Craft Mestari Run 2.0 and Scott Kinabalu Ultra: Two Running Shoes Worth a Closer Look

Introduction

Two new arrivals make a strong case for a spot in a running shoe rotation this season: the Craft Mestari Run 2.0 for the road, and the Scott Kinabalu Ultra for long days on the trail. Both come from brands worth a closer look, and both bring a specific kind of appeal: one is built to absorb steady weekly miles, the other to cover big distances over mixed terrain.

First impressions out of the box point to a genuinely quality finish on both, so here is what you need to know before deciding which one fits your running.

Craft Mestari Run 2.0: First Impressions

The Mestari Run 2.0 is the Finnish brand’s neutral daily workhorse, designed to soak up the steady weekly miles in your rotation. Construction uses Craft’s Aero Foam Nitro midsole with a 34mm heel stack, 26mm under the forefoot, and an 8mm heel offset.

The trade-off to know about: weight. A UK 9.5 pair comes in at a hefty 346g, so this is not a lightweight option. On the plus side, the fabrics and materials look lovely, and everything is finished to a high standard. In the blue colorway it even gives off old-school New Balance 1080 vibes, which is no bad thing for fans of that classic cushioned trainer.

Scott Kinabalu Ultra: First Impressions

The Kinabalu Ultra is the long-distance sibling of the Kinabalu Trail, a shoe that marked a massive step up from previous Kinabalu models: lighter, more comfortable, more cushioned, and more responsive in every way. The Ultra carries that DNA into longer distances with a Kinetic Nitrogen foam midsole delivering a smooth, comfortable and responsive ride over any terrain and distance.

Specs are stacked for endurance: a 39mm heel stack, 33mm under the forefoot, and a 6mm heel offset. Despite that cushioning depth, a UK 9.5 pair weighs just 294g, which is genuinely light for a deeply cushioned trail shoe. Traction comes from a decent lug depth on a traction rubber outsole, and the Matrix upper construction is lightweight, breathable and, importantly, super durable for challenging trail conditions. On foot they feel light and fit well, making them one of the most exciting trail releases of the year.

Which One Should You Buy?

If your priority is a dependable neutral road trainer to absorb everyday miles, the Mestari Run 2.0 makes sense, provided you accept the higher weight as the price of that durable, well-finished build. If you lean toward long-distance trail running, the Kinabalu Ultra is the more exciting pick: sub-300g weight, deep cushioning, and a proven upper construction that should hold up in tough conditions.

Conclusion

Both shoes have a clear identity. The Craft Mestari Run 2.0 is a comfortable, well-made neutral daily trainer with a weight penalty worth considering. The Scott Kinabalu Ultra looks like the kind of long-distance trail shoe that could put Scott well and truly on the map. Match the shoe to the surface you run on most, and either one should earn its place in your rotation.