Good compromise between stiffness and comfort: Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD on test
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Mavic had literally disappeared from the scene for several years, but now the French company is back and has also revamped its shoe range. For our test, we chose the inexpensive Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD, which for just under 150 euros already has a Boa twist fastener that is supported by a small Velcro strap in the toe area.
The new Mavic is manufactured in Italy, which is a statement to the competition from China. The entire upper shoe is seamless and perforated with ventilation holes. The insole consists of a so-called memory foam, which adapts to the shape of the arch of the foot and is designed to dampen the vibrations of gravel tracks. At first glance, the sole looks rather thin and a little flabby.
More gravel shoes in the test
- Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon >> e.g. available here
- Northwave Razer >> 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
Stiffness & comfort of the Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD
For the outsole, Mavic relies on a nylon-fibreglass mix, which should offer a good compromise between power transmission and comfort. With a sole stiffness value of 241 N/mm, the Mavic ranks in the lower midfield of our test. In practice, the Cosmic behaves inconspicuously on the pedals. There is no question of a lack of stiffness here. The power is transferred to the pedals without the sole flexing noticeably when pedalling.
The lightly rubberised tread sole should also allow running sessions and coffee stops, but - typical for special gravel shoes - is rather narrow and wobbly. The French could have added a little more tread here. The Mavic is reluctant to accept slippage, especially because the rubber of the cleats offers little grip - at least the shoe rolls comfortably and keeps the heel securely in the shoe even when running.
The profile of the Mavic hardly provides any grip off-road, and the narrow profile makes it quite unstable. I definitely wouldn't want to have to run with this shoe.
Peter Nilges - BIKE Test Manager
Fit of the Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD
The fit of the Mavic is race-like, narrow and flat, but very comfortable. Even if the Cosmic is quite pointed at the toes. Boa and Velcro adjust the shoe neatly to the foot, with very good heel hold overall. We were unable to detect any pressure points. The weight also matches the sporty impression: at 663 grams in size 46, the Mavic is one of the lightweights in the test. Only Shimano's RX801 is a My lighter - but also a whopping 100 euros more expensive.
Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD - Info & Price
- Price149 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 46): 663 grams
- Sizes: 36-48 2/3 in 2/3 sizes
- Sole / StiffnessNylon glass fibre / 241 N/mm
- Made inItaly
- Equipmentinsole with memory foam, Boa L6 fastening, Velcro, seamless upper material
- Fitnarrow and flat on the instep throughout, rather short
Test grade & conclusion
The gravel shoe from Mavic is clearly inspired by road bike shoes, as evidenced not only by the slim, pointed shape, but also the very narrow tread pattern with low grip studs. This makes pushing passages a balancing act. The Cosmic Boa SPD works much better on the pedals: it sits comfortably and can be adjusted to the foot using the Boa dial and Velcro fastener. The heel is also firmly enclosed. The fibreglass-reinforced sole offers a good compromise between power transmission and comfort and also has a clearly visible scale for cleat adjustment.
