The new Suplest trail shoes aim to raise the safety of bike shoes to a new level. In addition to the best possible foot protection, the Swiss shoe brand wants more. To this end, they have installed a Recco reflector in the shoe to locate lost persons in alpine terrain. Radar reflectors have been established in ski clothing for several years and increase the chances of survival, especially in the case of buried victims. With the patented technology, a Recco reflector can be located even under several metres of snow. This can also simplify the search for missing bikers in alpine terrain.
The Recco reflector is installed in the right shoe of the models Trail Pro and the Trail Performancewhich are only available with a click system. The Suplest trail shoes come with a BOA closure system and are designed to protect the toes and heel from contact with the ground thanks to the raised sole. The Trail Performance is available in subtle blue or classic black for 199 Euro. The top-of-the-range Trail Pro model has an additional strap and a raised waistband to provide even better protection for the foot. Cost point: 229 Euro.
Recco in detail
Using a sensor on the helicopter, an area of one square kilometre can be searched for reflectors in 6 minutes. The reflectors in the shoes reflect the radar signal from the sensor and make the casualty visible. This helps the rescue services to localise the casualty and, in the best case scenario, ensures that the injured person is rescued quickly.
The faster the treatment, the less consequential damage there will be. Especially in the case of head injuries, "time is brain". The longer the brain is not supplied with oxygen, the greater the likelihood of serious consequential damage. Safety gadgets such as the Recco reflector and fall sensors are on the rise. But even common Tracking apps such as Strava and Garmin now have fall detection and automatically call for help in an emergency.
MTB shoes: buying advice and models for trail bikers in the test
But what features characterise a good trail shoe? How can I recognise robust models that allow me to stand securely on the pedals and also master the occasional pushing passage? And which race shoe will support me on fast laps on the cross-country course? Our buying guide "Race vs. trail shoes" provides the answers and compares the fundamental differences between current mountain bike shoes. How to find the right MTB shoe for your intended use. In the issue BIKE 04/2022 we compared MTB shoes for trail and enduro bikers - a total of 12 2022 models took part in the BIKE test.
