On the heels (ahem) of its GT Shoes, Rapha will have cyclocross shoes for this autumn. The Cross Shoe, like its predecessors, is made by Giro with an EC90 carbon outer sole, but with Rapha's trademark styling. In an irreverent nod to Belgium, the motherland of cyclocross, Rapha packaged the Cross Shoe in a self-proclaimed beer-and-frites container.
Made by ECO Products, a sponsor of US national ’cross champion Jeremy Powers, the Cross Shoe container has shaped and tagged holders for beer and frites. ECO Products makes environmentally friendly food container products such as cups and to-go containers.
Not as witty, but most likely a lot more useful, an oversized ‘wet bag’ is included with the shoes for carrying race gear or just using as a changing mat.
With MTB/Cross footwear, the upper of the shoe has been developed for the punishment of racing with a rubberized heel and toe-cap and aggressive outsole cleats for getting through the mud. Aesthetically clean and refined, the blue and pink of of Rapha Super Cross are woven into the shoe’s upper.
Weighing a claimed 375g in a size 42.5, the Cross Shoe has a synthetic leather upper. Dual-compound nylon treads add traction to the carbon sole.
The Cross Shoe will be available in November for US$350 (UK and AU pricing was not immediately available) in sizes 39-48.
