SCOTT T2C Evo - One of the most versatile lightweight running shoes on the market?

Product review: Run247 columnist Kirsty Reade tested the SCOTT T2C Evo

I recently broke out of my boring habit of wearing the same type of trainer to find that there’s a whole world of excitement out there. It was the SCOTT Kinabalu that helped me see the light, with its blingingness and super light and grippy soles (review here). So, it was time to continue my adventures in new shoes with the SCOTT T2C Evo, a road shoe which the Kinabalu was developed from.

First off, it didn’t disappoint on the bling. The women’s version is that bright kind of white which makes you either go for the puddles to dull them down a bit, or try to keep them box fresh for ever (I went with the former). Along with the white, there’s a big splash of lime green and a big SCOTT logo down the side. The men’s version is yellow and blue. If you turn up at your running club with these, they will be commented on.

Like the Kinabalu, it’s incredibly light. This is because of the AeroFoam midsole, which is much lighter than most other materials used for this. They feel kind of like a racing flat in weight, but there’s plenty of cushioning. I’d describe it as a perfect, light race day shoe but definitely sturdy, cushioned and comfortable enough to wear for training as well.

Photos: The men's and women's SCOTT T2C Evo is marketed as "One of the most versatile lightweight running shoes on the market"

The sole uses the SCOTT eRide technology, which works like a rocker to promote a faster and more efficient running style and encourage mid-foot striking naturally. I’m a heel striker and I’ve worn them for about a month now. I can’t say I’m now a mid-foot striker but I can see they’re helping me move in that direction and more importantly, I haven’t noticed any tweaks or aches and pains from changing to a shoe designed to encourage a change in running style.

The T2C has been used by European trail runners in dry conditions to great effect. Marco di Gasperi wore them when he finished second (to Kilian Jornet) in the 2011 Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon (more info here). SCOTT developed the Kinabalu along the same lines but with a grippier sole. While I wouldn’t use the T2C in muddy conditions I’ve just done about 14 miles of dry trails in them today very happily. It’s definitely a very versatile shoe.

One of the things I really like about SCOTT shoes are the little details. I find shoes with bulky tongues can give me a sore top of my foot on long runs. SCOTT shoes have really thin tongues which fit perfectly and very comfortably around the top of your foot. There’s also a nice sturdy heel cradle which makes them a really comfortable and supportive shoe. The uppers are really light and they’re roomy in the toe box. The design in general is quite stripped back so you just end up with the lightest shoe possible.

I’m quite hard to please on the trainer front, with freaky toes, narrow feet and heels that get sore if I don’t have enough cushioning, but I’m completely sold on the Kinabalu for off-road and T2C Evo for road. If you’re looking for a light, responsive but still fairly cushioned shoe I’d highly recommend giving them a go.