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The Scott Kinabalu is a trail running shoe designed for versatility and performance on various terrains. This shoe is part of the Scott Kinabalu family, known for its innovative design and advanced technology.
Key Features:
The Scott Kinabalu is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize efficiency and comfort for various terrains. Its advanced foam technology offers a smooth and dynamic ride, making it suitable for both training and competition.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.
The Scott Kinabalu is a well-rounded trail running shoe that excels in providing a balance of cushioning, lightness, and protection. The Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2) technology promotes a more dynamic running position, which helps reduce heel strike (when the heel of the foot strikes the ground first) and increase running efficiency. The Scott Kinetic Foam in the midsole is highly reactive, returning 14% more energy than standard EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a common midsole material), making it ideal for long runs. The Ortholite Ultra insole adds extra comfort and has antibacterial properties to keep the shoe fresh. The outsole is designed to adapt to various terrains, offering excellent traction and stability. However, some users have noted that the shoe may feel a bit stiff initially and may not be the best option for those who prefer a more flexible shoe. Overall, the Scott Kinabalu is a solid choice for trail runners looking for a versatile and efficient shoe. Its combination of advanced technologies and comfort makes it a standout option for trail running.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a good comparison to the Scott Kinabalu, as both are designed for trail running. The Speedcross 5 offers excellent grip and stability, similar to the Kinabalu, but it is known for its more aggressive outsole and deeper lugs, making it better suited for muddy and soft terrain. The Scott Kinabalu, on the other hand, provides a more balanced ride with its advanced foam technology and is more versatile for various terrains. Runners who need a shoe specifically for wet and muddy conditions might prefer the Speedcross 5.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is another trail running shoe that can be compared to the Scott Kinabalu. The Speedgoat 4 is known for its exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it ideal for long-distance trail running. It also features a Vibram Megagrip outsole for excellent traction on various terrains. While the Scott Kinabalu offers a more dynamic ride with its Scott Kinetic Foam and Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2) technology, the Speedgoat 4 focuses on providing maximum cushioning and support. Runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning for long distances might prefer the Speedgoat 4.
The Brooks Cascadia 15 is a versatile trail running shoe that can be compared to the Scott Kinabalu. The Cascadia 15 offers a balance of cushioning, stability, and protection, similar to the Kinabalu. It features a rock plate for added protection and a TrailTack rubber outsole for excellent traction on various terrains. The Scott Kinabalu, with its advanced foam technology and dynamic ride, might appeal more to runners looking for a more efficient running experience. However, the Cascadia 15 is a solid choice for those who need a reliable and protective trail shoe.
The Scott Kinabalu Ultra RC is a special version of the Scott Kinabalu designed for ultra-distance trail running. It features a more aggressive outsole for better traction on technical terrain and a lighter weight for improved performance over long distances. The Ultra RC also includes a more breathable upper and enhanced cushioning for added comfort during extended runs. While the standard Scott Kinabalu is versatile and suitable for various terrains, the Ultra RC is specifically tailored for ultra-distance runners who need a shoe that can handle the demands of long, technical trails.
The upper of the Scott Kinabalu is designed with a micro-hole mesh that provides a snug but not restrictive fit. It includes padded supports on the sides and heel area for added comfort and stability. However, the breathability could be improved as the feet tend to get warm during long runs. The upper also features synthetic material supports in the toe and heel areas to protect the foot from bumps and obstacles. The thin laces and cushioned tongue ensure a consistent and comfortable fit.
The midsole of the Scott Kinabalu features Scott Kinetic Foam, a lightweight and highly reactive foam that returns 14% more energy than standard EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a common midsole material), according to the manufacturer. This technology provides a smooth and stable ride, making it ideal for long-distance running. The midsole also includes the Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2) technology, which promotes a dynamic running position and reduces heel strike (when the heel of the foot strikes the ground first). The Ortholite Ultra insole adds extra comfort and has antibacterial properties to keep the shoe fresh.
The outsole of the Scott Kinabalu is designed to adapt to various terrains, offering excellent traction and stability. The lugs are redesigned to optimize contact with the surface and improve traction, making it suitable for both easy and technically difficult trails. The outsole rubber is soft, providing a good grip on wet terrain. The shoe's versatility makes it a reliable choice for different types of trail running.
The Scott Kinabalu offers a medium toe box, providing a comfortable fit for most runners. The shoe fits snugly but not restrictively, thanks to the padded supports and thin laces. The cushioned tongue ensures that the laces do not cause discomfort. However, some users have noted that the shoe may feel a bit stiff initially, which could affect the fit for those who prefer a more flexible shoe.
The Scott Kinabalu is designed for comfort, with features like the Ortholite Ultra insole and padded supports in the upper. The Scott Kinetic Foam in the midsole provides a smooth and stable ride, while the cushioned tongue and thin laces ensure a comfortable fit. However, the breathability could be improved, as the feet tend to get warm during long runs. Overall, the shoe offers a good balance of comfort and performance for trail running.
