Suplest

Streetracing Shoes

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 spinning away on our bikes.

The Streetracing Shoes are Suplest's top-end road 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 Streetracing 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 Streetracing 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. Two vents were added to the sole -- one under the toes and one under the midfoot -- to further facilitate the movement of cooling air through the shoe. The design of the sole also keeps stack height and weight to a minimum, while maintaining incredible rigidity for a direct transmission of power to the pedals. A replaceable rubber heel gripper complements the fixed rubber toe, which provides sure footing while off of the bike.

The Suplest Streetracing Shoes are available in odd and even sizes ranging from 43 to 46 and in the colors Black/grey/white and White/grey/red. The shoes are compatible with SPD, Look, Speedplay, and Time cleats.