French consumer-direct cycling clothing & gear maker Ekoï is taking their value-oriented performance road bike shoes to the next level, with a new woven mesh C-4 featuring their first-ever completely carbon sole. Edging their way into the pro peloton starting with helmets & sunglasses over the last decade or so, Ekoï leveraged pro rider feedback to take their shoes to the next level too.
Ekoï C-4 Full Real Carbon vented road cycling shoes
For more than 20 years, Ekoi has carved out their cycling helmet, sunglasses, clothing & shoe niche based on solid performance at attainable prices, all delivered directly to cyclists around the world. And tying their fast product development with feedback from pro road, triathlon, and now even mountain bike riders, they’ve continued to ratchet up the high-performance aspect while retaining affordable prices.
“In 2023, EKOÏ will be alongside the Cofidis, Arkéa-Samsic, Israel-Premier Tech and Lotto-Dstny teams in the most prestigious races of the season.“
Now, it seems their road shoes are the latest to benefit.
Stiffness is one of the major factors in the pedaling force transcription, especially when pushing. Power transfer is improved thanks to this brand new entirely made of carbon sole. There is also carbon in the ATOP® finish metal buckles, which undoubtedly gives the shoe a kind of elegance. Today, I am proud to offer the most perfectionist cyclists a product that meets their expectations and that will allow them to further increase their level of performance.
– Raphaël Dalle, Ekoï Shoes R&D Engineer
What’s new?
I was a bit surprised to read that the new Ekoi C-4 is their first pair of road shoes with a real full-carbon sole, but until now they’ve delivered adequate stiffness with carbon-reinforced soles. Now though, the C-4 builds off an ultra-stiff UD carbon fiber sole with integrated vents, plus fixed heel & toe pads for walkability. The carbon soles use the standard road cleat 3-bolt layout and include printed markings to help align your cleats.
On top of the carbon sole, the Ekoi has created an almost entirely open, ventilated upper thanks to a structured woven mesh material with minimal stretch for maximum breathability and security. It then heat-bonds reinforcement around the tongue and 2 premium aluminum & carbon Atop wire retention dials for precise fit adjustability.
At the back of the C-4, an internal heel structure ties in the overall stiffness from the sole and helps retain the fit together with those Atop dials. On the outside, more heat-bonded overlay protects the rear of the shoe, while a rubber toe bumper protects the front.
Ekoï C-4 Carbon – Pricing, Options & Availability
The new woven mesh Ekoï C-4 carbon soled road shoes sell for 300€ a pair, and come in either all-black with small red accents, or a predominantly red version that is actually selling now for 35% less than the black ones if you buy today. The new carbon C-4s have a claimed weight of just 260g, per shoe. Get them now in whole EU sizes 39-46, direct from Ekoï and delivered for free around the world.
