If you’re looking for an alternative to the latest carbon disco slippers, then it might be worth getting on this Mission.
These Northwaves give the foot freedom to move slightly within the upper, while still retaining enough form to support the foot while locked into the pedals.
There’s obviously acompromise here, and power transfer isn’t as solid as a performance cross-country shoe. But the relatively flexible sole gives great feedback.
We would recommend using a pedal with an external cage, like Shimano’s M647, otherwise you can feel the pedal through the sole, which turns to a dull ache after a while.
The excellent feedback and freedom of movement the shoe gives makes them a winner for downhill racers or freeriders too.
The Vibram sole is superbly grippy off the bike as well, particularly helped by a fantastic, deep tread pattern, flexible sole and the lack of skittery plastic toe studs.
This grip also transfers to the pedals during those clipped out moments, making them a good choice for riders who are new to clipped-in pedalling.
The laces and single Velcro strap are effective enough and while the upper provides reasonable toe box protection from impacts, it doesn’t from puddle splashes, where water ingress is immediate.