Time's new high-end shoes come with a hefty price tag, but you do get a lot of technology and big performance.
For a start, the Clarino microfibre uppers are ‘thermoformable’. Eh? You heat them up with a hairdryer, put them on, and as they cool they mould to the shape of your feet. Sceptical? Well it works, so you get a close, comfortable fit.
While we’re talking about the uppers, you get stability from the rigid heel counter and secure closure comes courtesy of two Velcro straps, plus a broader top strap with an excellent ratchet buckle. There’s a padded tongue too so, although they’re not the most breathable shoes ever, they feel great.
The soles are super-stiff carbon with a ‘Vibraser technical zone’ under the cleat. Essentially, this is designed to dampen vibration and improve your comfort.
To be honest, we felt no difference from normal but the first ride we did was 100 miles and we suffered no foot numbness, so we’re not complaining. They’re reasonably light (658g, size 42) and compatible with all the usual road pedal systems.
