Suplest

Crosscountry Shoes

Suplest is somewhat of a newcomer on the shoe scene, founded in Switzerland by a couple of passionate cyclists back in 2007. Since its inception, Suplest has steadily caught on, with its stylish, functional, and well-designed shoes providing a fresh take on cycling footwear. Suplest derives from the word 'supple' and also the term 'souplesse.' We're familiar with 'supple' used to describe something that is soft and flexible, and 'souplesse' is a method of training -- or oneness with the machine -- that involves a natural, fluid, and power-free pedaling motion. We find that the blending of these two descriptive words is an appropriate name for this Swiss brand's new footwear line, as that effortless and silky-smooth pedal stroke is something we all constantly strive for while out riding.

The Crosscountry Shoes are Suplest's top-end mountain model, designed to be lightweight, rigid, and, most importantly, comfortable. Starting with the upper, Suplest employed its 'organic grid microfiber,' which features a varying thickness composition throughout. This honeycomb-like material, according to Suplest, uses 'higher reinforcement to keep the foot stable and thinner zones to increase comfort.' Essentially, this works like a flexible skeleton -- wrapping your foot in a protective and supportive structure that has been interspersed with flexible and breathable inserts. Additional ventilation is ensured via the perforations in the forefoot inserts and padded tongue.

For the closure system, the Crosscountry Shoes were treated with two hook-and-loop lower straps and a ratcheting buckle top strap. The lower straps provide a secure yet comfortable hold on the forefoot, allowing you to customize the volume lower down in the shoe, and the angled top strap locks the heel down and into the molded pocket. The lightweight alloy ratcheting top buckle allows you quickly dial in your preferred retention setting. Just as easily, a push of the buckle's outer button opens the mechanism, making both exiting and entering the shoe a simple affair. This strap works in conjunction with Suplest's anti-slip lining, which was added to the interior of the heel cup to keep your foot in place within the shoe.

Suplest chose to mate its Crosscountry Shoes' upper material to a stiff carbon fiber outsole. Pairing with Suplest's '360 degree concept' last and footbed, this carbon outsole follows the contours of your foot shape, providing a platform that is exceptionally rigid, lightweight, and anatomically correct. The design of the sole provides outstanding traction through its aggressive tread pattern, while maintaining incredible rigidity for a direct transmission of power to the pedals.

The Suplest Crosscountry Shoes are available in odd and even sizes ranging from 43 to 46 and in the color Black/grey/white.