsole of this shoe offer a unique combination of supportiveness and flexibility. Often in running shoes, runners have to choose between a shoe that offers more support or is lighter weight, but the Scott T2 Palani 2.0 offers a unique combination of both.
Traction
The underfoot of this shoe looks interesting. It is designed with various elements in order to provide maximum road grip. When transitioning from the swim to the bike to the run, it is important that you have a shoe that you can count on to carry you even on fatigued legs and these shoes deliver.
Bottom Line
The big picture one takes away from this shoe is that it is a great shoe for any and all of your training needs. The outsole and midsole offer enough support and cushioning that it can go the distance on your long runs, but it is also lightweight and flexible enough to be used for tempo runs, fartleks, or any other speed work you need it for. Additionally, the underfoot contains enough grip and added traction that it’s a good option for light trail work too. The lightweight responsiveness helps the runner stay stable on uneven terrain, and this ultimately, reduces the risk of injury, especially rolled or twisted ankles.
