Scott Ultra Carbon RC, Tried, Tested and Abused
It’s happened, carbon plates have finally made their way into trail running shoes. The idea does not completely convince me. However, these shoes are doing a very good job of changing my mind. Scott has saved no expense on them, packed them full of their latest tech, and used the innovation they have become famous for.
- Trail running and racing shoe
- 5mm drop 25mm in the heel 20mm in the forefoot
- 300 grams in my size 8UK
Straight out of the box
I was very lucky and got a pair a few months before they were released so have done plenty of running in them by this point. Going back to my first run and initial thoughts. Slipping my foot into them the over-ruling factor is comfort. The upper is a light and breathable mesh that moulds to your foot shape instantaneously. It feels wider in the forefoot compared to other Scott models which are good if you are stepping up the distance. For the cushioning Scott often have a reputation for their shoes being on the more responsive and firm end of the spectrum, with the Ultra Carbon RC, this is no longer the case. Thanks to the combination of the plate they have managed to soften up the midsole foam without compromising on the responsiveness, A real win!
The outsole is on the lighter end of the trail grip but I have been very surprised with how capable they are when it comes to the mix of terrain they can handle.
Running feels easy in them, unlike some carbon shoes it doesn’t feel like I have had to change how I run in them. The plate isn’t that noticeable until you start running faster then you can feel it subtly ping you forward. A great feeling, especially when you begin to tire towards the end of your run.
Conclusion
A few months on, plenty of miles were run and some raced. They are still a shoe I reach for if I want to feel faster. Still, with the same comfy feel every time I put them on. Some downsides I have found are on more technical terrain you lose ground feel and they feel clunky and oversized, this is more taking the shoe on the wrong trails, but something to be aware of if you are planning on taking them more off-trail.
Pros:
- Super Comfy
- Cushioned and responsive
- Surprisingly grippy
- Wide fit in the forefoot
Con’s:
- Loss of ground feel on more technical terrain
Like the sound of going faster? Pop down to the store to try a pair today or follow the link Here to grab a pair today.
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