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The Scott MTB Comp shoe proves that style can be bought! At least when it comes to looks. In the team colours of the Scott-Sram MTB Racing Team led by style icon Bjorn Riley, this clip-in shoe certainly cuts a fine figure. We put the Scott MTB Comp through its paces to find out whether there’s a high-performance shoe behind that sleek exterior.
At first glance, the Scott MTB Comp A sporty clip-in shoe for cross-country riders. The colour of our test model matches the Scott pro team’s XC bikes perfectly. However, our test shows that even cyclists who don’t compete in the World Cup can opt for the Scott MTB Comp. We’ve clocked up quite a few test kilometres in these shoes and put the Scott MTB Comp through its paces to see what it’s really made of.
Conclusion
The Scott MTB Comp not only looks sleek, but also performs impressively in practical tests. The shoe prioritises comfort and walkability over relentless propulsion. This makes it a good choice for daily rides at a sporty pace. However, anyone looking for a competition model for uncompromising cross-country racing should opt for a stiffer model. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
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The Scott MTB Comp shoe in detail
- Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon / Touring
- Sole material: polyamide-glass fibre (Scott stiffness index 6)
- Closure system: Boa Fit L6
- Colours: Black / White
- Weight: 902 g (pair, size 48)
- Price: 129.05 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
More extreme isn’t always better
Put them on and forget about them: you don’t need to give Scott’s cross-country shoes a second thought – and that’s just as well. In our testing, the Scott MTB Comp proved to be a pair of shoes you’d happily slip into every day without a second thought. The Swiss manufacturer rates this mid-range model with a stiffness index of six. By comparison, this is an average score and strikes a good balance between power transfer and comfort. Of course, compared to race shoes with carbon soles that cost three times as much, the MTB Comp isn’t quite as relentlessly geared towards propulsion. During hard pedalling, you can feel the flex of the polyamide-glass-fibre sole. On the other hand, it remains comfortable even for non-professionals and after hours in the saddle.
The BOA fastening doesn’t hold the foot in an iron grip, but, combined with the soft upper material, provides a comfortable fit. Compared to shoes with two twist fasteners or designs laced in a tighter pattern, the foot is held in a less constricting manner – an approach we’re already familiar with from Scott’s gravel shoes. For gruelling race conditions, athletes might wish for more support. For training and touring, the advantages of the relaxed fastening system outweigh the disadvantages. In our test, the ergonomically moulded insole also proved impressive. Inside the shoe, numerous small ventilation holes prevent the foot from getting too sweaty. The Swiss call this the ‘Dynamic Airflow Design’.
You won’t break your legs straight away when getting off: rubber-coated studs ensure grip and make walking easy. Should cyclists find themselves in the predicament of having to push their bike up a steep ramp, two lugs on each side dig into the ground, allowing you to push off safely and efficiently. All in all, the Scott may not be a shoe designed to win World Cups, but it’s one you’ll enjoy wearing. This ‘everyday’ approach is also reflected in the mid-range price of just under 130 euros.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pro
- comfortable seat and a comfortable fit
- good walking conditions
- reliable ventilation
Cons
- The foot is held less securely
- Noticeable flex in the sole is not ideal during racing
Jan Timmermann
Editor
