Lace-up road shoes have made a comeback over the last few years, and Scott is the latest company to offer a Velcro and Boa fastening alternative with its RC Lace shoe.
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Built on to Scott’s HMF carbon fibre sole, the uppers are almost all lightweight microfibre, and feature ErgoLogic footbeds with adjustable metatarsal button and arch supports. My pair of size 45s weighed an impressive 596g.
The asymmetric lacing and tongue are a help when putting the shoes on, as is the large finger loop behind the heel. The heel cup is firm and supportive, with a soft top that doesn’t irritate the Achilles, but from here forwards, the uppers are extremely soft and supple, and can easily be squashed flat against the sole.
Correctly tensioning laces for maximum comfort and security takes a couple of tries, but they stayed tight with a single bow, and are then tucked beneath the elastic strip on the tongue.
Their length is a little over generous, and the elastic on one of my shoes detached at one side on its second use, due to poor stitching. Tucking its end between upper and tongue kept everything in place though.
The forefoot and toe box are extremely roomy, something that different riders may find either liberating or slightly too voluminous, depending on foot shape.
The shoes don’t lack pedalling performance, which comes with great riding comfort and no pressure points, as the well-padded tongue and seam-free upper spread tension equally across your feet.
All-over perforations, an Airmesh logo on the instep and toe vent in the sole keep things incredibly cool, ideal for summer or those who suffer hot feet. Sticki Rubber toe and heel bumpers effectively protect the carbon sole and ensure walking grip too.
