Article by Nico Wagner
Scott Pursuit Ride 2 (159,95€)
Introduction
With the new Pursuit Ride 2, Scott promises a versatile all-rounder for asphalt and gravel. Comfortably cushioned, yet dynamic and responsive, it should allow runners to find their flow everywhere. So far, I've mainly known Scot trail models such as the Supertrac RC or from the Ultra Carbon RC, so I was all the more excited to see how the new road model would fare in the test.
Pro
- Balanced cushioning & stability: not too firm, not too soft, noticeable rebound
- Very good grip, even in wet conditions and on gravel
- Midsole and rocker ensure efficiency
- Super breathable mesh upper material
- Upper does not hold the foot quite as well at faster paces
Specs
Weight: 275 gr. (US 11)
Stack: 32.5 mm (heel) - 23.5 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 9 mm
Test Kilometers: 53 km
Weight: 275 gr. (US 11)
Stack: 32.5 mm (heel) - 23.5 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 9 mm
Test Kilometers: 53 km
First impressions, upper and fit
The Pursuit Ride 2 leaves a high-quality impression as soon as you look at it and try it on: the workmanship is excellent, as you would expect from Scott.
The striking rocker is eye-catching and can be felt as soon as you take your first step. The heel section is discreetly padded and offers very pleasant comfort, while the lacing ensures a secure fit.
The stitched tongue reliably prevents slipping and is surprisingly comfortable despite its slim design. The specially developed mesh upper material impresses with its high breathability and lightweight feel.
The Ride 2 is true to size and fits a wide variety of foot shapes, even wider feet will find plenty of room.
Midsole
At the heart of the Pursuit Ride 2 is the new midsole, in which Scott uses Kinetic Nitrogen Foam. This process involves injecting nitrogen into the foam core, resulting in a material that is softer, lighter and more responsive than conventional midsoles. The prior version had a EVA/ Olefin block copolymer blend. The result is a dynamic running sensation with reliable energy recovery. The concept is complemented by the strong rocker (ER3: Evolved Rocker Technology), which enables a smooth transition from the heel to the toe phase:
Midsole
At the heart of the Pursuit Ride 2 is the new midsole, in which Scott uses Kinetic Nitrogen Foam. This process involves injecting nitrogen into the foam core, resulting in a material that is softer, lighter and more responsive than conventional midsoles. The prior version had a EVA/ Olefin block copolymer blend. The result is a dynamic running sensation with reliable energy recovery. The concept is complemented by the strong rocker (ER3: Evolved Rocker Technology), which enables a smooth transition from the heel to the toe phase:
This reduces shocks and improves running economy. With a stack height of 32.5 mm at the heel and 23.5 mm in the forefoot, the midsole has sufficient substance and it feels like it has more than the relatively low stack height numbers suggest.
In practice, the midsole shows exactly the right balance: not too soft and not too hard. It offers more than enough cushioning for long-lasting comfort and yet sufficient reactivity for dynamic movements. Together with the pronounced rocker, you just roll along.
Outsole
The outsole of the Pursuit Ride 2 is quite distinctive: Scott speaks of "Flat Traction", a rubber compound and pattern that covers almost the entire forefoot and heel area. In practice, the grip is impressive, even on wet surfaces. Several test runs in the rain showed that contact with the asphalt is reliable even when the surface is dirty. But the sole also scores points on gravel: the Flat Traction provides traction to ensure stability and control.
Running Feel and Conclusions
The Pursuit Ride 2 surprised me: the combination of the innovative midsole, the pronounced rocker, the great fit and the ingenious grip is simply outstanding.
The shoe offers an extremely comfortable running experience in the tested speed ranges and also handles faster units with ease: runs at a pace of around 5:30-6:15 min/km are very relaxed, endurance runs in the 4-pace range are possible without any problems, and the Pursuit Ride 2 even manages longer intervals of around 3:30 min/km without any problems. It is only at pace (under approx. 3:30 min/km) that you notice the light, airy upper material, which no longer provides maximum support for the foot - but that is not what the shoe is made for.
