adidas made proper cycling shoes back in the day, many of which can be found on eBay, and they continue to be involved at all levels of cycling from pro team kits to fashion collaborations.
They also acquired Five Ten, which gave them ready access to that brand’s premium Stealth Rubber compounds. Those grippy outsole materials have now found their way onto the upcoming Terrex Trail Cross shoes, a combo approach hiking shoe and flat pedal performer.
The treads are fairly low profile, angled and designed with three distinct sections. The toe’s treads are for climbing, the mid section is for grabbing pedal pins and the rear helps keep you from sliding down the declines when scrambling down the mountain. It’s all made out of Stealth Rubber, but those aren’t the only cycling specific features…
The inside edge has a an abrasion restistant material to prevent wear from the cranks. Its top edge covers the lace loops, too, keeping them from getting frayed and a lace bungie reduces the chances of them getting caught up in your gears. The midsole has EVA foam from the heel through the midfoot for comfort, laying over top their PRO-MODERATOR shank under the midfoot to provide a bit stiffer pedaling platform and keep rocks from poking into the bottom of your foot. Retail should be about $140, and we’re waiting to hear back on availability they should be shipping in February. A navy blue/orange/black colorway will also be offered.
The Terrex X-King (above, available now) and Boost trail running shoes (below, coming Spring 2015) both get Continental X-King tire inspired tread patterns and grippy rubber compounds. Both use a speed lacing system with bungie to keep it in place. The X-King model is still in development, so pricing and availability are up in the air.
The Boost will come in multiple colors for men’s and women’s versions will be available, retail is $160.
We’re digging the cross promotional packaging.
