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Three things to know
- Durable and breathable upper makes it a solid pick for dry summer hikes and rugged terrain.
- Firm, weighty midsole offers protection but lacks the cushioning and agility for fast trail runs.
- Moderate grip in wet conditions, falling short of alternatives like the Hoka Torrent 4 and Kinabalu Ultra RC.
Our rating:
Grip and traction
Cushioning and comfort
Durability and weather resistance
Weight and responsiveness
Fit and support
Check availability at Scott Sports, SportsShoes
The Kinabalu Ultra RC from Scott are quite probably my favourite trail shoes of all time, a pair that I regularly buy multiple versions of due their versatility, durability and superior grip. And just how much fun they are to trail run in. The Scott Kinabalu 3's however, are a slightly different case.
Onto the latest and third variant of the Kinabalu. At 312g (UK7), they’re heavier than the trail shoes we’ve tested from other brands this summer, as well as the 260g Kinabalu Ultra RCs, meaning they wouldn’t be my pick for faster and/or short-distance trail runs. Fifty grammes might not sound like a lot, but it is a noticeable difference when it comes to trail-running shoes.
Fit and support
The 312g weight comes from the sizeable wedge of dual-density midsole foam, which sees a relatively high 29.5mm heel height and a firmness under foot that hasn’t softened enough over the six months I’ve had these. The 7mm heel-to-toe drop is a standard mid-range drop, which should have a broad appeal for runners who land on their heels, midfoot or forefoot.
The upshot of that firmness and stack height is that, alongside the outsole, it acts as a built-in rock plate, making these adept at summer walks on jagged terrain. There’s also a toe guard on the outsole of the toebox which offers moderate protection from rocks.
They come in three colours for men and three for women. All of the male versions are too light for me, with the ‘Amazon Green/Fog Grey’ colour scheme of the upper here swiftly soiled by mud. A shame, as the design and laces initially made these a cool-looking pair of pumps.
Durability and weather resistance
Colour aside, that upper is one of the best things about the Kinabalu 3. The material is rugged, making these suitable for summer hikes on thorn-heavy terrain, with the built-in mesh proving breathable on hikes and runs in mid-20°C weather.
Grip and traction
The 4mm lugs don’t match the grip displayed by the likes of the Hoka Torrent 4 in wet conditions, though. The firmness of the mid- and outsole also make these something I wouldn’t want to road run in for anything other than shorter bursts, something the Kinabalu Ultra RC managed to achieve in fine fashion.
Also worth noting is that Scott make plenty of recycled sports products, but they offer no sustainability claims about the construction of the Kinabalu 3.
Cushioning and comfort
The Kinabalu 3s are durable and internally comfortable, then, and with a superior mesh upper. But, with that firmness still dominating their running feel, there’s just not nearly enough here to shift the Kinabalu Ultra RCs (or the Hoka Torrents) from my feet for trail running.
Should you buy?
Buy if you want a durable, breathable trail shoe for dry summer hikes and occasional trail runs, and you value a rugged upper more than soft cushioning. It's a solid choice for hiking or casual off-road adventures.
Skip if you need confident grip in wet or very muddy conditions, want a softer or more responsive ride, or are looking for a true all-season trail-running workhorse. Trail runners focused on performance may find better options in the Hoka Torrent 4 or Scott’s own Kinabalu Ultra RC.
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