Comfortable gravel shoe: Northwave Razer gravel shoe on test
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Northwave has always had a strong presence in the starting blocks of marathons and XC races. Now the Italians are also entering the gravel sport with the Razer, an affordable shoe that already boasts some high-end class features.
Instead of a mixture of nylon and fibreglass, the Italians have opted for a genuine carbon sole, which is designed to be torsionally stiff against the kicking legs and provide plenty of propulsion. Above this is a narrow tread sole, which also protects the carbon from damage in the centre area. To prevent your feet from slipping out of the shoe when pedalling, a rubber coating on the heel provides grip.
More gravel shoes in the test
- Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon >> e.g. available here
- Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD >> e.g. available here
- Quoc Gran Tourer XC >> e.g. available here
- Scott Gravel Pro >> e.g. available here
- Shimano RX801 >> e.g. available here
- Specialised Recon 1.0 >> e.g. available here
- Specialised S-Works Recon >> e.g. available here
- Suplest XC/Gravel Performance
- All gravel shoes from the test at a glance
How does the Northwave Razer handle?
For the fastener, Northwave relies on its classic X-Dial dial, which doesn't quite match the handling of the Boa fasteners. It is not very grippy and somewhat awkward to open. A Velcro strap on the forefoot is supposed to improve the customisability somewhat, but is rather cumbersome. Seamless TPU is used as the upper material, which is protected with an additional layer on the toe and heel. This makes the Razer also well equipped for off-road use.
Fit Northwave Razer
Noticeable: Compared to the other gravel shoes in our test, the Northwave is significantly wider. It is difficult to adapt to narrow feet. The heel hold is also not optimal, despite the rubberisation, so that the feet easily lift off in the shoe when running. Sliding passages are generally not the Northwave's strong point. Its sole is very narrow - especially at the heel - and is also not very grippy.
Stiffness of the gravel shoe
On the pedals, the Northwave behaves inconspicuously, but does not generate excessive power transfer despite its carbon sole. This is also confirmed by the measurements in the laboratory. With a sole stiffness of 243.9 N/mm, the Razer ranks in the lower third of the test field.
Laser cuts as well as a perforated insole - with light support for the arch of the foot - and a mesh tongue provide quite acceptable ventilation in comparison.
Northwave Razer - Info & Price
- Price: 170 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 46): 843 grammes
- Sizes: 36-48, 39.5-45.5 half sizes
- Sole / Stiffness: Carbon / 243.9 N/mm
- Made in: Cambodia
- Equipment: X-Dial twist fastening, Velcro, ventilated insole with arch support, narrow profile sole, TPU toe and heel protection, ventilated tongue, rubberised heel
- Fit: medium to wide cut; roomy toe box; true to size
Test grade & conclusion
The Northwave Razer is by far the widest in this comparison and is therefore difficult to adapt to narrow feet. Despite the rubberised heel, the hold in the shoe is not optimal. The in-house twist lock also lags behind the competition in terms of handling - too flat and not grippy enough. Similar to the Mavic, the Northwave also offers a good compromise between stiffness and comfort. Off the pedals, however, the narrow profile with its hard rubber offers little grip. The heel slips slightly when running. Heaviest shoe in the test.
