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VeloVetta launches "the fastest cycling shoe ever made"... and it's even been through the wind tunnel

The Monarch is the first CFD-designed and wind tunnel-tested cycling shoe, claims VeloVetta, and it's aimed at cyclists and triathletes looking for top-end aero gains

VeloVetta has launched what it describes as "the fastest and most aerodynamic cycling shoe ever", manufactured in Italy. The Monarch has been designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and has undergone wind tunnel testing, the designers claiming that this is the first shoe of its kind. Could this be one of the best road cycling shoes ever if you're looking for marginal gains? Let's have a look at the details...

2023 VeloVetta Monarch cycling shoe black

CEO and mechanical engineer Ed O’Malley felt that athletes spend a lot of time trying to find an aerodynamic shoe, but that no one had made a serious effort to design one in an analytical way and using engineering tools. 

He claims that the Monarch is the "first shoe designed using the same technology and techniques as bike frames, helmets and yes, aircraft.”

This innovative cycling shoe is for the road and triathlon market, aimed at being fast but also comfortable.

2023 VeloVetta Monarch cycling shoe white

> Check out the best cheap cycling shoes 2023

O'Malley's idea for this shoe was to have a closure system at the back, leaving the front of the shoe as smooth and thin as possible, but also ensuring the closure mechanism makes transitions fast and easy for triathletes.

The shoe features a heel lever with the desired tension pre-set by the rider, and closure cables hidden in the sole.

2023 VeloVetta Monarch cycling shoe black

> Will you be saving up for “the world's fastest cycling shoes”?

This isn't the first cycling shoe we've seen making big claims. Lore created the LoreOne 3D-printed cycling shoes using scan-to-print footwear technology and, like VeloVetta, claims that its shoes are the world's fastest. The Lore shoes are incredibly expensive at $1,969 (∼£1,590). The Monarch is around a fifth of the price at $405 (∼£326). 

2023 VeloVetta Monarch cycling shoe black

These also aren’t the first cycling shoes designed to reduce drag. Bont, for instance, offers its Crono Mk2 shoes which have an “aerodynamic cover” over the lace closure.

2023 Jayco Bont shoes - 1

Bont’s Zero+ shoes also have a cover at the front. We spotted Team Jayco Alula’s Dylan Groenewegen wearing a dazzling pair ahead of the Criterium du Dauphine the other day. They're either very new or he keeps them incredibly clean.

Then there were the extraordinary carbon shoes that racer Adam Hansen made for himself and then for other riders – although they were more about being super lightweight than aero.

> Have you seen Bradley Wiggins’ new custom carbon fibre shoes?

The VeloVetta Monarch shoes are available in two colours, black/black or white/grey, and 15 sizes are available from 38-47. 

What are your thoughts on these innovative cycling shoes? Let us know in the comments section below...

www.velovetta.com

Emily is our track and road racing specialist, having represented Great Britain at the World and European Track Championships. With a National Title up her sleeve, Emily has just completed her Master’s in Sports Psychology at Loughborough University where she raced for Elite Development Team, Loughborough Lightning.

Emily is our go-to for all things training and when not riding or racing bikes, you can find her online shopping or booking flights…the rest of the office is now considering painting their nails to see if that’s the secret to going fast…

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6 comments

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Sredlums | 9 months ago
0 likes

They'd better make you lightening fast 'cause for sure I wouldn't want to be seen in these ugly ducklings.

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ITK2012 | 9 months ago
0 likes

When the whole peleton is wearing them I'll take notice. Until then it's a gimmick to part rich folk from their cash.

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RoubaixCube | 9 months ago
2 likes

Even if I could afford it (which i very much cant and probably never will) Those shoes look awfully narrow. Wont fit my canal barge feet.

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IanMK replied to RoubaixCube | 9 months ago
0 likes

Agreed too rich for me, but even if I won a pair I think I would feel a tad self conscious on the next café ride 😁

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jaymack replied to RoubaixCube | 9 months ago
0 likes

Indeed yet more cycling foot wear clearly designed buy someone oblivious to the shape of real feet.

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Sredlums replied to jaymack | 9 months ago
0 likes

Feet are not aerooooo, duh.

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