For gravel and road: Rapha presents new Pro Team Powerweave shoes

Rapha is expanding its shoe range with two new top models for Gravel and Street. The British manufacturer relied on its global Wear Test Programme, in which both professionals and ambitious amateurs can test the products under real conditions. According to Rapha, this approach makes it possible to develop shoes that meet the highest standards of performance and comfort. Both models feature an upper made from Rapha's own Powerweave fabric and BOA Li2 twist fasteners for precise adjustment. The road shoe is equipped with a 100 per cent carbon sole, while the gravel version has a Vibram Megagrip outsole for better grip on loose surfaces off the bike.

Global test programme as a basis for development

130 athletes worldwide are active participants in the Rapha Wear Test Programme, testing new and in-development products in real-world conditions. Finn Abbott-White, Head of the Wear Test Programme at Rapha, explains: "We carefully select testers, people who I would describe as experts and experienced riders. People who are critical but want to help us push boundaries." According to Abbott-White, the process extends from initial material development to the validation of creative concepts and final quality assurance. The testers' feedback from competitions and long training sessions enables the products to be optimised in a practical way.

Rapha Pro Team Powerweave shoes: specific customisation for road and gravel

When developing the two shoe models, Rapha focussed on the specific requirements of the respective areas of use. Tom Matic, head shoe designer at Rapha, explains the gravel version: "We didn't want a completely slimmed-down sole, but rather to maintain comfort off the bike. The sole allows different levels of contact so that the foot can adapt to different types of terrain." The road version, on the other hand, aims to maximise power transfer and an optimal connection to the pedal. According to the manufacturer, this is ensured by the 100 per cent carbon sole and a Pebax heel element for high torsional rigidity. The 3D-woven Powerweave upper material with knitted sock collar is also designed to increase comfort.

• Price Rapha Pro Team Powerweave Gravel: 420 Euro >> available here
• Price Rapha Pro Team Powerweave Road: 420 Euro >> available here

Use in professional cycling

The new Rapha Pro Team Powerweave shoes are already being tested and used by professionals. Owain Doull from the EF Education-EasyPost team, for example, was one of the athletes involved in the development. He is positive about the road version: "I like the white soles and the streamlined shape. When I put them on, it feels like I'm putting on a pair of football boots designed for speed." As well as EF Education-EasyPost, other World Tour teams are also using Rapha shoes, including Team INEOS Grenadiers. Feedback from the professionals is continuously incorporated into the further development of the products.

Focus on technology and innovation with Rapha Pro Team Powerweave shoes

The development of the Pro Team Powerweave shoes emphasises Rapha's focus on technological innovation in the cycling sector. Tom Matic emphasises the effort behind such products: "It's easy to take for granted the hours and years that have gone into developing this technology, especially the time on the bike to test everything." The Powerweave upper is the result of years of research and provides an optimal combination of support, breathability and light weight. The BOA Li2 twist locks allow micrometre-precise adjustment even while riding. In the Gravel version, special attention was paid to the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is designed to ensure both grip when running and efficient power transmission when pedalling.