We’ve been fans of Northwave’s mountain bike shoes for off-season training for a while and were looking forward to seeing if their latest tri-specific shoes would deliver too. All the must-have features for a top-end shoe are present, inclusing out-to-in straps, oversized heel loops, soft and barefoot-friendly inners, rubber heels and toe bumpers, and plenty […]
With a definite retro feel to the simple black and white styling, Swiss brand Suplest’s S3 tr shoe certainly delivers in the looks department. Fit was good and, in bare feet, a half size smaller than normal fitted perfectly with plenty of room in the toe box. All of the key tri-race-shoe-specific features are there […]
A two-lamp set-up (with one a dedicated spot and the other a wide-ranging flood) that allows infinite tweakability. This means you’re guaranteed to get the perfect beam balance for what you’re doing. Its full power, giving 2.5hrs of burn, is enough for off-road riding and full-paced road training, but not being able to helmet mount […]
The new Carnac Triathlon shoe is brimming with ideas. To start with it has a carbon sole with an integrated air intake system. But wait, the real innovation comes with a rubber heel that allows it to collapse as you put your foot in to speed entry, before pulling the shoe back into shape using […]
Their heritage may be steeped in the mountain bike market but recent history has witnessed Polaris diversify into road and tri. The Equilibrium is their 2011 tri-specific shoe: designed in America, made in China and sold in the UK at a mid-range price point. It features a single reverse strap, heel loop and wide opening […]
Out of the box the Mavics scream quality and, when you pick them up, their lightness and stiffness is instantly impressive. All of the key tri-specific features are present including a large in-to-out strap, heel-toe bumpers and a large heel loop. The inner is soft and comfortable in bare feet and is treated with an […]
Shimano proudly claim that some of the world’s leading triathletes helped them design their WT51 shoe – and it shows. This shoe boasts both funk and function: the super stiff yet light carbon-fibre sole offers good support to the foot and aids pedaling efficiency, while its sleek good looks mean anyone wearing them looks the […]
The sleek styling instantly marks the Infinity out as Diadora’s top-of-the-range tri-specific bike shoe (as worn by Jodie Swallow). The outsole isn’t fully carbon, however, but ‘carbon-injected nylon’ that still provides a good feel and power delivery. It also boasts a multi-fit attachment with replaceable base plates for any cleat fitting. A large tab on […]
dhb has received many plaudits for fantastic value in terms of bang for your buck. Here’s an option that’ll surely be appropriate for these credit-crunching times, right? While this was the case for the R1 road shoe, unfortunately we cannot extend the same praise to the Tri Road. There are shared components [with the R1] […]
Louis Garneau have clearly identified the key requirements of a triathlete with the Carbon Tri HRS and delivered a highly functional shoe. All components perform perfectly with a stiff sole that permits a highly responsive riding experience, a positive and well-positioned pair of straps, and a surprisingly low weight given the slightly bulky silhouette. The […]
Sitting in the middle of their tri-specific range, the TR51 is the latest in a long line of successful shoes from Shimano. Notably, Shimano haven’t deviated from their tried and tested carbon outsole. Although it still offers comparable stiffness, the TR51 isn’t the lowest profile option and makes you feel more detached from the road. […]
Sporting a low-profile white carbon sole and a two-strap closure design, the CX311C is Lake’s top of the range tri-specific shoe. They’ve done a good job with the liner and they’re comfortable enough to ride sockless in, but there are questions over long-distance comfort. The fit’s comfortable and, unlike the Sidi, these have a generous […]
Spiuk’s Casta sits at the lower end of the tri shoes market but, sadly, the term ‘bargain’ doesn’t apply. In fact, with the major outsole component being shared with the cheaper dhb Tri Road (see review elsewhere on 220triathlon.com), we’re struggling to justify the difference. This shoe also suffers from a poorly fitting upper that […]
As with most Sidi’s, the first thing you notice is the ‘bling’ factor. The T2 opts for the classic gloss white scheme followed, as usual, with the snug Italian fit we love – unless you have wide hobbit feet that is! The shoe is constructed from a single thickness lined upper; this is supremely soft […]
Amongst the more expensive shoes we’ve recently tested, the Exustar is equipped with a high-quality and very stiff carbon sole. But this is where the positives end. The shoe’s been lined for sockless use, but where this adheres to the stiff synthetic outer it becomes very rough. This, in turn, makes for a painful riding […]
Despite a middling price tag, these tri shoes from Shimano offer performance and comfort that’s little different to their more expensive offerings. Upon opening the box, these shoes instantly feel durable and well built; they’ve a glass-fibre reinforced sole that’s relatively stiff and a low profile (if you want the carbon sole, the TR51 will […]
There’s no questioning that, with its sleek metallic looks and a symphony of exotic materials and construction techniques, this is a very desirable tri shoe. The Tri Pro has clearly received a great deal of design attention, with unique features like the detachable secondary strap, that offers levels of extra adjustment not often found on […]
The Hilo is aimed at the 112-mile Ironman bike leg, designed to be super light, comfortable and fast in transitions. Out of the box they visually fit the part with flashy silver, asymmetric design and custom-fit eSoles insoles. Slipping them on with the well-designed heel tab, the Hilo proved comfortable to wear sockless and felt […]
This is a great-looking and well-detailed shoe with a sexy gloss finish that definitely adds to the overall look, even if the Velcro adjustment is a bit sticky for it. The shoe has a woven carbon sole, though not in the traditional black. Instead, the bling theme continues with a rather nice silver finish. The […]
The Time RXTs have an appearance that suggests they’ll be hard wearing, comfortable and ideal for those long winter rides. When first putting the shoes on, they also seem supportive in all the right places. But you soon realise that this perceived robustness is seriously compromised by the poor quality of the material, which seems […]
Our only grumble with these rather expensive shoes is that they don’t quite exude the luxury you’d expect. The carbon composite outsole is a bit uninspiring, and heavy or very powerful riders might notice a lack of torsional stiffness. That said, the Energy 2 is fully compatible with Look’s memory system and has been designed […]
You may be questioning the need for parting with your hard-earned cash for a winter-only shoe, particularly one that looks like an army boot. They are a bit chunky, so you’re sure to get a few comments – and a pair of decent overshoes will be almost as good – but bear with us, because […]
These shoes are the most affordable of the three Vertigos in Northwave’s range and are hard-wearing but perfectly comfortable. They’re pitched at the enthusiast and, although this doesn’t mean that normal riding is compromised, they tend to let you down if you’re out on a particularly aggressive ride. For example, the upper and outsole resilience […]
If it was all about looks, then these Scotts would have already scored top marks with a fresh, ‘elite’ style. Comfort-wise they’re not bad, either. They fit well round the main part of the foot and there’s no perceivable heel lift, probably helped by the small rubber bumps that grip onto your sock. You may […]
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