CHROME KURSK AW PRO 2.0

£116 ★★★★☆ Cycling sneakers with all-new rubber compound

WE SAY... Despite their simple looks, these have been well designed for urban cyclists

Chrome’s Kursks look, at first glance, like traditional low-top sneakers in the style of Converse’s classic Chuck Taylors or Vans’ Old Skools. Look a bit closer, though, and you’ll find plenty of tech and lots of clever bike-specific details hidden within their understated looks.

Take the upper. Instead of canvas, Chrome has used a highly abrasion-resistant nylon that has had a hydrophobic treatment added before being woven. This gives far more protection from road spray and light rain than I’d expected. The upper is also lined for extra warmth and the tongue is padded, and gusseted to help keep feet dry. Then there’s the elasticated lace saver that helps stop laces getting caught in your cranks and the heel that has reflective detailing on it for added safety. The reflective cord in the laces also helps make this all-black shoe highly visible at night. And that’s just the top of the shoes.

Thanks to a collaboration with tyre maestro Panaracer, the durable yet supple rubber soles have great grip on flat pedals or wet pavements, but you can also use these shoes with two-bolt cleats. Inside the soles sits Chrome’s rigid, nylon Flexplate, which gives a great pedalling platform. However, you still have some flex in the shoes and the cleats are recessed, making the Kursks easier to walk in than traditional bike shoes.

The thick outsoles and comfy insoles provide heaps of shock absorption too, so fast rides on rough, cobbled streets, dropping off curbs, and the occasional flights of stairs are all met with soft cushioning.

Chrome has nailed both style and substance. The Kursks have plenty of visibility for night riding and can cope well with everything from summer warmth to the damp drizzles of autumn and spring. For really cold, stormy winter days, I’d reach for something more substantial, but these have fast become my casual riding shoes of choice and are perfect for around town and casual commuting.