Lore Cycle Brings Next Generation of Truly Custom 3D Printed Cycling Shoes To Life

For us, mere mortals, custom cycling shoes were something we could only dream about. It would mean going to the factory, having casts taken so molds can be made, and then the shoes are handcrafted. United States-based brand, Lore, looks to change this up with the LoreTwo custom 3D-printed cycling shoe. Along with a custom fit, the LoreTwo also looks to add biomechanical efficiency to your pedal stroke that you might not have even realized you were missing.

Lore released the LoreOne back in 2021, a radical design that used an at-home scan using your iPhone and Morphic app to create a 3D scan of your feet. From there, Lore created their CarbonAirFrame (CAF) using robots and continuous carbon fiber filament a facility in California. The CAF looks like an exoskeleton and uses custom GroundControl footbeds to stimulate your feet and muscles while riding. Custom 3D-printed lattice pads help provide comfort and a precise fit. It uses a “power strap” and ATOP dials to lock you in, but still allows for easy removal of the shoes.

Fast forward to today, and Lore is now onto the LoreTwo. The brand is looking to elevate its custom shoes which “facilitates natural biomechanical function and ultimate comfort, increasing pedal drive, wattage, and metabolic efficiency over conventional cycling shoes.” Those are some pretty big claims, but let’s dive in to learn more about how Lore does it.

Custom Fit

The original LoreOne used an iPhone app to scan your foot, which took about 30 minutes to do. This provided the 3D scan of your foot for Lore to create your shoe around. For the LoreTwo, you will need to visit one of their partner dealers to have a scan using their Morphic software to create a very detailed scan of your foot. Bunions, bone spurs, Morton’s toe, different-sized feet, different widths, whatever your unique needs are, they cover it. The scan only takes a few minutes, but turning up at one of their partner dealers ensures that the scan is done correctly and thoroughly the first time, and they can address any concerns you may have.

After the model of your foot is created, robotic 3D printers start to build your shoe using proprietary polymers and continuous carbon fiber, creating a shoe that is lighter and stronger than typical 3D-printed parts. There are plenty of vents designed into the shells to allow air to pass through without sacrificing support. Toe and heel pads are also in place to protect the soles. Lore adds two ATOP dials to tighten the shoe after sliding it on. The forward dial connects to a cable that crosses over the front of the foot while the rear dial pulls down higher on the top of your foot. Inside, they add an EVA insole and microfiber liner for comfort.

Watt Saving Support

One of the biggest, and most striking differences between the LoreTwo and other shoes on the market is the upper. Cycling shoes are typically similar to most shoes out there, that have a a soft material upper attached to the sole. Most shoes are designed to support you when you are pushing down, but there are very few disciplines where you are also pulling up. Some brands use different materials like Carbotex flexible carbon material or other soft materials that do not stretch, but since it is a soft structure, there is still flexibility that can rob you of precious watts when you are going your hardest.

The LoreTwo uses a structure around your foot to provide support not only when you are pushing down, but also when you are pulling up on the back stroke. The scan allows them to 3D-print a shell that cups the bottom of your foot to support the downstroke, but also a shell that covers the top of the foot to provide that same type of support when pulling up on the back stroke. These are important when climbing, accelerating, and sprinting, allowing you to carry more momentum through the top and bottom deadzones of your pedal stroke. The lower section is the sole, and includes the tub for your feet, allowing them to spread as power is applied. It also includes the heel cup for stiffnest and security. The upper section is what comes down and holds your feet in place, allowing you to use the full range of your pedals stroke to apply power.

“The LoreOne was our first shoe,” explains Stephan Drake, Lore’s CEO. “It was a radical expedition to the outer Universe of cycling performance via a full carbon airframe. The LoreTwo is a shoe that bridges the gap between the extremity of the LoreOne and the sport’s more traditional cues. We designed the LoreTwo to be much more forgiving in its fit and post-purchase setup while still retaining the core custom and performance design structure that amplifies pedaling performance over traditional shoes.” commented .

Models

The LoreTwo is offered in three options, the entry level Nylon Low, the performance oriented Carbon Low, and the ultimate performance level Carbon Mid. All three are offered in white/black, and all black options, and you have the option between 3- and 4-bolt soles to work with traditional 3-bolt cleats or the ability to mount Speedplay cleats directly. The nylon version offers a bit of cost savings at the expense of a little bit of weight (about 40-60g) and a little less response as the carbon versions. The low and mid versions of the shoe differ with how high the dorsal (top) panels of the shoe. The low is a more traditional cycling shoe, while the mid extends a little bit higher to offer additional support on the back part of your pedal stroke when the foot is pulling upward.

Keep in mind, these are custom shoes, so they are going to be expensive, but honestly, the base shoe is in line with other full custom offerings on the market. The base price is $1,349 for the LoreTwo low in nylon with the 3-bolt sole. Upgrading to carbon fiber is an additional $300 and selecting the Speedplay 4-bolt sole adds another $90. Opting for the mid, which is only available in carbon fiber, adds an additional $200 to the price. All in for the most expensive version is $1,939, which is admittedly, quite expensive. As Lore continues to grow, and technology advances, this price should become a bit more attainable in the future.

We are working with Lore to set up a review as they get a partner dealer closer to our East Coast Service Course. Until then, check out their site to find the closest dealer to learn more about the process and get your pair of custom LoreTwo’s started.

www.lore.cc