Details
Brand
Scott
Heel To Toe Drop
5mm
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Trail Rocket 2.0
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Lightweight design ideal for racing• Adaptable material adds firmness and support when needed• Excellent breathability from upper mesh with synthetic overlays• Adequate toe box for most runners• 5mm heel-to-toe drop• Attractive design and colors• Advanced handling on multiple terrain types including road
Upper
The Trail Rocket upper is reported as being very breathable with an adequate toe box, although some felt it was a bit narrow. Durable overlays throughout the shoe’s forefoot act as both a toe bumper and offer protection from seam blowouts in the high wear areas on both sides of the shoe. The Trail Rocket can be worn with or without socks, whatever your preference and the wearer will experience no difference in performance. The Scott lacing system is solid and depending on your lacing method, the shoe holds firm to the foot. The laces have some stretch and once tied, do not come undone. A well-padded heel collar compliments the shoe and adds to the overall comfort, but the tongue of the shoe floats freely which can cause the tongue to go askew during runs and allow trail debris into the upper section. Some runners reported the free-floating tongue also caused slight pressure from the laces being directly on top of the foot.
Midsole
Scott’s eRide technology has been described as a “barely there” rocketed midsole shape that provides a fast transition for the runner. Many runners felt that the weight of the shoe combined with the relatively low stack height and unique rockered shape resulted in faster running times, especially when on smooth trails. The midsole design also helps promote a more efficient running style for some. Scott’s eRide technology is used on most of their high-end shoes and has nothing but favorable reviews.
Outsole
AeroFoam is Scott’s version of injected Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam which provides lightweight, yet durable cushioning for the Trail Rocket. The low lug height on the outsole offer a smooth ride on roads, yet small traction knobs on the sole provide a great grip on rocky and technical downhills. The shoe does not have a rock plate, but this has not been an issue thanks to the firmness and durability of the Aerofoam. The rubber toe bumper does its job of protecting the front of the shoe without being intrusive.
Breathability
The upper material of the Trail Rocket is closed mesh throughout the shoe which manages to keep out debris and still maintain a good amount of breathability. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlays provide a light seamless upper which easily allows a runner to go sockless and not worry about sweat. Runners in hot climates had no problems with the shoe feeling like it was overheating. The mesh tongue also adds to the shoe’s breathability. The shoe fabric is quick-drying when wet and still sufficient to block light wind under cold conditions.
Comfort
Runners who have worn the Trail Rocket are positively surprised by no break-in time. One ultrarunner described the shoe as “comfort in spades”. A few complained of stiffness at first, but the outsole relaxed quickly and contoured to the foot. The shoe has a cushioned yet responsive feel on even ground and the ability to maintain comfort across many semi-technical miles. Some runners with wide feet found the toe box to be a bit narrow, but most said it was fine. Overall, the shoe had a glove-like feel and its minimalist design is popular with those who like to feel the ground beneath their feet.
Style
Both the men’s and the women’s shoes come in attractive yet subdued colors. The ladies model is a sleek looking orangeish-red and green colored shoe where the men’s version is more green than red. Both shoes inspire boldness, agility, and speed while maintaining an organic feel about them. Because the shoe is an older model, these seem to be the only colors available.
Durability
While not designed for extreme, high-mileage runs, like the T2, most wearers agreed that the shoes hold up fairly well on smooth and mildly technical trails. The biggest complaint from some runners was the black traction nubs on the bottom of the shoe coming off after some fairly tough technical miles. Other wearers had no problem with the shoes and described them as surprisingly rugged despite their light weight.
Protection
Scott’s eRide technology assists in energy transmission, but it is also responsible for protecting the foot from sharp rocks and other objects along the trail. Although the upper mesh is light and flexible, the rubber toe bumper provides sufficient protection to the front of the shoe. As mentioned before, the shoe does not have a rock plate, but the firmness of the Aerofoam outsole provides adequate protection in most environments.
Responsiveness
All runners agreed that the Trail Rocket is a highly responsive shoe in the area of forwards and lateral movements. The shoe was designed with flexibility and cushioning in mind which enables it to respond well to the demands placed upon it no matter what the terrain. Some reviews hailed the shoe’s flexibility and comfort on steep uphill and downhill runs without getting that jammed feeling in the toebox and heel.
Support
Albeit a neutral shoe, the Trail Rocket’s amount of cushioning is moderate. The arc support is also present although it is not too heavy. The minimalistic heel cup might not be the optimal choice for running on rough or extreme terrains that require more support. Many runners took advantage of the very back (heel lock) eyelets to keep the shoe snug around the heel. Adjusting the laces for the severity of the terrain can often prevent excessive movement of the foot within the shoe.
Terrain
The Trail Rocket is a trail shoe designed for soft and semi-technical trails. It does not get good reviews in the mud. One runner noted that the shoe did equally well on pavement and provided an easy transition from road to trail and back again. Water crossings were no problem for the shoe which dried quickly and maintained its optimum support.
Price
When new, the Trail Rocket was priced in the mid to upper price range for trail shoes. Because it is an older model and a version 2.0 was released in 2015, you can now find some pretty good deals on this shoe. Since the shoe does run true to size, according to most, you are probably safe buying online. With the price of shoes going up every year, buying an older model is often a good way to determine if you like a brand.
Drop
Following the current trend for low drop shoes, the Trail Rocket has a 5mm heel-to-toe drop (19mm heel, 14mm forefoot) designed for a fast pace and high foot turnover. The benefits of the low drop shoes are said to be better overall form due to a greater lower leg and foot muscle engagement. Better form also leads to better running stability which results in less impact and rotational forces that can cause overuse injuries.
Stability
The Trail Rocket is a flat platform shoe and does not have much motion control to prevent overpronation, but it does correct mild to moderate pronation. Its lugged sole also helps prevent ankle rolls on soft trails. Wearers of the shoe advised lacing the shoe tight when running switchbacks to avoid ankle problems. The shoe is best for forefoot and midfoot strikers due to Scott’s eRide rocketed midsole shape. The supplied insert is removable and a more supportive insert can be added if desired.
Flexibility
Due to the Trail Rocket’s lack of weight and thin upper mesh material, many runners expected the sole to be extra flexible, which is not the case at all. Scott’s AeroFoam technology enables the shoe to quickly change between feeling firm at higher speeds and softer at slower speeds. This technology is what makes the Trail Rocket an excellent racing shoe.
Traction
The Trail Rocket has excellent traction and grip on uneven surfaces and wet surfaces. It’s lightly lugged sole will propel the runner across tree roots and over rocks. It also performs well on wooden surfaces, very light mud, soft and uneven dirt, and sandy trails. The shoe also gets good reviews in snow and slush. On the road, the shoe performed equally well which is a bonus for those whose access to wooded trails requires a short run to and from home.
Bottom Line
The Trail Rocket was a great new update to Scott’s line of trail shoes. Although there have been some improvements with a 2.0 version, the original model is still a great shoe for trail runners looking for a minimal feeling shoe that offers adequate protection and comfort for long distances. The rugged yet lightweight outsole is perfect for almost all off-road and on-road surfaces. This shoe is well cushioned despite its thin sole and offers some light stability features. The upper is very breathable and dries quickly should you encounter water or rain. Although not quite as rugged as its basis, the T2 Kinabalu, its sleek style, and light weight provide speed that the T2 cannot.
