We sent the initial test pair back as the top of the tongue was too rigid: when flexing the foot forward/backward, the lateral points were really noticeable. Scott replaced them without modifying the tongue.
The Scott Kinabalu 2 suits the program listed: a versatile product. It is a comfortable shoe (except for the tongue) because there is plenty of room. Despite the lack of foam padding your foot is comfortable.
As long as you are careful with the laces, which isn’t that easy to tighten on the forefoot, you will have proper foothold. The flat laces slip, a double knot is imperative. On long runs, this Scott Kinabalu 2 was appreciated because you forget about it (except as we said at the tongue). It was also appreciated when fast hiking where its versatility and reasonable weight (295g in size 42.5) are very pleasant.
Torsion management is ok, as is the stride. The sole has a powerful grip on wet ground, beware of wet stone slabs as depending on the type of rock, it can lose its grip (polished limestone for example). It also gets small pebbles stuck in the sole.
It has a reassuring foot strike with good proprioception. The entire shoe has cushioning, logically a little less at the front. You lose precision slightly in the lateral support (roll) but nothing major.
You notice the 8mm drop as the heel is quite high.
On our test shoe the front become unglued. The stone guard works well.
This Scott Kinabalu 2 has good and bad points. The top of the tongue is way too stiff. It’s a versatile product.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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