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The new road cycling shoes are "designed to win", Northwave announces full-bodied, and involved Ineos pro Filippo Ganna (Italy) in the development. The current world hour record holder and 2021 Olympic track champion tested the Veloce Extreme on more than 10,000 kilometres of racing, Northwave was also assisted by a biomechanic who worked on the stiffness of the racing shoe.
The centrepiece of the Veloce Extreme is the patented carbon sole called Powershape HT (High Tail). Thanks to the high heel cap, the foot should have a better grip in the shoe, allowing power to be transferred more directly to the pedals. Northwave claims an improved power transfer of four per cent compared to the "old" carbon sole on the previous top model Extreme Pro 3. Stability is said to have been increased by nine per cent. Overall, the Italians promise a lower level of exertion for the new model, which is scientifically described using the RPE scale (rate of perceived exertion).
Veloce Extreme: The most important facts
- Weight: 628 grams (size 43.5 | weighed weight)
- Price: 399,99 Euro >> available here
- Sizes/half sizes: 36 to 48 | 39.5 to 45.5
- Colours: Black | White
- Equipment: carbon sole, Northwave SLW 3 twist lock, two insoles
- Country of production: Italy
First test impression: first-class fit
TOUR has not yet been able to test the stiffness of the Veloce Extreme in the laboratory, but has already worn the high-end model on several test rides. First impression: The sole doesn't give way either when sprinting to the town sign or when pedalling hard uphill and offers strong power transfer. The shoes offer very good support. The low shaft prevents pressure points on the ankle. The toe box is spacious and does not squeeze the forefoot like some race shoes. At 628 grams in size 43.5, the Northwave is one of the heavier top models. The Competition is up to 160 grams lighter in some cases.
Northwave uses its own twist system for the two fasteners on each shoe. As with the market leader Boa, this is based on a coil that winds up a thin and tear-resistant rope. This means that the Northwave Veloce Extreme, which has a normal fit, fits snugly around the foot and can be adjusted in width while riding. However, the twist lock requires a little practice: while closing it with the twist wheel is intuitive, you first have to get used to the function of the small lever. It has to be pressed to make fine adjustments and lifted to open the shoe. You should also have a shoehorn to hand when putting the shoe on and taking it off.
We were unable to check the ventilation of the Northwave, as the cool autumn had arrived during the test period. The perforated synthetic leather upper and four ventilation slots on the carbon sole are designed to prevent heat build-up at high temperatures. The scope of delivery includes a practical carrying bag and two insoles in different thicknesses (3 and 5 millimetres). Both versions support the arch of the foot.
High-end has its price
Unfortunately, the price explosion does not stop at accessories such as the new road cycling shoe from Northwave. The Italians are asking 400 euros for their top model, which is manufactured in Italy. The competitors' high-end models are in similar dimensions.
Julian Schultz
Editor
