Crono’s made-in-Italy shoe line-up is getting an overhaul for 2017, and topping it off is an all-new road shoe with a unique cable layout. Developed in a partnership with BOA, the new CR1 claims to deliver an improved fit for better power transfer. In addition to the CR1 with its new Multi Contact Boa closure setup promising the end of heel lift, Crono renames their entire lineup with a new letter + number system that makes it easier to find where each shoe fits in the overall scheme of things. Along the way the company’s current top-level road and mountain shoes both get a noticeable update, with newly redesigned uppers and a move to Boa closures as well. Take a closer look at the new goodies after the jump…
The big key feature of the new CR1 is that Multi Contact Boa system. With one Boa cable triangulated to pull both back and down across a large memory foam-padded instep strap, the new shoe aims to better balance seating your heel into the back of the shoe without too much constriction. A grippy heel cup helps to keep your foot planted, then to secure the lower part of your foot, a second Boa in a more typical crossed wire pattern locks down on the asymmetric toe of the shoe.
Crono says that the new Boa arrangement virtually eliminates heel lift, which together with what Crono calls their ‘Slim Fit’ will surely help those with lower volume or narrow feet/heels . The setup uses a pair of low-power premium right- and left-specific Boa IP1-S dials (that were previously exclusive to Specialized) that offer fine adjustment control, especially in this bi-directional layout.
The new synthetic microfiber upper of the CR1 uses laser perforations to ensure ventilation, with a mesh liner that said to quickly pull moisture away from your foot. Combine that with a vented sole for a shoe that is said to work well even in the heat.
Besides the all new upper and closure the CR1 also benefits from a new all carbon sole. While their previous top sole gets a rating of 9 on their (surely subjective, and probable sliding) stiffness scale, this one takes it up to a ’10+’. The molded carbon sole incorporates a mesh-covered air flow port at the toe for under sole ventilation, a replaceable heel tread block, and fixed rubber toe bumper. The CR1 gets a 4-bolt Look/SPD-R pattern, and will be available in whole sizes from 37-48 and half sizes from 41-46. Claimed weight for the shoe is 235g, with white and black versions on offer. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect it to be a premium over their current Futura2.
On the carry-over front, the previous top-level Futura2 gets rebranded as the CR2 and gets an all-new microfiber upper. It also uses laser perforations like the CR1, but adds a pair of mesh openings at the toe for even better ventilation. The CR2 gets upgraded to Boa L6 dials for 2017, while it keeps the same more conventional 2-dial, 1-cross layout. The CR2 will continue to be available in two versions – one with the full carbon sole (235g each) and the other with a carbon-reinforced nylon sole (270g). The CR2 will be available in black, white, red, and hi-vis yellow versions. Pricing for the Italian-made road shoes is expected to stay close to the current 300€/200€, although the Boa dials could push that up a bit.
The single ratcheting strap road Clone carries over now as the CR3 and the three velcro strap Dinamica becomes the CR4, both unchanged.
On the mountain side of things the Extrema2 becomes the new CX2. It gets the same updates as the CR2. So, a new microfiber upper with laser perforations and mesh toe vents, plus the switch to a 2-Boa L6 closure system. Like the road version the CX2 gets a mesh vented tongue and memory foam padding. The CX2 adds a reinforced toe to better withstand the off-road abuse, as the upper is otherwise the same as the road shoe. It uses Crono’s carbon reinforced dual-compound lugged rubber outsole (ready to accept toe-spikes) and comes in black, red, and hi-vis yellow.
Like on the road side, the single ratcheting strap road Track mountain shoe carries over as the CX3 and the three velcro strap Spirit becomes the CX4, leaving room at the top for a possible mountain version of the new Multi Contact Boa layout in the future.
