There are just two models in Boardman’s new road cycling footwear range – the entry-level shoes cost £50 and have a two- and three-bolt glass fibre-reinforced sole, while this 80-quid Carbon model ups the ante in pretty much every way.
Boardman's Carbon Cycle Shoes pack in a hell of a lot of features considering how much change you get from £100. The two main highlights – the full-carbon sole and twin ATOP dials – are pretty much never seen on road shoes at this price.
The three-bolt-compatible sole has front and rear vents and is topped by a synthetic leather upper, a one-piece, seam-free affair with the exception of a black reinforced heel section.
The sole has a decent front bumper and a replaceable heel bumper, again virtually unheard of at this price.
The other highlight is the closure system, which consists of a pair of ATOP lacing system dials. These are ratcheted, as with a Boa closure, to tighten, but to loosen them you don’t need to pull the dials up, you just turn them 90 degrees anti-clockwise (on the right shoe).
This system offers precise adjustment for a comfortable fit, and the comfort is maximised by internal padding on all but the toe section. Mesh over the toes and vents along both sides of the upper should help to keep your feet feeling fresh.
These may be a new budget-priced shoe, but the combination of what subjectively feels like a very stiff sole and comfortable upper is a winning one. Sizing is spot on and they are wider at the toe end than many road shoes.
Product
| Brand | boardman |
| Price | 80.00 GBP |
| Weight | 572.0000, GRAM (42) - as tested |
Features
| Closure | dial |
| br_cleatFitting | 3_bolt_look_type |
| Sole | Ultra light carbon outsole |
| Features | Colour: Grey Upper: Synthetic with vented panels |
