Savvy cyclists know all about Nalini apparel, its pro-peloton bona fides, its made-in-Italy construction, and its stylish and technical collections for winter and summer. But did you know Nalini also makes top-performing cycling shoes as well — for road, MTB, triathlon, even spinning and casual wear?
Like its famous clothing, Nalini shoes are made 100 percent in Italy, and their users range from Grand Tour pros to local spin-class junkies. Nalini shoes offer a rare blend of style, performance, and Italian quality. (And who knows shoes better than the Italians?) Here’s a closer look at the best from Nalini’s 2014 shoe collection, available only through www.albabici.com
Road
Kraken Plus 2
Popular among pro riders, the Kraken Plus 2 is Nalini’s top-of-the line road cycling shoe. The design was created to better hold the foot in place during the power phase of the pedal stroke and to promote air circulation for comfort. The Kraken Plus 2 features a microfiber upper with reflective piping and a micrometric closure system using Nalini’s “Fly” aluminum buckle, plus two velcro straps. Underneath, the sole features seven layers of carbon plus a steel insert to ensure stiffness and efficient power transfer. And, the sole’s rubberized cleat mounting area locks your Look-compatible cleats firmly in place. The Kraken Plus 2 weighs a lithe 330 grams, and comes in classic White and a head-turning Green. Nalini even offers the rare option for custom sublimation on white models for team logos and branding.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Kraken Plus 2
Shark
The popular Nalini Shark returns for 2014: Why change a winning design, right? Like theKraken Plus 2, the Shark features a seamless microfiber upper, supportive heal cup, and micrometric closure system with Nalini’s “Fly” aluminum buckle, and two Velcro straps. The full-carbon sole features both 3-hole Look and 2-hole SPD mounting. The insole sports a planter arch support and breathable air-flow technology. The Shark weighs in at 340 grams and is available in a striking Black-and-White honeycomb design.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Shark
Octopus 2
The Octopus 2 is similar to the Kraken Plus 2, also using a microfiber upper with reflective piping and a shape that secures foot movement during the power stroke. The Octopus2 differs from its sibling by eschewing a buckle for 3-velcro straps; underneath, a nylon sole is bolstered with carbon powder for added stiffness. A rubberized cleat mounting area secures Look-compatible cleats firmly in position. The Octopus 2 weighs a mere 320 grams and is available in classic White and Green.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Octopus 2
Torpedine
The Torpedine also carries over for 2014 — for good reason: another bestseller. The Torpedine is similar to the Kraken Plus 2: microfiber upper with reflective piping, a shape that secures the foot during thrust, supportive heal cup, and closure system with Nalini’s “Fly” aluminum buckle, and two Velcro straps. The Torpedine also uses a nylon sole bolstered with carbon powder for added stiffness, and Look-compatible mounting. The Torpedine weighs 340 grams and comes in white with black and red accents.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Torpedine
MTB / Cyclocross / Triathlon
Octopus 2 MTB
The Octopus 2 MTB is the off-road sibling to the Octopus 2 road shoe. It also features a microfiber upper with a shape that limits foot movement during thrust, 3-Velcro straps, and a nylon and polyurethane sole with SPD clean mounting, and integral lug cleats and removable toe cleats for traction on that rare instance you put your foot down on the trail.. The insole is an anatomic design that features antibacterial fabric and a flat shape for zero power loss. The Octopus 2 MTB weighs 360 grams and is available in black.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Octopus 2 MTB
Octopus WR-CX
The Octopus WR-CX is the ideal cyclocross shoe. Light and stiff, it features Nalini’s unique all-season “Storm Shield” tongue with water-resistant membrane. Any cyclocross racer who competes in wet, muddy circuits would benefit from from wearing the Octopus WR-CX. Other features include a microfiber hexagon upper that limits foot movement during thrust, 3-Velcro straps, and reflective piping. Underneath, the lugged sole is made of nylon stiffened with carbon powder, SPD cleat mounting, and removable toe cleats. The insole utilizes an anatomic design with an antibacterial, breathable fabric. The Octopus WR-CX weighs 400 grams, and is available in black.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Octopus WR-CX
Triton
Triathlon With cycling such an important part of the triathlon competition, triathletes require high-performance shoes, as well. Introducing the Nalini Triton, which incorporates key elements from Nalini pro cycling shoes with special features for triathletes. The Triton uses a seamless microfiber upper, heel stabilizer and an insole with integral arch support plus a breathable material. Special triathlon touches include reverse two-Velcro closure straps and an oversize heel ring to aid fit while pedaling up to speed. In addition, the Triton’s full-carbon sole features both 3-hole Look and 2-hole SPD mounting. The Triton weighs 290 grams and comes in White with Red accents.
Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-41.5-42-42.5-43-.
Triton
Spinning / Cyclo-Touring / Casual
Murena Spinning
Indoor spinning is gaining in popularity, so it’s only natural that Nalini would offer a cycling shoe specifically for the sport. Enter the Murena. It features made-in-Italy construction, synthetic-leather-and-nylon-
Murena Caiman
New for 2014, the Nalini Caiman combines the stylings of a lightweight running shoe with pedaling performance of a cycling shoe — making it the ideal shoe for urban riding or cyclo-touring. The Caiman’s upper is a blend of synthetic-leather and nylon mesh. Inside, a reinforced heel cup and anatomic, anti-bacterial insole add support and comfort. The EVA nylon sole features SPD cleat mounting. Weighing 380 grams, the Caiman comes in Black with Yellow trim. Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45-46-47. MSRP: $109.
Caiman
Crab and Spider Crab
One good Crab deserves another. The Nalini Crab casual shoe returns for 2014, joined by the striking Spider Crab. Nearly identical casual shoes, theCrab comes in glossy White microfiber adorned with a simple Nalini logo, while the newSpider Crab comes in glossy Yellow or Green microfiber showcasing the Nalini “N”. All three models use a reinforced heel cup, EVA sole, anatomic insole, and breathable tongue. Whether you’re doing a passeggiata down an Italian strada or hoping atop the podium, the Nalini Crab or Spider Crab is the perfect choice.The Crabs weigh a feather-light 250 grams. Crab comes in White; Spider Crab in Yellow and Green. Available sizes: 38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45-46-47. MSRP: $199.
Spider
Crab
Visit www.albabici.com and www.nalini.com for more details.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.