Gaerne Carbon G.STL shoes

£379.90, gaerne.com

On Stage 12 of this year’s Giro d’italia, Ag2r-citroën’s Andrea Vendrame managed to sprint clear of Australian

Chris Hamilton to claim the biggest win of his career.

The Italian might have been helped along by his Gaerne Carbon G.STL shoes, which have a carbon sole that ranks

12/12 on Gaerne’s stiffness index and are also extra light, with one size 43 shoe weighing in at a claimed 274g.

Gaerne says each element of the Carbon G.STL shoes has been designed to increase pedalling efficiency. The carbon under the foot arch is shaped for improved stability, while there’s a supportive insole and an upper that wraps closely around the heel and instep. Boa Li2 dials offer precise adjustment, while four air vents ensure feet don’t overheat on sunny days or long climbs.

Finally Gaerne has allowed for better cleat positioning than on its prior models, offering 9mm more movement and a scale printed on the bottom for a more accurate fit.