As with the rest of the cycling clothing, the touring cycling shoes also impress with their civilian look. Leather or nylon uppers are also familiar from normal leisure shoes or trainers, and the colours of these shoes in subtle shades of brown and black set them apart from their gaudy racing bike counterparts.
The special requirement for this type of cycling shoe is to find the best compromise. It should transfer power well to the pedals when pedalling and still serve as a comfortable walking shoe when strolling around town. Optimum power transfer means a hard sole, which in turn reduces the walking properties.
The touring boots in the test:
Gaerne Lapo Carbon, http://www.gaerne.com
Lake MX 90, http://www.lakecycling.de
Lake MX 101, http://www.lakecycling.de
Northwave Mission Women, http://www.northwave.de
Northwave Patrol, http://www.northwave.de
Mavic Zoya, http://www.mavic.com
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Enduro II, http://www.pearlizumi.com
Scott Boulder, http://www.scott-sports.com
Scott Trail, http://www.scott-sports.com
Shimano SH-MT22, http://www.paul-lange.de
Specialised Primo, http://www.specialized.com
Specialised Tahoe, http://www.specialized.com
Suplest Offroad Vibram, http://www.cosmicsports.de
Vaude Route TR, http://www.vaude.com
The full-length article from issue 4/2010 is available as a free PDF download.
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Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
