NORTHWAVE EXTREME RR

£294.99 › New top-flight shoes from Italy

THE NEW RR FEATURES A thin (0.5mm), highly elasticated upper constructed from a single piece of material, with just a double-skinned section to reinforce the heel cup. Northwave’s aim was to create a shoe that’s as close fitting and compliant as any custom-fitted option.

The designers devised a mesh pattern of ribbon-like material, which is bonded to the skin to control the fit. This is all paired with a single SLW2 dial (Northwave’s proprietary design) that pulls the upper to fit using a patented configuration of the Dyneema cable – a lightweight thread that’s as strong as steel but far more flexible.

The carbon sole is rated 15 for stiffness, Northwave’s highest level, which is impressive for such a light shoe (538g, pair size 45). The sole’s sculpted to reinforce the mid-foot, and resist any twisting, and features seven mesh vents. For Speedplay fans the three-bolt fittings feature built-in adaptors for the minimal pedal cleats.

The close, structured yet compliant fit reminds us of Shimano’s latest wrap-over design S-Phyres, but we think the RRs get the fit even closer without feeling tight or restrictive. To further tune fit, Northwave ships the shoes with two insoles, one standard and one high-volume, both with similar arch support.

They’re expensive and the SLW2 dial isn’t as good to use as a Boa IP1, as it’s shallower than a Boa and requires a pull on the small metal lever on the dial’s side to release. Those niggles aside, the Extreme RRs are a seriously impressive pair of racing shoes.