Sector Guide: Cycle footwear

With plenty of options to tackle winter riding and more besides, here’s a selection of some of the footwear options currently available to stock…

Bob Elliot
01772 459 887

FLR’s F-35 road shoes feature a sole made of lightweight reinforced injection fibreglass. The vent port at the front keeps the foot cool and the sole has two non-slip treads for safe walking. Also via Bob Elliot and timed for the winter market is Funkier’s OSW-04 Waterproof Overshoe. At £24.99, this waterproof microfleece is made of a 95 per cent polyester and five per cent lycra combination with a reflective zipper.

Chicken CycleKit
01525 381347

The new Vittoria 1976 Evo shoe bundles vintage styling with race-winning performance and technology. The durable Lorica covered shoe is available in three colours and uses the carbon sole from the top end Ikon shoe. A speedplay compatible model is available to special order, along with a range of half sizes. To become a Vittoria stockist, dealers should contact their account manager or speak to the sales office. 

i-ride
01444 243000

Northwave’s Fahrenheit Arctic GTX uses Gore-Tex technology (and is reportedly the only cycle shoe brand to use it). The Koala membrane offers insulation and protection from the rain while retaining breathability. A thermowelded upper comes without stitching and an NRG Air Carbon Reinforced sole provides increased stiffness when pedalling. RRP is £179.99.

Madison
madisonb2b.co.uk

Shimano’s RP9 (£174.99) is a flagship Road Performance shoe designed for long days in the saddle. Fit, therefore, is hugely important and the shoe takes care of this with an adaptable closure system that adapts to various instep heights and shapes. The surround upper pattern balances holding power and all-day comfort and an air vent on the toe and exhaust ports on the sole help keep feet dry and fresh. Meanwhile the Shimano AM700 (£89.99, pictured) is an all MTB and DH shoe with a durable high grip Vibram outsole for maximum control and an asymmetrically raised padded ankle collar.

Moore Large
01332 274252

Lake’s 145 is available in MTB (MX) or Road (CX) versions for mild, wet weather – for when race shoes are too cold or winter boots are too warm. The upper features waxed canvas, water resistant leather and a waterproof membrane. The sole system is key to the MX145, using Glass Injected Nylon sole and a technically advanced rubber sole courtesy of Hypergrip, with Ice Lock tread inserts.

Zyro
www.zyrob2b.co.uk

Giro’s Empire ACC Reflective (£229.99) uses a reflective coating built into the microfibre upper, glowing brightly when hit by street or headlights. An Easton EC90 ACC full carbon sole offers plenty of stiffness. Reflectivity is also available in the adventure-inspired Republic LX (£149.99). Giro also has socks to offer while Altura’s Thermostretch Performance Overshoe retails at £34.99.

Silverfish
www.silverfish-uk.com

Spiuk is exclusive in the UK via Silverfish with a range of road and MTB shoes for a variety of budgets. The Spiuk 16RC shoes are high performance road shoes that are lightweight and highly breathable with a stiff carbon fibre sole. They feature a thermo mouldable shell that adapts to the rider’s foot for a personalised fit. Spiuk also currently offers the 16RC in a limited edition Matt Black. RRP is £179.95 with the Spiuk range starting at £59.95 RRP.

Vaude
www.vaude.com

The Tonale is made for Trans-Alp bikers and freeriders. The mid-high boot comes with water-shedding Nubuck leather with Ceplex Pro membrane. The Vibram All Mountain NT sole is built stiff and a special profile structure prevents dirt from clogging up the lugs. Robust rubber caps at the toes and heel offer further protection in tough wear and tear conditions.

Cube
b2b.cube.eu

Cube’s MTB C:62 shoes are based on a superstiff and superlight outsole made from C:62 carbon. Detailing includes turnlock and Velcro fasteners while the Cube wings mean riders can adjust the Velcro even while wearing thick winter gloves. The upper allows for constant ventilation and the protective shield placed over the toes helps prevent injuries. RRP is £169.99.

Endura
extranet.endura.co.uk

Endura’s Freezing Point Overshoe (£39.99) is designed to fend off the cold and keep feet temperature regulated during the winter months. The fleece-lined neoprene traps warmth inside while handily leaving water and wind on the outside. It closes at the rear with a durable and easy-to-use zip while Velcro heel tabs provide a snug fit.

This article was first published in December’s BikeBiz. To be sent email reminders of forthcoming features in BikeBiz, email Richard Setters at rsetters@nbmedia.com.