On light soles

Of course, you can make a science out of packing for a cycle tour. Nevertheless, cyclists are happy about every gram less that has to be transported. An incentive for us to look at the weight of our shoes too. Because the cycling shoe is the number one shoe when travelling by bike. But what if it's damp after a downpour because the overshoes couldn't keep all the moisture out? Or because it's too sporty or too dirty for the hotel or dinner? Then you're on the safe side with a second pair. Admittedly, during our research we initially came across sports shoes that met our weight limit of 500 g per pair for shoe size 42. But at UGG, Timberland and Ecco, we were able to find a pair that would look elegant even in a good restaurant.
Somewhat surprisingly, one of these elegant models even wins the tip in the under 500 gram weight category. The Australian manufacturer UGG, which is primarily known for its lambskin boots, delivers the lightest, but also a thoroughly elegant model for our overview with the Bowmore. The very light, newly developed outsole in particular saves weight, so that the suede shoe only weighs 472 grams.
The sporty models are primarily lightweight running or trekking shoes from well-known outdoor manufacturers. Elaborate padding, in some cases waterproof equipment with a Goretex membrane and elaborately crafted outsoles sometimes push the weight above the desired 500 gram limit.
The lightest model of the sporty shoes is the Pearl Izumi EM Road, which at 452 grams originally entered the race in the lightweight running shoe category. At around 120 euros per pair, both models are not exactly bargains. The Sketchers model offers the best value for money at 80 euros. The Haglöfs L.I.M. Low presents itself as a solid all-rounder at 463 grams and Goretex equipment at a price of 140 euros.

The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 1/2016. You can read the entire issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order the issue in the DK shop.

You can download the individual articles as PDF files here.

Downloads:

Lightweight second shoes (pdf)