Scott’s new trail running shoe is made for dynamic, fast runs
9.7.2025
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Siri Schubert
The Scott Supertrac RC 3 doesn’t conform to the current trend of maximising cushioning in trail running shoes. But if you’re looking for a fast, reactive shoe that gives you good feel for the ground, it might be just what you’re after.
As soon as you unpack it, it’s clear that this shoe’s made for fast running on technical trails. Weighing in at 218 grammes (women’s size 40), it’s extremely light, but robust and resilient.
The Scott Supertrac RC3 has a narrow fit, which means it sits well and provides good grip on downhill runs in difficult terrain. Although the toe box offers a surprising amount of space despite its narrow fit (also known as precision fit), the shoe’s designed more for slender or medium-width feet. I tested the women’s version. But it’s also in the men’s range – the difference being it comes in yellow, not white.
Optimised features for trail running
The Supertrac RC3 is – quite clearly – not an all-rounder. The sole with the pronounced profile, the lack of cushioning, the reinforced heel and anti-debris sock indicate that the shoe feels most at home on hilly trails and in the mountains.
Upper material made from Matryx
The upper material made from Matryx fabric, a blend of polyamides and Kevlar yarn, is breathable, durable and lightweight. In other words, there to make the shoe comfortable. On the runs I’ve worn them for so far, they’ve survived branches and debris without leaving any visible marks.
Matryx is now used in many trail running shoes. However, the properties vary depending on the ratio of the individual yarns. Up to now, I’ve never found Matryx shoes to be very stretchy. The Scott Supertrac R3 is a different story. I get the impression that the initially very tight shoe widens a little when running.
The fabric wraps around the foot effortlessly. The tongue, which is connected to the upper material, is lightly padded to prevent the laces from cutting in uncomfortably. The shoe also has a small, knitted heel collar (also referred to as the «anti-debris sock») to keep out stones and dirt.
Midsole and low heel drop
The midsole is made of a proprietary ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) compound called Kinetic Light Foam. It’s springy without being too soft.
The heel height is 20 millimetres, while the forefoot is 15.5 millimetres high. The difference (drop) of 4.5 millimetres is less than what many running shoes offer. I think this low drop’s perfect if you want a natural running feel when trail running. The forefoot is slightly bent up (the «rocker»), which should make propulsion easier.
Outsole (heel) with unusual stud arrangement
What stands out about this shoe are the five-millimetre studs on the outsole. They’re arranged in a semicircle. The sole is made from a proprietary rubber compound which ensures good grip. And with that in mind, it’s time to put the shoes to the test!
Good feel and secure hold
As the shoes are clearly made for trail running, I wear them when training on winding paths with roots, stones, gravel and debris. After a downpour, some of the paths are slippery and muddy – perfect conditions for seeing whether the outsole performs as expected.
It does. The grip with the millimetre studs is very good. No slipping, no insecurities, always a firm grip. Even on slightly muddy passages, the shoe doesn’t slip.
The overall feeling of running is nice and direct. Thanks to the relatively sparse cushioning, I feel I have good contact with the ground and run with control and confidence even at higher speeds. Thanks to the low weight and the midsole, the shoe feels fast and reactive.
The shoes are a little tight, so I wouldn’t wear them for longer runs where my feet swell. But they’re well suited for fast, dynamic training sessions and trail running races.
In a nutshell
A shoe for speed on technical trails
Scott’s Supertrac RC 3 is optimised for trail running. From the abrasion-resistant upper and the anti-debris sock to the reactive sole and the anti-slip tread, everything’s designed for fast running on stony, muddy or rooty paths in mountainous terrain. The ground feel and control are excellent and the grip’s fantastic even on damp surfaces.
The shoe is a good choice for fast, dynamic training sessions and off-road racing, provided the narrow fit works for you. For long distances and ultra runs, I’d prefer a wider shoe with more cushioning.
Pro
- Very light weight (just 218 grammes for ladies model)
- Abrasion-resistant, breathable upper material
- Reinforced heel for good grip
- Anti-debris sock
- Minimal cushioning and low drop for a direct running feel
- Five-millimetre studs in a unique arrangement for strong grip
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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