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Cycling shoes need to be many things and it hasn’t been until recently that being reflective was even an option. If you love the Climber’s Shoes platform, but wanted a little bit more flash, be sure to check out the Reflective Climber’s Shoes. Available in a neon yellow and navy blue. See more at Rapha.
Photos by Josh Sawyer
Giro’s marketing manager, tandem slayer and all around bad-ass, Amanda Schaper wanted to add a bit of fairy dust to her already magical Tinker Bell costume for this weekend’s SSCXWC. She took her Empire VR90 ‘cross shoes and spent a few days masking off various layers of spray glue and sparkles. The end result is something else! If you’re going to the SSCXWC this weekend, make sure you give Tinker Bell a high five and a beer handup!
Check out more photos below of these awesome shoes below.
I almost don’t want to show you these, because as you might have guessed, they were a gift to “friends and family” of Bike Mag. Ever since architecture school, where I explored WWI razzle dazzle camouflage and its potential for a building’s façade I fell in love with the seemingly random pattern language. Since then I’ve enjoyed seeing it appear literally all over pop culture and now, the cycling industry.
My favorite dirt shoes are the Empire VR90s and while I’ll always default on black, these shoes are a piece of art. I’m honored to own a pair so to the crew at Giro and Bike Mag, thanks for making them happen! Check out more photos below.
It’s that time of year… Designed for wet weather commutes or trail rides, these new H2o sneakers from DZR merge the functionality of an SPD cycling shoe with the simplicity of a lace up sneaker. The H2o is vailable now in sizes from 37-47 and in a jet black silhouette. Check out more details below or check stock at DZR.
What is still, to this day the best bang for your buck MTB or ‘cross shoe, the Privateer just got a bit of a facelift. Introducing the Privateer R, the newly-designed shoe from Giro. I’m eager to check this one out in person!
While audax events may be incredibly challenging, the beauty is their non-competitive nature. Riders simply must complete the set distance within the time limit. This endurance sport has grown from its roots in the 19th century to still being popular today, with many major cities having their own randonneur club.
Specialized has been expanding their product line to move away from the “all pro all the time” look and shifting its sights onto fundurance and expedition style riding. The Audax is one of those shifts: a shoe meant for long distance rides. With, what feels to be a wider footbed, comfy fit, reflective hits and easy on-easy off Boa lash, the Audax has some great details.
Since I’ve only put a few rides in while wearing these shoes, I won’t give them a full review, but a detail photo and a short write-up should suffice for now. Now, why does a shoe named after audax riding have a road cleat and not an SPD cleat? I have no idea. Still, they do look a lot less race-oriented than other shoes in their product line. Available soon in a variety of colors from Specialized.
Remember those Michelin Cyclo Cross Mud tires that came with that bright green tread? Well someone at Under Armour does, as that was the clear inspiration for these Gore Tex, weather-proof boots. Complete with a BOA-enclosure, they’ll keep your feet dry, warm and we all know how well that tread will grip in snow or mud. All I can think is they’d be perfect for some fat bike riding… Easily the best looking product to ever come from Under Armour.
Spotted at Uncrate. Thanks for sharing this, Neil.
Buying shoes isn’t easy, especially when you’re staring down the barrel of a $200 – $300 investment. In order to make your decision easy, Giro is now offering a Comfort Guarantee on all their footwear, in addition to their full-warranty against manufacturing defects. This Comfort Guarantee is good for 60 days, that’s more than enough time to ensure your investment will work for you.
View the complete Giro men’s footwear collection and Giro women’s collection for the full line.
Rapha’s always had a way of making something so simple look so good. I’ll admit that I was surprised to see their new Cross Shoes bring in such subtle detailing. Made by Giro, with blue and pink accents throughout, these shoes are now in stock at Rapha for $350 and free shipping.
See more photos below.
They’re not quite in stock yet, but I like the looks of the new Rapha Climber’s Shoes. Based off the new Prolight SLX EC90 SLXII sole and footbeds, these perforated cycling shoes shed weight and maintain stiffness where it’s needed. Coming soon (like in a few weeks) from Rapha.
Even though the Radavist is based in Austin, Texas, I’ve put in more than enough time riding in inclement weather in NYC. I wish, back then, that I had footwear like the 45NRTH offerings. Check out this video for some insight into their lineup.
DZR’s shoes got an upgrade with a fiberglass shank and a molded heal cup, not to mention a limited edition camo colorway. They’ll even add the cleats of your choice to the order. See more at DZR.
45NRTH‘s Fasterkatt shoes have seen some changes for this year’s release…
Wow. Just wow. It’s pretty tempting to spring on these, especially since my new cross bike is going to be this color! See more at Backcountry.
I really love my limited edition Giro Empire MTB shoes, but like all of my current shoes, when compared to the Vibram Terraduros, I wish they had more grip for walking over slippery rocks and loose roots.
Giro’s really going for it with the Vibram soles on their forthcoming shoe line and included in the bunch are the new Empire VR90 shoes. Shown here in a limited edition blaze orange.
I’ve been putting in some trail time with these and all I can really say is so far, so good. See a few more photos and more words below.
Man, I love the injection of Vibram technology in MTB shoes. Giro’s new Alpineduro™ boot looks perfect for the approaching winter time shred sessions and even just around town, cold weather jaunts. Here are the specs:
UPPER
Breathable microfiber and waterproof liner, PrimaLoft Insulation, Lace closure with lace holder, Rubber tow and heel reinforcement, Reflective details
OUTSOLE
Molded SPD-compatible shank with optimized stout cleat zone, Vibram® wet weather high traction lugged outsole, Optional cleat cover for flat pedal use, Flexible forefoot zone for walking
FOOTBED
Brushed EVA Footbed with X-Static anti-microbial treatment
WEIGHT
440 grams (size 42.5)
In stock now at Giro!
Wait a second, what’s this? That’s not a cross shoe?!
“Continuing the partnership in footwear with Giro, Rapha are launching our first cyclocross-specific shoe. Built on the EC90 carbon outsole used by Giro’s current range of MTB/Cross footwear, the upper of the shoe has been developed for the rigors of racing with a rubberized heel and toe-cap and aggressive outsole cleats for getting through the mud. Aesthetically clean and refined, the colors of Rapha Super Cross are woven into the shoe’s upper.”
Don’t miss out on the Rapha Cross Collection and see more of the actual shoes below!
Look, helmets are cool and all – they do save your life – but I still can’t get over how rad Giro’s new Empire VR90 shoes look. It’s like someone plucked my ideal MTB shoe from my brain and hit the print button.
Check out more color options and factoids at Giro. While you’re there. Poke around for more fall / winter 2014 releases…
