As spin classes and at-home services from the likes of Peloton and Nordictrack are becoming more popular, Nike has jumped back into the cycling shoe game. We all know that there are some pro riders using Nike branded shoes, but let’s face it, they are custom one-offs and not something that us mere mortals will ever see (at least for now). The new Nike SuperRep Cycling gets the Oregon brand back in the game, but it’s probably not something that most cyclists will be looking for.
Nike’s SuperRep family is focused on class-based training, providing athletes with a shoe that combines cushioning, support, and breathability that is focused on High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) style workouts. Through observing and studying HIIT classes that involved things like burpees, kettlebells, and bodyweight movements, they found that most shoes provided support, or cushioning, but not both. Ventilation is also key to these high effort workouts.
Taking some of the same design theory from the Air Zoom SuperRep, Nike brought them over to the SuperRep Cycle. Cushioning isn’t nearly as important in a cycling shoe, they kept the support arch on the outside of the shoe to provide support to cyclists while standing and other out of saddle movements (think Soul Cycle). Nike uses a two-strap velcro closure system, one on the front, and the main strap featuring a bit of a wrap-around design at the ankle.
Ventilation is also a key feature of the SuperRep Cycle. The upper is made from a knit mesh, allowing the shoe to breathe as your workouts heat up. The sock liner is also perforated and allows air through from vents in the sole.
The sole itself looks to be broken down into two plates, which is where most cyclists will be disappointed. The front plate allows for two or three-bolt cleats, which covers most pedals you’ll find in spin studios (SPD or Look Delta-style). Two rubber-tipped studs are molded in at the front to provide traction while walking, though you’ll still probably be walking on either cleat. The rear plate also has some rubber tipped studs for traction, which look like they came off a soccer boot.
All of the major footwear brands are looking to gain market share in the class-based fitness areas with shoes that are more and more focused on specific types of classes (sound similar to the cycling world?). Other brands like New Balance, and Tiem offer indoor specific cycling shoes, though they are focusing on sneaker looks and more of a balance of off the bike comfort. For many cyclists, finding a lower-cost option of a traditional cycling shoe that has a focus on ventilation, like Time’s OSMOS 12, is a great option that provides the feel, stiffness, and support they are looking for from the road, but also keeps your feel cool during hard indoor training sessions.
The SuperRep Cycle is now available in Europe, with the US launch coming on 5/26, and a global released on 6/1. US pricing is set at $120. A black and white versions will be available for both men and women with an orange/pink version available exclusively for women.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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