Segmentation and specialization are the natural course of progress. Cycling is growing, and that gives room for items to become more specific to their task. We have climbing wheels, climbing frames and now, climbing shoes.
Never shy to jump right in, Rapha is introducing the Climber’s Shoes. For $400, and available online only, they are taking pre-orders now for the lightweight shoes that have lots of ventilation. Check out the colorways after the jump…
The upper part of the shoe is designed to be very breathable, with a mesh backed synthetic leather. Standard loop style velcro straps were chosen for their low weight. The sole is the Easton EC90 SLXII carbon fiber sole also used on Giro shoes. This sole keeps weight and height down, has a replaceable heel plate, and will accept Giro SuperNatural Fit footbeds.
All of this adds to a shoe that comes in a 215g. Impressively light compared to an average shoe, but still not the lightest shoe out there. Rapha says shipment is in November, and you can pre-order the shoes in white, pink or team blue direct on their website right now.
www.rapha.cc