Hot!
- Lightweight design reduces leg fatigue
- A stiffness index of 10 for excellent power transfer
- Carbitex OmniFlex incorporated into the midfoot for flexible and lightweight
- BOA Fit System with dual, low-profile Li2 dials enable micro-adjustments
- Abundant ventilation on uppers and soles
- Race fit perfect for narrow feet
- Ample toe box for added comfort
Not!
- Pricey
- There are no toe guards to protect material from scuffs
- No half sizes offered
- One style choice ― black and white
Price: $449.99
Sizes: 38 – 48 EU
Weight: 260g (US 8.5)
Color: Black/White
Cleat compatibility: 3 bolt
Closures: BOA Fit System with dual, low-profile Li2 dials
Uppers: Carbitex Fabric – Thermo Polyurethane – Polyester
Outsole: HMX Carbon – Sticky Rubber
Footbed: 3D molded Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) – Nylon
Insole: Adjustable ErgoLogic removable insole
Fit: Racing (smaller volume and slimmer fit)
Stiffness index: 10
Availability: Online and retail
Obtained by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Feel the power of SCOTT’s new road shoe with Carbitex OmniFlex
I didn’t know what to expect when I unboxed a pair of SCOTT Road RC Ultimate cycling shoes. It was my first time trying SCOTT’s gear, but wow! These lightweight kicks come in at only 260 grams for a size 8.5 US. I’ve been testing these shoes for some time, and today, I sat down to write this review after an 80-mile test ride. I was surprised by how less fatigued my legs felt due to less weight per revolution of the pedal.
From the first ride, I could feel the shoe’s stiffness, boasting a stiffness index of 10. As a result, the power transfer to the pedals is excellent, especially on climbs and sprints. Also, having narrow feet, SCOTT’s racing fit was perfect for me, as it minimizes the volume. SCOTT can design a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable shoe because they incorporate Carbitex’s OmniFlex carbon fiber textile into the midfoot of the upper. This textile harnesses carbon’s high tensile strength and no-stretch characteristics in a very flexible and lightweight form.
Several high-end cycling shoe brands incorporate Carbitex into their design, and it has recently been integrated into the SCOTT Road RC Ultimate and the Lake CX242 road shoe. Check out my 2021 Q&A with Carbitex about CX-6 (now called OmniFlex) about their unique textile, and Chris Dimmick, General Manager at Lake Cycling, regarding its integration into Lake shoes.
The RC Ultimate shoe uses the BOA Fit System with dual, low-profile Li2 dials for additional comfort. I prefer having two dials instead of one, as it allows for a more custom fit, using the multidirectional micro-adjustments.
The BOA Fit System with dual, low profile Li2 dials provides multidirectional micro adjustments.
There’s ample ventilation on the uppers and soles to keep feet comfortable. A “cat tongue” fabric prevents heel slippage, and a flexible fabric inset around the ankle for additional comfort and flexibility.
Rubber heals and toes protect the sole when walking, plus ventilation port helps keep feet cool.
What’s Inside the Box?
The shoe has a modular footbed with three volume arch and metatarsal pads. I felt they were not rigid enough to support my flat feet, so I used a pair of Superfeet insoles. Also included in the box is a nylon storage bag. I’d expect an internal divider to avoid scratches at this price point. Also, one side should be mesh, allowing for air circulation.
Bottom Line
While they come with a higher price tag, SCOTT’s Road RC Ultimate shoes’ overall quality and performance make them a worthwhile investment for serious riders. During testing, my rides ranged from 25-100 miles without hot spots or chafing and minimal fatigue. These shoes are the most comfortable and lightweight road shoes I’ve worn in some time.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I can’t comment on these Scott road shoes since I don’t have them. However, to keep my comment relevant, I can endorse your choice of footbeds (insoles). I swapped out the minimal footbeds in one of my four different brands of road shoes (Australian, Italian, Japanese, and American) with the high volume “Green” Superfeet footbeds in the Australian pair and they have been the most comfortable of all. Superfeet insoles are not cheap, so they raise the overall cost of shoes substantially. For me, I just used the ones I already had in a pair of hiking boots.