Scott

MTB Vertec Boa Cycling Shoe - Men's

Scott makes great mtb shoes

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

45

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

185

Being a bike brand shoe, Scott doesn't get the attention as others for their shoes. But a couple years ago I discovered the prowl-r shoe and what impressed me other than the fit and comfort was that the cleat channel goes about 13cm back from the toe...which is uncommon to see in any shoe much less one that looks kinda racer-ish. Additionally the shoe was very walkable and yet fairly stiff for pedaling. I ended up using those in everything from DH to trail riding. The prowl-r went away and the MTB team replaced it and was similar. But this year's model (2021) of the team shoe lost the far setback and sticki rubber while the vertec and comp kept these features. So I went with the vertecs and they fit the same as the prowl-r and team model. They walk well even with the carbon plate (the stiffness seems to be in the cleat area and not the whole sole). They smell like leather which surprised me, so not sure if there are some natural materials or just a better synthetic than the lower level shoes. The volume of the Vertec is slightly less than the teams and you can feel that at the heel and forefoot. But they aren't narrow on my slightly wide feet and the upper material will likely accommodate different feet sizes...unless you have rather high volume feet. I'd just say don't turn down these xc-looking shoes because you ride the rough stuff. They are 100% all mountain. I find shoes in the skate style to generally be far inferior to shoes like this. My other favorite is the Shimano me7.... similar fit. Pic from L to R: prowl-r, '21 team (modified cleat channel with file), '21 Vertec.