What’s the main thing runners want when they buy a carbon-plated shoe? To be faster. And it’s immediately clear that SCOTT developed the Speed Carbon RC 2 with this purpose in mind.
However, they also aimed to combine performance with comfort.
Design and Materials
One of the first things you notice when holding the SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 is its lightness. The men’s version weighs only 240 grams, which barely feels like anything. This is the result of precise design, focusing on every single detail.
The upper is made from Engineered Mesh, balancing breathability and support. SCOTT has created a structure in this part of the shoe that keeps feet cool even during intense running sessions or long races, without compromising lateral stability.
Carbon Plate and Midsole
At the heart of the SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 is – obviously – the carbon plate, a key component providing stability and propulsion to the shoe. Interestingly, this isn’t just a “passive” piece of carbon; its behavior adapts based on speed. This is particularly important because one of the main drawbacks of “carbon” shoes is that they lock you into a specific pace, even when you’d like to slow down. However, the plate in the SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 becomes softer at controlled speeds and stiffens as you increase pace.
Paired with the Kinetic Light Foam in the midsole, the shoe achieves great balance and provides a dynamic running experience. This foam delivers substantial energy return, giving the shoe a feeling that can only be described as “springy.”
The carbon plate and Kinetic Light Foam work together with ER2 (Evolved Rocker Technology), which makes the stride smoother and more natural.
This aspect is noteworthy because the shoe’s rocker shape allows you to use the foot’s efficiency with a fluid movement.
On the Road
As you might have guessed, one of the features that impressed me most about the SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 is its ability to adapt to pace. At lower speeds, the shoe still provides solid stability, making it versatile for training sessions where you’re not going full throttle. But when you push, the Speed Carbon RC 2 shines: the plate response and the foam’s reactivity create a steady balance, making it easy to maintain high speeds over long distances.
Additionally, with a slightly wider forefoot than other models, it increases ground contact (and therefore stability), allowing the foot to spread out upon landing and maximize push-off, fully utilizing its mechanics.
For this type of shoe, I tested it on quality training sessions and some race-paced runs. In these contexts, the SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 feels right at home. Beyond performance, to be honest, the comfort and freedom of movement for the foot left me finishing my workouts with a feeling of lightness in my legs.
Who is it Recommended For?
The SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 is ideal for experienced runners looking for a fast, race-ready shoe, especially for medium-to-long distances.
For those accustomed to running with carbon-plated shoes, the Speed Carbon RC 2 is an extremely interesting option. However, if you’ve never tried a shoe like this, it might take some time to adapt to the increased reactivity and the different gait dynamics.
Conclusion
The SCOTT Speed Carbon RC 2 is a shoe that won’t go unnoticed. It offers a combination of reactivity, lightness, and comfort that makes it perfect for anyone looking to improve their race times. The carbon plate, paired with the responsive foam and lightweight construction, makes it an excellent choice. With a retail price of 199.90 euros, it’s highly competitive in this category.
For more information, visit: scott-sports.com