Northwave Scorpius SRS

Northwave's Scorpius SRS mountain bike/cyclo-cross shoes have a lot of positives going for them, but a couple of niggles prevent them scoring top marks.

Northwave have certainly gone in for the whole fluoro shoe thing, with the black/lime green options I have on test being some of the more subtle in the range – though certainly still noticeable. Generally I'm not that big a fan of black cycling shoes but these look good, and if you're going to be using them for 'cross, mountain biking or commuting in all weathers, black does make sense.

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I'm almost always a size 42 in cycling shoes and the Northwaves fit me fine, meaning that hopefully there shouldn't be too much guesswork in having to go up or down a size if you don't get a chance to try them on before buying. The footbed of the shoes fit my feet very well, although whether that will translate to others is a personal thing.

While riding I found that the heel cup held my foot in place very securely, but when off the bike my heels were being rubbed a bit, which is never much fun when you're shouldering the bike through a bog in a 'cross race or walking up a flight of stairs to the office.

The other sticking point was the main ratchet strap, based around Northwave's Slim Ratchet System (SRS). I found it just slightly too thin for spreading the pressure over my foot when really cinched down. The other two (wider) asymmetric Velcro straps on the shoes felt far more pleasant.

Northwave use a "thermoplastic material enriched with carbon powder" for the sole; I can't say I fully understand the inner workings of it, but the results are quite pleasing. The shoes were stiff enough to mash down on the pedals without too much deflection, but not so stiff that it was awkward to walk in them.

The soles also have threaded holes for studs, a definite plus if you are going to use them off road. Ventilation is pretty substantial too, good for warm days and enough to definitely warrant a pair of overshoes when it gets colder.

At a penny under 100 quid, the Scorpius are reasonable value - even with their slight niggles. Good enough on a ride where you're going to be predominantly in the saddle, though not quite so comfortable if you're having to be off the bike for any length of time.

Verdict

Potentially great shoes just losing marks with a couple of niggles