The Scott Kinabalu excels in cushioning, thanks to the Scott Kinetic Foam in the midsole, which provides a smooth and stable ride. The Ortholite Ultra insole adds extra cushioning and comfort, making the shoe suitable for long-distance running. The cushioning is effective in absorbing impact and reducing fatigue, enhancing the overall running experience.
The breathability of the Scott Kinabalu could be improved, as the feet tend to get warm during long runs. The upper is designed with a micro-hole mesh, but it may not provide sufficient airflow to keep the feet cool. However, the shoe does have synthetic material supports in the toe and heel areas that protect the foot from bumps and obstacles. While the breathability is not the best, the shoe's other features make up for this drawback.
The Scott Kinabalu offers excellent stability, thanks to the Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2) technology and the Scott Kinetic Foam in the midsole. The ER2 technology promotes a dynamic running position, reducing heel strike (when the heel of the foot strikes the ground first) and increasing running efficiency. The midsole foam provides a smooth and stable ride, making the shoe suitable for various terrains. The outsole's redesigned lugs optimize contact with the surface, enhancing traction and stability.
The Scott Kinabalu is built to last, with high-quality materials and advanced technologies. The upper features synthetic material supports in the toe and heel areas, protecting the foot from bumps and obstacles. The midsole uses Scott Kinetic Foam, which is lightweight and highly reactive, providing long-lasting cushioning and performance. The outsole is designed to adapt to various terrains, offering excellent traction and stability. Overall, the shoe's durability makes it a reliable choice for trail running.
The Scott Kinabalu offers excellent grip, thanks to the redesigned lugs on the outsole. The lugs optimize contact with the surface and improve traction, making the shoe suitable for both easy and technically difficult trails. The outsole rubber is soft, providing a good grip on wet terrain. The shoe's versatility and reliable grip make it a great choice for trail runners who need a shoe that can handle various conditions.
The flexibility of the Scott Kinabalu may not be its strongest point, as some users have noted that the shoe feels a bit stiff initially. The upper is designed with a micro-hole mesh and synthetic material supports, which provide a snug fit but may limit flexibility. The midsole features Scott Kinetic Foam and Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2) technology, which promote a dynamic running position but may not offer the same level of flexibility as other shoes. However, the shoe's other features, such as cushioning and stability, make up for this drawback.
The Scott Kinabalu is ideal for trail runners who prioritize efficiency and comfort on various terrains. Runners who appreciate a balance of cushioning, lightness, and protection will find this shoe suitable for their needs. The shoe's advanced technologies, such as the Scott Kinetic Foam and Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2), make it a great choice for those looking to improve their running efficiency and reduce heel strike (when the heel of the foot strikes the ground first). Additionally, runners who need a shoe with excellent traction and stability for different types of trails will benefit from the Scott Kinabalu.
The Scott Kinabalu may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a more flexible shoe, as some users have noted that it feels a bit stiff initially. Those who need a highly breathable shoe may also want to consider other options, as the breathability of the Scott Kinabalu could be improved. Runners who require a shoe specifically designed for wet conditions might want to look at other models, as the Scott Kinabalu is not waterproof. If you are looking for a shoe with a more precise fit, you might want to explore other options.
The Scott Kinabalu is good for trail running on various terrains, offering a balance of cushioning, lightness, and protection. Its advanced technologies, such as the Scott Kinetic Foam and Evolved Rocker 2 (ER2), make it suitable for daily training and competition. The shoe's excellent traction and stability make it a reliable choice for trail running on both easy and technically difficult trails. Additionally, the Scott Kinabalu is ideal for runners who need a versatile shoe that can handle different conditions and distances.
The Scott Kinabalu is best suited for various types of trail terrain, including easy and technically difficult trails. Its redesigned lugs and advanced foam technology provide excellent traction and stability, making it a versatile choice for different conditions.
The standard Scott Kinabalu is not waterproof. However, there is a Gore-Tex version available that offers increased protection against water, humidity, and mud.
The Scott Kinabalu weighs 320 g for the men's version and 289 g for the women's version.
The Scott Kinabalu has a heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm, providing a balanced and stable ride for trail running.
Yes, the Scott Kinabalu is suitable for long-distance running, thanks to its advanced foam technology and cushioning. However, some users may find it more comfortable for medium distances due to its initial stiffness.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
released | ReleasedDec 2014 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Nov 2015 | Mar 2018 | |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 320 g W: 289 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 215 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g |
Forefoot | Forefoot21 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 16 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | |||
Heel | Heel29 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 20 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm |
Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail |
Brand | BrandScott | Vibram | Merrell | Vibram | Salomon | Hoka |
Shoe Type | Shoe Type | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
Techs | Techs | Vibram | Vibram | |||
Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan β | Vegan β | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2048) |
Terrain | Trail (+533) |
Brand | Scott (+12) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1602) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1577) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1113)Heel strike (+1096) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1524) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+853) |
Events | 10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711) |
Colorways | Blue / Yellow |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Released | Dec 2014 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 320 g W: 289 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 8 mm | |
Heel | 29 mm | |
Forefoot | 21 mm |