There was audible wincing when we bit the bullet and finally dropped these beauties into the winter slop.
The gleaming white uppers didn’t stand a chance but the synthetic material cleans up well enough and there’s something rather elegant about the way the silver highlights pierce layers of black mud.
Mavic’s micro-adjust ratchet is less likely to clog than some. Cinch it up tight with the brace of Velcro straps to stuff your heel right back into the deeply padded heel cup for a snug and stable fit.
There’s still plenty of give where it’s needed and mesh vent panels extend to the tongue to keep the top of the foot cool. The female-specific last is narrower than the men’s equivalent and the dual-density insole is treated with anti-bacterial Agion to keep feet smelling sweet.
Conta Grip lugs on the sole are well shaped to deal with slippy mud. You can fit studs for walking but they’re stiff enough to noticeably improve power transfer and limit your excuses for getting off and pushing.
At a penny under a ton they’re not cheap, but as a serious race shoe they offer top value for money while still being comfortable enough to wear all day.