Scott: T2 Comp

STATISTICS

Shoe- Scott T2 Comp
Weight- 261g
Heel Height- 27mm (self measure)
Toe Height- 17mm (self measure
Stability- 7/10
Cushioning- 8/10
Durability- 9/10
Comfort- 9/10
Miles Run- 188miles
Longest Run- 45.7miles
Terrains- Hard-Pack Trail, Soft Mud, Canal Path, bridleway, chalk, clay, Road

Style and Type:
Yes Scott do running shoes and this is their flagship trainer racer
The Scott T2 is advised as a shoe that is cushioned enough for training and light enough for racing which I totally agree with! It has a low profile and lightweight features so I found it easily doubles as a long distance road race shoe (half marathon and up for serious runners). It has also been built with Stability in mind so recreational runners can use it for training and racing in all distances.

Fit and Feel:

The first of several real deal sealers for Scott is the fit of the T2. The width hugs my foot in the right spots with enough flexibility to allow natural foot movement and toe splay. Scott uses their Ergologic Ride to help the transitional feel from hell strike to toe off. The fit has a hard to achieve combination of flexibility and strong foot hold. The supple overlays allow the foot to be fastened but flexible (important for fitting different foot shapes) and the foot liners wrap the foot seamlessly to ensure good foot stability and increased forefoot flex. Only thing I would change in respect to fit is the depth of the toe-box, my big toe has a little top down pressure which was completely alleviated by removing the footbed. The shoe fits half a size small compared to most brands to so this could just be a result of that.

Outsole:

A carbon grip is used in all the high wear areas of the outsole and Scott have ensured that the durability of the outsole and materials used are the same at the lateral front of the shoe as they are at the heel of the shoe. This is something I talk about regularly in reviews as it seems to be a common area of fault from a lot of other lightweight shoes. By using the same materials the shoe becomes ideal for forefoot strikers as well as rearfoot and midfoot strikers.


Midsole:

Scott has used a rockered platform which is slightly different to the Hoka and Tecnica platforms. Simply put a bar is placed across the midsole of the foot right at the beginning of the medial arch. Now this placement is crucial as it is at this point the foot begins to rotate and twist which pronates the foot (not necessarily overpronates, two different things). At this point the midsole raises up ‘hump’ like and protects the foot right under the navicular (the navicular bone drop has had a lot of interest lately from BROOKS and they have put navicular pods on both the Adrenaline models and Ravenna from Brooks). This support stops the foot from excessively rotating and increases propulsion as you transition off this ‘hump’. I love this feature as it allows for support and stability of the foot and gait without having to include heavy and dense EVA midsoles to the mid/rearfoot. The hump runs straight across to the other side of the foot which is perhaps my only issue with it. To increase the stability further if this hump was slightly graded off (higher medially and lower laterally) then it creates a varus wedge type effect with repositioning the foot. For example Brooks with the Defyance and Asics with the Nimbus create this varus wedge by making the medial side of the rearfoot EVA thicker than the lateral side. This does help prevent overpronation even in Neutral/cushioned shoes but it does mean the foot sits unnaturally high on one side. Another option for the hump/rocker is to put it diagonally across the shoe. This would stop the lateral hump sitting on and aggravating the cuboid bone in some people (not a problem for me) and then act as a guidance system to increase population. (See Tecnica Diablo Max shoe review for more on rockers)
Another great feature is the carbon shank used in the midfoot. I have also loved this feature in other shoes and feel it does a great job of returning energy into the foot whilst keeping it stable. Asics new 33 line have just elaborated on this idea to be shaped like the Plantar Fascia which I see as nothing more than marketing. The placement and stiffness of this by Scott is already spot on. It’s not too hard that you feel it but it is defiantly a contributing factor to why my foot feels so damn comfortable and efficient in the T2

Upper:

The upper has a great wrap around the foot and is extremely lightweight for a traditional shoe. Drainage is very good which helps keep the shoe breathable. Lacing is very secure although I had to change the thinner lace for a thicker one (Scott are changing this in newer models) and supremely comfortable. The tongue is exactly how I would design it for any shoe, no excessive use of foam where not needed. The tongue only has some soft foam across the top of the midfoot where you tie the laces off. This stops the laces digging into the foot and helps the rest of the tongue just be light, flexible and comfortable.


Grip:

The carbon rubber grip is very sticky on roads which is handy considering it’s a road shoe! Not had a single issue on roads/pavements in the rain either which is a real bonus. The mild winter means I have not tested this in harder conditions but the Grip is the same type that is used in the Adidas Adios which I have a lot of experience with and never an issue. So far this grip has been extremely durable too. Almost 200miles in and no signs of excessive breakdown.

Conclusion:

Light, protected, innovative and durable makes this shoe a MUST try for everyone. It really is game changer to be as light as a racing flat without having to needlessly drop the heel down to a smaller height. I think this is the shoe a lot of people who can’t handle 0mm-8mm drop shoes but like the lightweight feel have been waiting for. This will definitely stay in my shoe rotation and I genuinely look forward to running in it when I put it on. If I’m changing anything then I am looking at improving the rocker/hump to better accommodate every runner but I imagine this is not easily done. I would also have that toebox with a couple mm’s more depth to allow the natural plantar flexion of the 1st met heads. You won’t be disappointed in this shoe if you need a new road runner.

Please email at ra_felton@yahoo.co.uk for more questions or feedback or leave a comment.