Tested over tens of thousands of kilometres on bikepacking expeditions and ultra-endurance races, the latest addition to Rapha’s Explore footwear range combines a high-traction, durable carbon sole with a reinforced version of its proprietary Powerweave fabric and the BOA Fit System for a dialled-in fit.
RCC members receive exclusive 48 hours access to the new shoes from March 9th. The shoes goe on general release on March 11th.
EF Pro Cycling rider Lachlan Morton wear tested the shoes through the Sierra Nevada of southern Spain for his triumph at Badlands 2020 said “For the sort of riding I do most days, they’re the perfect shoe.
“Walking is super easy, which is kind of the trade-off normally. Shoes can be comfortable to walk in, or they’re stiff. These have the perfect middle ground – you can walk five or ten kilometres in them. On the road they just feel like road shoes. I’d happily race in them, but people would laugh at me.
“They do it all. You can wear them on any day, on any bike, for any kind of riding, and you’re covered. It’s one less decision. They’re also fast.”
Upper
Available in Black and Dark Navy, the shoe’s innovative 3D-woven upper fabric offers a combination of ‘sock-like comfort and locked-in performance’. The TPU-reinforced yarns of the Powerweave fabric provide high durability and weather resistance, whilst keeping weight down and comfort high.
The sculpted heel cup has been designed to hug the foot, keeping the shoe in place on and off the bike, while the midfoot is adjustable thanks to BOA’s new incremental Li2 dial platform. This is fully integrated into the shoe’s upper for a secure fit.
Adjustable arch support allows for a range of foot shapes while a spacious toe box with a toe strap for micro adjustments means ‘all-day comfort when riding’.
Sole
A strong, lightweight carbon footplate transfers power when pedalling, but finishes before the toe and heel to provide flex where needed for comfort while walking. The footplate is set into a grippy rubber sole with a recess for the cleat.
Main features
- High-performance Powerweave upper
- Lightweight carbon sole, cut shorter for flexibility at toe and heel
- Precision-fit BOA Fit System – Li2
- Durable and grippy natural rubber tread
- Lightweight anodized titanium hardware
- Signature reflective Rapha toe strap
- 2-bolt compatible cleats
- Reflective heel for visibility at night
- Reinforced toe and heel for durability
- Upper: 100% woven polyester
- Sole footplate: carbon fibre
- Insole: EVA insole with soft antimicrobial microfibre top layer
- Outsole cover: 100% rubber
- Cleat bolts: 100% titanium
The shoes’ recommended retail price (RRP) is: US$355; £260; €310; AU$450; C$485; CHF 345; DKK 2400; HK$2570; ¥44000; KRW 430000; NOK 3600; SEK 3250; TWD 10000.
