We previewed Northwave’s new Extreme RR road shoes with their unique lacing pattern and the affordable Rainskin aero wet weather jacket back in the summer. But with the new top-level shoes, it’s easy to over look that most of their remaining high performance shoes get updated as well, mostly with super hi-vis reflective treatments. That shoe image up there is black. No really, get a closer look after the break. We also check out their new Switch clothing that matches jerseys, caps, gloves, and socks with some entertaining patterns, and take a closer look at that packable Rainskin jacket & the Extreme RR shoes…
That’s the Evolution Plus road shoe at the top of the page in Reflex reflective black (here, middle back). Northwave has certainly embraced reflective treatments in the top road and mountain shoes. The Reflex reflective white (left back) in the same shoe glows almost as much when light hits it, but it is less of a contrast. The affordable Phantom (in the back) gets some reflectivity as well, but doesn’t use the same Reflex tech so doesn’t shine so bright.
Crossing over for both road and trail the Extreme & Extreme XC get the Reflex treatment as well in their reflective camo option. They offer a lot of contrast for great visibility either on the road or mountain bike.
Switch
Northwave is trying to break away from the giant logos and loud colors that haunted some of their otherwise well-performing road riding kit in the past. The new Switch line keeps some unique and bold designs by applying what could probably be described as 80’s pattern styling. In four varieties for a range of tastes, Switch offers a 65€ performance jersey with patterns that carry over to matching 18€ cycling caps, 25€ mitts, and 14€ socks to complete the look in: Palm Beach, Point Break, Fresh, and Mind Field.
Outcross mountain shoes
The Outcross shoes are the latest to get Michelin soles, here at more affordable prices. With a single dial closure the Outcross Plus (left) comes in both men’s & women’s colors for 130€; yes, the women get pink dials. The 100€ Outcross version (not shown) drops the dial for a regular velcro strap to save a few bucks, but other wise shares the same construction and sole. The Outcross Knit (right) uses a woven nylon upper that claims solid durability and a tidy lace-up solution for just 90€ in black or blue.
Rainskin jacket
The Rainskin jacket claims to set itself apart as being more aero for a waterproof jacket. That happens because it gets a 4-way stretch that doesn’t usually show up until you are paying more than three times what this jacket sells for. The Rainskin without taped seams goes for just 100€, while the taped Rainskin Shield brings that up to 130€. Having held a number of modern breathable form-fitting, breathable rain jackets in our hands, this seems to compare to a few selling for more than 300€. Plus, this one really easily packs down small, about the size of 500ml bidon, so it will fit easily into a pocket or spare bottle cage.
Extreme RR
Like we saw before the Extreme RR gets the new X-Frame lacing with a single dial and cross crossing cable. With a super stiff unidirectional carbon sole the 220g a piece shoes sell for 370€ for the pair, in a very soft smooth black or hi-vis yellow.
