Bont’s baby road shoe swaps full carbon soles for fibreglass, which is heat mouldable at home in exactly the same way, and proved just as stiff.
The thin EVA insole is supportive once the shoe is moulded, and between them, the monocoque tub and straps grip tenaciously. The thin sole means you instantly feel more connected to the pedals, with a great directness and stability.
The microfibre uppers are tough and easy to clean, but rely on 40 perforations and small arch gills for ventilation, so they aren’t the coolest.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.