Interbike 2013: On Your Feet

All right, I opened the day with shoes, so lets close it out with shoes as well. A couple observations for next year: Dayglo colors won't be as prevalent, and laces appear to have been a one year fad. Last year, you might remember, dayglo shoes were everywhere, in everyone's line-up. They may be around still but the more traditional white, black and red have retaken their predominate position. Similarly, last years spotlight on laces has faded to near-obscurity; that little nod to tradition seems to be over and now it is back to velco straps, ratchets, and dials.

My favorite zapatero of the show - Vittoria. Functionality remains as important as ever at Vittoria, but their shoes have become far more comfortable since my first pair, bought more than 20 years ago, or even the second pair from some 15 year in the past. The company has a range of shoes for road and mountain secured by a three strap system, or with various combinations of straps, ratchets and dials. Best of all they still incorporate that hard heel that I have talked about before, in fact they seem to be the only manufacturer to use this design consistently throughout their line. If wear and tear is a concern, I have to think that Vittoria's will last noticeably longer than others because of that heel. Additionally, the Hora Evo and Hora road shoes, and the Rock mtb shoes are among the best looking on the market. Now if we could just work on widening their distribution.

Hora Evo road shoe

Hora road shoes

dayglo Hora Evo for the road

Rock mtb

Stelt mtb

Shimano incorporates a hardened heel, and are more affordable

in comparison to most of the Italian makers.

traditional colors and styling in the Sidi lineup

Northwave may provide the greatest range of color combinations

As with all these reviews from Interbike 2013, I have not received any prior compensation, nor promise of later compensation, from the above mentioned company, nor am I connected to them in any way. Views expressed are the result of my observations and subsequent research only.