The brand new Suplest XC/Gravel Performance made it straight from the factory in Italy to our editorial office. The newcomer from Switzerland is so fresh that the glue has probably only just dried properly.
Elegant look, meticulously finished
The Suplest has a very high-quality feel from the very first touch. The material is almost seamless and extremely clean. An inconspicuous TPU layer protects the toe and heel area. The two Boa fasteners are kept conspicuously flat to minimise the contact surface in the terrain. They close a tongue construction that fits snugly over the instep, but unlike Boa's top fasteners, they can only be fine-tuned in one direction.
Elaborate sole construction
The Swiss have also made no compromises when it comes to the sole construction: a stiff carbon core is designed to provide plenty of steam on the pedals. A rubber coating made of SUPtraction material with a generous tread pattern covers almost the entire surface. Although this increases the weight slightly, it also ensures that you have a secure footing on the pedal when unclicked and does not damage the carbon fibre. Because the profile extends to the outside of the sole, you won't be riding on raw eggs, even when pushing off.
There is also a surprise inside the shoe: Suplest has been working with Solestar for several years. The XC/Gravel Performance therefore contains a high-quality insole that pleasantly supports the arch of the foot and noticeably improves comfort.
Racig slim fit
When you slip them on, you quickly realise that the Suplest is not a shoe for relaxed cruising on gravel highways. The fit is racy, narrow and flat. The wrap-around tongue hugs your feet almost perfectly, and the tensile material provides optimum support when you start sprinting off-road. Only the somewhat flat heel area is not ideal for every foot and could do with some additional rubberisation to prevent the heel from lifting when running or pedalling.
We also particularly liked the flat design of the carbon sole. This means you are comfortably close to the pedal and feel very directly connected - unlike with the Shimano RX8The sole of the Suplest is noticeably higher and the pedalling position is a little more wobbly. With a value of just under 400 N/mm, the Suplest delivers solid power transmission, even if not quite at the level of the even stiffer Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon.
Despite its racy fit, the Suplest is super comfortable. The Solestar insole is a real added value and improves the ergonomics. Only the slippage at the heel cannot be completely eliminated despite the two Boa fasteners.
Peter Nilges - BIKE Test Manager
Suplest XC/Gravel Performance - Info & Price
- Price: 299 Euro
- Weight (size 46): 795 grams
- Sizes: 39-47; 42,5-44,5 half sizes
- Sole / StiffnessCarbon / 396 N/mm
- Made inItaly
- EquipmentTwo Boa swivel fasteners, wrap-around tongue, carbon sole, TPU reinforced toe and heel, Solestar insole, SUPtraction profile
- Fitnarrow and flat throughout; true to size
Evaluation & conclusion
With the new XC/Gravel Performance, Suplest delivers an extremely strong all-rounder for gravel races, marathons and fast trail tours. Despite the stiff carbon sole, the Swiss shoe combines decent running characteristics with high comfort and an excellent fit - only the flat heel needs to fit the foot. Our tip for fast bike and gravel adventures.
Stefan Frey
Editor
