Rapha has worked with its Wear Test Programme to develop its newest shoes. The Pro Team Powerweave Road and Gravel Shoes have reportedly been engineered over 30,000km of all terrain testing to deliver what Rapha is calling ‘an evolution in footwear design’.
Rapha’s Wear Test Programme calls on pro and amateur riders worldwide to get out in all conditions, giving feedback on new and evolving products. From the point of initial material development, to the validation of creative concepts, to being confident in every stitch and binding, Wear Testers are seen as a key part of Rapha’s design process.
The diverse network of over 130 athletes helps to drive innovation with long hours in the saddle.
“We handpick testers, people I would call experts and seasoned riders. People who are critical, but who want to help us push boundaries,” said Finn Abbott-White, Rapha Wear Test Lead.
Tom Matic, Rapha Senior Footwear Designer, added “It’s easy to take for granted the hours and years that have gone into creating this technology, especially the amount of time on the bike testing it all.
“For the Gravel version we didn’t want a completely stripped back sole, we wanted to keep that off-bike comfort, and at different levels of contact, allowing your foot to adjust to different shapes in the terrain.”
The Road Shoes feature 100% carbon soles for maximum torque, whilst the Gravel version uses a Vibram Megagrip outsole for off-bike traction. Both are equipped with Powerweave uppers and BOA Li2 dials for comfort and fit control.
Key evolutions to the Road Shoes also targeted enhanced comfort. This latest version features a 3D woven Powerweave upper with knitted ‘sock collar’, a 100% carbon sole, and a Pebax heel counter for torque.
