DMT KRSL shoes
£329.99 Tadej Pogačar’s secret weapon
ITALY’S DMT PIONEERED the 3D knitted shoe upper (and licensed it to some of the world’s largest sports-shoe manufacturers). This technology has also been used in the shoes that Tadej Pogačar has worn when riding to victory in the last two editions of the Tour.
For 2022, however, DMT has taken the woven upper and applied it to an all-new, all-carbon outsole. The anatomically shaped new sole has four large, meshed vents to aid breathability and bring the weight down, plus a 1cm-deep lip around the sides for stability.
The stretchy, one-piece upper has a close-fitting, sock-like fit with no need for a tongue. The laces are anchored to elasticated ropes that are bonded to the base either side of the upper. This allows you to tighten the fit more evenly over the forefoot, reducing discomfort on the top of the foot. In fact, so snug is the shoe’s fit that the laces seem just a secondary security measure (there’s an elasticated pouch to tuck the ends into for neatness and safety).
There’s also a protective waxy layer that’s bonded to the lower third of the woven material on the upper, and the toe area has a large, diamond-shaped open mesh panel on top for more venting.
On the bike, the KRSLs are stunningly comfortable. Race shoes are usually all about stiffness, but the KRSLs still have all the stiffness you’ll ever need in the sole. The compliance in the upper is without equal amongst other road shoes, while the stiffened heel cup with a gridded silicone lining holds your foot securely in place.
The weight, or lack of it, is impressive, with my test pair tipping the scales at a very scant 497.2g a pair for a size 45 (UK10), which puts these at amongst the lightest shoes I’ve tested. Details such as the replaceable heel bumper for walking are also very welcome.
Even on the very hottest of rides and long days in the saddle, my feet didn’t approach getting overheated or sweaty. These shoes have excellent venting and breathe better than any other lightweight shoes I’ve tried. This does have a downside, however. On cooler days, the shoes can feel somewhat chilly, and they suffer terribly in the wet. So, these are worth the investment if you do a lot of long cycles in hot, dry places, but they may be a bit of a risky one if you often ride in the UK’s changeable weather.
“So snug is the shoe's fit that the laces seem like just a secondary security measure”