Traction matters: why all running shoes aren’t created equally

Not all running shoes are created equally. SCOTT Sports makes running shoes for different terrains and goals. Are you on the right tread? Photo: Milo Zanecchia.

PARK CITY, Utah — You wouldn’t use just any skis on a powder day, nor would you use a road bike on a mountain biking trail. Athletes use specific gear for specific conditions, terrain, and weather. The same goes for runners’ shoes; whether it’s race day or trail running season, the same shoe does not fit all. Because traction matters.

SCOTT Ultra Carbon RC is the most technological trail racing product to date. It features a CARBITEX GearFlex plate that keeps you moving efficiently for long hours combined with evolved rocker technology.

The Ultra traction outsole has strategically placed lugs to provide the best traction for those fast-rolling summer trail races. This outsole is designed specifically for ultra races on fast-rolling trails. Utilizing a semi-radial design to give maximum efficiency in forward motion while maintaining multi-direction traction elements to keep you feeling confident when the trail starts to twist and turn. The shoe feels light and cushioned thanks to Kinetic Light Foam and high levels of comfort from a specifically designed engineer upper. The SCOTT Ultra Carbon RC is your go-to shoe for trail marathons to ultra-race distances.

Key features:

• Ultra Trail racing shoe
• Carbon plate for energy return
• Most lightweight & responsive foam
• Rocker shape for running efficiency

The SCOTT Supertrac RC 2 is the go-to shoe for athletes looking to take on high alpine technical races.

The updated award-winning Radial Traction outsole improves traction and durability. With a bite face for traction and an outer face that escapes mud, the lugs are able to rotate through the surface while offering unparalleled traction in a 360-degree sphere. This outsole is for running in the most technically exposed mountain environments.

Key features:

• Best traction in high alpine areas
• AeroFoam+ improves stability
• Rocker shape for running efficiency
• Protective and durable upper

SCOTT’s most versatile trail running shoe, the Kinabalu 2, is equipped with a Versatile Traction outsole to create traction on any trail. This outsole is ideal for hardpack rolling trails. The responsive Kinetic Foam midsole returns 14% more energy, and the updated air mesh upper creates a highly breathable and comfortable environment for your feet.

Key features:

• Hybrid Traction
• Traction Rubber
• Kinetic Foam
• eRIDE
• Internal Fit System

The Kinabalu Ultra RC is a go-to shoe for Ultras and long training miles away from the mountains. Its Hybrid Traction outsole combines chevron cleats for straight-line power transfer with conical cleats that provide multi directional traction to support high speed cornering.

This outsole is optimised for fast efficient running on man-made trails. The responsive cushioning from the Kinetic Foam midsole returns 14% more energy, plus the rock plate for protection create the perfect shoe for trail ultra marathons.

Key features:

• Ideal traction for manmade trails
• Designed for long distances
• Responsive and lightweight foam
• Rocker shape for running efficiency
• Lightweight & breathable upper mesh

Treads and outsoles have a significant impact on performance and efficiency. SCOTT Sports focuses on the details so you can focus on your time on the run. Choose your best tread for whichever trail calls to you.