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Who doesn't know the Eggbeater pedals with the classic "whisk" click system? It is probably the best-known MTB product from Crankbrothers. But because the manufacturers' product ranges are becoming ever more comprehensive, it was almost only a matter of time before the Californians designed shoes to match their pedals.
With Mallet, Mallet E and Stamp, there are now three brand new mountain bike shoes for clipless and flat pedal riders. In addition, each model will be available in three different versions and, in some cases, in different colours.
Although the Crankbrothers shoes are intended to be optimally matched to the company's own pedal systems thanks to the so-called Match design, all models can of course also be ridden with pedals from other manufacturers. The design of the shoes is discreet and modern. There are no seams on the upper material as far as possible. Small laser cuts and an open-pored tongue are designed to ventilate the feet, while the reinforced toe box offers protection on technical terrain.
The entry area around the cleats has been bevelled at the ends to make it easier to get into the pedal. In addition, the sole of the three models has been adapted to the respective area of use with different profiles and rubber compounds. All three models are fastened with Velcro and a Boa dial in the top version. The two cheaper versions have a quick lacing system with Velcro or classic lacing. All Crankbrothers shoes come with pre-assembled cleats and washers out of the box.
Crankbrothers Mallet: for downhill use
The new Mallet shoe is designed to please downhillers in particular. It is equipped with a rather flat sole profile for a secure and flat stance on the pedal. In addition, the cleat channel has been made particularly long and far back to better support the foot on the pedal. A "Race Zone" marked in red indicates the optimum mounting area of the cleats for racing use.
Crankbrothers Mallet shoes - the details
- Three versions with boa, speed lace or lacing
- MC1 sole, medium-grip compound for easy exit
- particularly elongated, flattened cleat channel
- pre-installed Crankbrothers cleats
- padded EVA midsole and padded tongue
- Reinforced toe area
- Sizes 37 to 48
- Colours black-gold (Mallet Boa) / black-white (Mallet Speedlace) / black-red or dark blue (Mallet Lace)
- Prices 199.99 Euro (Mallet Boa) / 169.99 Euro (Mallet Speedlace) / 149.99 Euro (Mallet Lace)
Crankbrothers Mallet E: for Trail and Enduro
With the Mallet E, Crankbrothers has a slightly lighter shoe for trail and enduro bikers in its programme. In addition to good ventilation, it should be characterised above all by the grippier profile on the sole, which has been specially tailored for traction uphill and downhill. As with the Mallet, the Americans have opted for a medium-hard rubber compound.
Crankbrothers Mallet E shoes - the details
- Three versions with boa, speed lace or lacing
- Match system for perfect interaction with Crankbrothers pedals
- medium-hard MC1 rubber compound
- pre-installed Crankbrothers cleats
- Reinforced toe area
- Sizes 37 to 48
- Colours black-gold (Mallet E Boa) / black-grey or olive (Mallet E Speedlace) / black-blue (Mallet Lace)
- Prices 199.99 (Mallet E Boa) / 169.99 Euro (Mallet E Speedlace) / 149.99 Euro (Mallet E Lace)
Crankbrothers Stamp: flat pedal shoe in skate style
With the Stamp, Crankbrothers has added a model for flat pedals to its range alongside the two clipless shoes. A high level of comfort and durability were in the developers' specifications. The sole of the Stamp has the grippier MC2 rubber compound and its profile has been optimised to match the Stamp pedals of the same name. The contact surface reflects the design of the pedal. The profile in the pedal area should harmonise particularly well with the pins. In addition to a Fabio Wibmer Signature Edition, the Stamp, like the other two models, is available in three different lacing variants.
Crankbrothers Stamp shoes - the details
- Three versions with boa, speed lace or lacing
- Match system for perfect interaction with Crankbrothers pedals
- soft and grippy MC2 rubber compound
- Sizes 37 to 48
- Colours black-gold (Stamp Boa) / grey-red or orange-green (Stamp Speedlace) / black-red, black-grey, dark blue and Fabio Wibmer edition (Stamp Lace)
- Prices 199.99 (Stamp Boa) / 169.99 euros (Stamp Speedlace) / 149.99 euros (Stamp Lace)
Crankbrothers has made a visually successful and promising debut in the shoe sector. Visually, all models look high-quality and well thought-out: the profiles have been optimised to match the Crankbrothers pedal range, but are also compatible with other manufacturers. With three different lacing variants, the customer has a wide choice of price and function. We will find out how good details such as the bevelled cleat channel, the different lacing options or grip and power transmission are over the next few weeks. There will be a detailed test report by then at the latest.
Until then, all further information is available at www.crankbrothers.com
Stefan Frey
Editor
