Scott T2 Kinabalu 3.0 Review

Scott T2 Kinablu 3

Where I’ve used this shoe

I originally bought this shoe for the Hardmoors 110 ultra marathon in May 2017 as I was looking for a shoe that would handle the wide variety of terrain that makes up the Cleveland Way on The North Yorkshire Moors. The shoe really suited the dry and dusty conditions giving me plenty of cushioning and support from the hard packed ground.

Since then they have been my goto shoe when conditions are dry. I’ve even used them on a recce of the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra where they got me up and across the CMD Arete with no real issues including the fairly boggy first section of the climb. On the rocky descent on Ben Nevis they performed flawlessly gripping the dry rocks well and providing good foot protection.

Scott T2 Kinabalu 3

Details

One thing that always impresses me with Scott shoes is the build quality and attention to detail. The T2 Kinabalu 3’s were no different and they just ooze quality.   The lace locker is a nice addition and helps keep laces tucked away and out of the way. 

With a 11mm heel to toe drop, the Scotts stand at a heel height of 29mm and forefoot height of 11mm. A carbon fibre rock plate helps keep the bottom of your foot on rocky terrain

Upper

Starting at the front the Scott T2 Kinabalu 3 have a rubber toe bumper that helps protect the foot from rock strikes which wraps over the toe box. When tired I suffer from not picking my feet up and catching the front of my shoes on rocks so this has started to pull away slightly so it woulkd be nice to see this stitched on for extra protection but this is minor.

A well padded tongue and heel provide good support for long days on the trail and as previously mentioned the lace locker lets you tuck the laces out of the way.

The fit is generous and its a fairly wide shoe across the toe box so I had no problems with blisters or hot spots with my wide feet.

Midsole

Scott use Aerofoam+ in the midsole which is lightweight and highly durable whilst the eRIDE tuned systme offers a geometry that combines greater trail running efficiency and protection through adaption to the ground.

Whilst this does sound very much like marketing speak the combination of eRIDE and Aerofoam+ do feel as though they are pushing you forward with each foot strike. eRIDE is designed to make you a more eficient runner by helping you strike the ground with a mid to fore foot toe off. It feels like the shoes are working with you to help propel you forward.

Outsole

While not featuring the most aggressive of soles the Kinabalu 3 does have a very well rounded outsole which can handle the majority of terrain with ease. It provides great all round grip and the carbon fibre rock plate helps protect the bottom of your foot on rocky terrain.


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