Expanding on the Spider Plus 2 shoes that we’ve have on a long-term test this year, Northwave worked with Cedric Gracia to develop a shoe specifically targeted to Enduro racing. The Enduro Mid shoes (above) carry over the all-synthetic thermowelded uppers of the Spider than makes them quite durable and water resistant. They also get a heavily reinforced toe and a padded tongue for comfort and extra security. On the Enduros Northwave’s SLW2 (Boa-like) adjustment dial gets a special cover to guard against rock strikes while still allowing fine fit control. The new Enduro shoes gets a X-Fire Michelin outsole, soft inside for great pedal grip and harder on the outer edges for more stability and longer wear. The Enduro Mid shoe is also to be joined by a low cut option as well, replacing the dial with a SpeedLace2 (SL2) closing system.
Jump past the break for the other shoe updates and a 68 gram jersey…
The current Extreme XC with a Vibram sole (which we also have just started to test this summer) gets a bit of a Michelin update as well. The renamed Michelin Extreme XC gets a minor make over and a new outsole. The front tread blocks don’t change very much but look to open up a bit with more edges/sipes for more grip, while the heel gets redesigned. Also added in the mix is some welcome rubberized protection on the front and outside of the toe, where the current shoe offers only limited protection.
The road-going Extreme, which we have featured in the past, gets some updates as well, primarily with a new reflective silver color option and a special NW-Speedplay adaptor for a low profile setup. Also in the mix is extended range of the double SLW2 dial rotors for a more precise fit and to accommodate lower volume feet.
Northwave is also updating its expanding clothing line, led by a new Kinetic project bib short range. Four shorts will be offered using four different chamois pads for different cyclist types, designed to mesh directly with saddle shapes. All pads get varying thickness, dense 120 kg/m3, perforated foam throughout for solid support and excellent transpiration. Versions include: the performance Lighting with a 3D shaped 9-13mm pad,a similar 2D Fast, a slimmer 7-11mm Dynamic for those who prefer less squish, and a women-specific Swift. In addition to the bibs, there is also a new Extreme 68G jersey that, you guessed it, weighs just 68 grams (for a large). Northwave carries over their Biomap 3D shaping from their shoes to minimize the number of panels and seams. The super thin ‘second skin’ fabric is rated for UPF35 sun protection and dries quickly for hot weather riding. It gets raw cut edges with minimal grippers for smooth comfortable fit. We’ll find out more about these and other new shoe and clothing offerings from Northwave at Eurobike at the end of August.