My colleague Alex in the English v1 review gave the following summary of the first version of the Scott Pursuit, which I also find very appropriate for the second version: "A lightweight, high-cushioned shoe that feels good at slow paces and better at moderate-to-fast paces. As I’ve been writing this review, I feel a bit like I’m describing a Goldilocks shoe: firm, but not too firm; soft, but not too soft; rockered, but not too aggressive, etc. And though the Pursuit is not quite the be-all, end-all of shoes, it really is an impressive combination of lightweight cushion in a stable shoe that turns over easily and doesn’t beat up your legs in the process."
In my opinion, the Scott Pursuit Ride 2 doesn't have to hide behind established competitors such as the Adizero SL 2 or the Novablast both of which I have run. In fact, it has proven itself so well that it will replace the Adizero SL 2 in my running shoe rotation in the future. If you are looking for a versatile, comfortable and dynamic all-rounder that cuts an excellent figure on both asphalt and gravel, the Pursuit Ride 2 is an absolute top candidate.
Score: 9.45/10
Ride: 10 (50%) Fit: 9 (30%) Value: 9 (15%) Style: 8 (5%)
3 Comparisons to the Scott Pursuit Ride 2
Adidas Adizero SL 2 (RTR Review)
In a direct comparison with the Adidas Adizero SL 2, the Scott Pursuit Ride 2 impresses above all with its higher quality and more stable midsole which provides a better ride. The Scott is also ahead in terms of fit, as well as grip, which is particularly superior in wet conditions. The Adidas Adizero SL 2, on the other hand, clearly scores in terms of price, as it is 30 euros less, and also proves to be an excellent (less stable) all-rounder for a wide variety of runs. Both models were tested in US 11.
Asics Novablast 4 (RTR Review)
The Scott Pursuit Ride 2 and the Asics Novablast 4 are both universal running shoes. The Scott scores with better grip and a slightly firmer running feel, asS well as offering me a better fit. The Asics Novablast 4 is slightly cheaper with a price difference of 10 euros and is also a great all-rounder and is characterized by a softer running feel. The choice between these two excellent models ultimately depends on your personal fit preference and desired running feel. Both models were tested in US 11. I have not yet tested the Novablast 5.
Hoka Rincon 3 (RTR Review)
Compared to the Hoka Rincon 3, the Scott Pursuit Ride 2 clearly has the edge. The Scott impresses with a midsole that offers more substance and rebound, which makes for a more dynamic running experience. It is also more versatile as an all-rounder, offers better grip and promises greater durability. For its part, the Hoka Rincon 3 scores with a lower weight and is the more affordable option with a price difference of 30 euros. Both models were tested in US 11.
Nico Wagner (Innsbruck, ~70kg, middle and forefoot runner). My running career began in the classic way with road running. To make my training more varied, I have occasionally explored the trails around the Kahlenberg in the north of Vienna. After moving to Innsbruck in 2020 and my enthusiasm for the mountains, I now mainly run on the trails of the Innsbruck Nordkette and have taken part in various events such as the Grossglockner Ultra Trail or the Innsbruck Alpine at different distances (20-85 km). In the off-season and in winter, I also like to spend my time ski touring, mountaineering or climbing.
Shopping at our partners below is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
Translated from the original German review with the help of Deepl.com
Comments and Questions Welcome Below! Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes
TOP4RUNNING EUROPE
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all products, even sale products
SPORTSSHOES.COM UK/EU
Use our code RTR235 for 5% off all products
RUNNING WAREHOUSE US
EUROPE Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
AUSTRALIA Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
AMAZON
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
FLEET FEET
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
MARATHON SPORTS BOSTON
Men's & Women's SHOP HERE
RoadTrailRun Official Store Custom Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats
Cap:$35 Bucket:$39
Free US Economy Shipping!
Limited Release! SHOP HERE
Please Like and Follow RoadTrailRun
WATCH OUR YOUTUBE REVIEWS ON THE ROADTRAILRUN CHANNEL
Find all RoadTrailRun reviews at our index page HERE
Google "roadtrailrun Shoe Name" and you can be quite sure to find just about any run shoe over the last 10 plus years
No comments:
Post a Comment