Extreme innovators

Italian brand Northwave is a true leader in winter cycling footwear. The EXTREME RR 2 GTX is its latest offering and is the culmination of almost 15 years of research

‘There is far more competition than five years ago but we like to think we can make something better than our rivals because for us this isn’t a side project, it is our primary focus’

Northwave has been making cycling shoes for 25 years now, and the company is based in Onigo di Pederobba near Treviso – an area of northern Italy that several Italian footwear institutions call home.

‘This is the silicon valley of cycling shoes,’ says Northwave’s global communication manager, Mauro Baldini. ‘Performance footwear is in the DNA of this area – many children grow up knowing how to make shoes because their parents work at our company and others based around here.’

Northwave’s commitment to developing new products has helped keep it at the forefront of an ever-changing market, yet Baldini explains that the company’s core goal has remained constant.

‘The aim has always been to provide innovation in our products, to make something functional that meets the needs of all riders, whether they are amateurs or Worldtour pros,’ Baldini says.

‘Our success comes from the fact that we have always been a shoe specialist. The footwear market has changed – there is far more competition than five years ago and brands are branching into it with huge budgets. But we like to think we can make something better because for us this isn’t a side project, it is our primary focus.’

To that end, Northwave is the only brand to offer a selection of products specifically designed for riding in adverse weather conditions.

‘We were the first brand to make winter cycling boots with a Gore-tex membrane in 2004 and over the years we have expanded our offering to provide the best products not just for differing weather conditions, but different performance levels as well,’ says Baldini. ‘Protection shouldn’t need to come at the expense of performance.’

Northwave’s EXTREME RR 2 GTX design is an embodiment of this attitude, using proprietary technology to protect riders from the elements while still providing the feel and performance of riding in their summer best.

‘We have done this by carrying over many features from our top-end racing shoe, the EXTREME RR,’ says Baldini. ‘There’s a similar Carbon Light sole and the same Xframe upper construction and SLW2 dial.’

These features have married with a Climaflex collar extending off the top of the upper and a Duratherm Kelvin thermal insulation membrane that runs throughout the shoe.

‘We are a long-time partner of Gore so are able to develop our products in conjunction with them,’ Baldini says. ‘The Gore-tex Duratherm Kelvin membrane is very compact despite being waterproof and breathable. The collar behaves like a sock, keeping out water and wind but maintaining complete mobility at the ankle, so the EXTREME RR 2 GTX can be labelled as a shoe rather than a boot.’

In the EXTREME RR 2 GTX, Northwave has made a shoe that’s built to handle anything the British winter can throw at your feet, while also providing the performance to keep you challenging for Strava Koms all year round. Available to purchase from i-ride.co.uk

GORE TEX DURATHERM KELVIN MEMBRANE

This waterproof and windproof membrane covers the entire shoe to fully protect it from road spray, yet also allows the foot to breathe so the rider doesn’t overheat.

CARBON LIGHT SOLE

The lightweight sole is made from a mix of carbon and fibreglass and is rated at 10 on Northwave’s stiffness index, ensuring efficient power transfer when pedalling.

XFRAME CONSTRUCTION

The advanced fabrics Northwave uses in its upper are lightweight and flexible but also very strong. A Dyneema lace secures the upper to provide a firm and even hold across the foot.

CLIMAFLEX COLLAR

The lack of overlaps and Velcro looks neat and makes for a glove-like fit. It’s also totally weatherproof thanks to thermal Neoprene and Gore-tex Rattler membrane panels in key areas.

REFLECTIVE INSERTS

Northwave has included reflective strips in several locations around the shoe to maximise rider visibility and improve safety in murky winter conditions.

SLW2 DIAL

Northwave’s proprietary closure system is used on all its top-end shoes. Push down on the silver button for step-by-step release, or pull up for a full quick release.