We tested the Scott MTB Team Boa biking shoes, one of the most famous models of the Swiss-American company. Almost all the MTB Team Boa are subject to constant improvements, aimed at proposing a technical cross country shoe by weight and rigid, high performance sole but with comfort and breathability as strong points.
Features
The IP-1 Boa system provides an excellent grip on the pedals, which is positioned at the top to be less exposed to shocks. The IP-1 Boa has a new hexagonal design that provides excellent grip even with gloves or with wet fingers and presents the traditional opening pull-to-release , or just pull it outwards to release the cord completely and very quickly the shoe opens.
The two tips are replaceable: ensure a good grip when pushing the bike uphill. The sole of the MTB Team Boa is made of Nylon with PU coating and reinforced by glass fiber. It is extremely rigid and light for an excellent transfer of the pedaling power. The stiffness index is 8 in the middle of scale that Scott proposes for the various types of MTB shoes and bike racing.
The construction Ergologic Wrap Fit made of a synthetic leather layer and a soft layer and perforated microfiber with breathable inserts Air Mesh 3D , is designed to fit the foot and avoid unwanted friction, as well as to ensure good ventilation .
Technology Power Zone outsole minimizes the forces acting on the knee and the joints of the foot and together with the design of the studs made of rubber in three components X-traction and grip in different situations typical of mountain biking.
The insole is customizable or removing the gray shims of different thickness or by purchasing other in part. Finally, the quadruple-density insole has both the arch support is that of the removable or replaceable metatarsal (unfortunately there is only one type in the box, the other must be requested separately) and is equipped with shock-absorbing Poron system.
Field testing the Scott MTB Team Boa
The test took place as has become customary on my usual trails and paths to “know” the shoes. Biking from 2 to 4 hours and some long trips lasting an entire day to assess their comfort after several hours of use.
What emerged is that the MTB Team Boa are lightweight, comfortable and perform. These shoes need an adjustment period to take the shape of the foot of those who use them.
After six/eight runs (a couple of hours each) can best express their characteristics. The Scott MTB Team Boa are like a glove, they fit properly and also the heel also remains firm while climbing or walking on steep hills.
Depending on the stockings used, with the shape of my foot I found useful to add a thin neoprene sock while on cold days or biking in high altitudes, I used thicker socks. The rear portion of the Scott MTB Team Boa guarantees a perfect seating of the heel.
During se
The Team Boa have been designed to transmit power in pedaling, the composite low profile sole keeps the foot close to the axis of the pedal and this, combined with the Power Zone technology leads to less straining of ankle and knee. You really feel the comfort in standing raises on pedals and when you make steep ascents.
The foot support is optimal so there is no rubbing or lifting of the foot in the shoe during the various stages of the pedal stroke.
Downhill, using the pedals to release from the base of reduced classic XC support, there has been no feeling of pressure under the sole of the foot as it happens with some shoes with less rigid sole.
High comfort even after hours in the saddle.
Coupling and uncoupling
As for the release I have not detected any problems, the only detail that we should pay attention, lies in the coupling step , especially for those who are new to the XC shoes. In the central part of the Team Boa you have a lot of grip and if the foot is resting on the pedal in this area, it would probably result in a lateral shift of the very abrupt and fast shoe, especially in the presence of water and mud.
So if you happen to face a curve with slippery surfaces or some other similar situation where you release the foot, pay attention to support the shoe well with the cleat on the pedal in the docking phase .
Breathability
Like other models from Scott, including the Scott Road RC, the Boa makes breathability one of its main characteristics. Thanks to the air intake above the toes and lateral ones on the sides turned out to be one of the coolest MTB shoes I’ve ever tested. Downhill, if you raise a little bit of heel and expose the shoes to the wind, you will experience an airflow that cools your foot – magnificent.
On the other side of the coin, if the permeability is high, often impermeability suffers. Since it is obviously not a winter shoe, even if the Team Boa gets wet, it also dries very quickly .
In the presence of mud instead, the feature I liked is that the glossy finish (very scratch resistant too) helps to slough off the earth and debris with ease.
More
The alignment system makes the installation and positioning of the cleats easier. Even changing brand of cleats and pedals (I used with pedals Shimano XT PD-M8000 and with HT T1 ) is always found in the same position with ease.
Thanks to the sole X-Traction, with Scott MTB Team Boa you can walk without problems on the trails, pushing the bike uphill to repeat the steps or in a casual way on foot.
Conclusion
Scott MTB Team Boa shoes are a great shoe for MTB created for those looking for comfort and rigidity. Comfort and breathability are high and the value for money is very good. The weight of 380 grams is about average for this category of shoes.
The Boa system, although criticized by many for the fragility, did not give us any problems. It is still the top model of Scott MTB RC range. In addition, the effectiveness of the buoy is such that, if not used, you are likely to tighten the shoe too until you lose the feeling in the fingers.
