CHPT3 is known for its tie-ups with brands such as Castelli and Brompton. But the Transit cycling shoe is the first product CHPT3 has released outside of a collaboration.
The premium urban cycling shoe is comfortable to walk in, looks sharp in the office, and performs as a clipless shoe should on the bike.
But at £195 / $235 / €225, it will cost you more than similar trainer-like cycling shoes, such as the Chrome Kursk.
CHPT3 Transit details
The CHPT3 Transit's styling is very much in the classic Adidas court, Nike SB, or Vans Knu Skool mould, though it's more understated than those examples.
With subtle logos on the flanks and heel and a monochrome upper, the shoe is available in all-white ‘Day’ or all-black ‘Night’ trim for the first drop.
The upper is constructed from real leather with a subtle texture, while the toe box and heel top are wrapped with a short suede panel.
The inside is lined with a lightly padded, breathable textile, adding plenty of luxury to the fit. The padded tongue is vented for breathability and capped with suede too.
The quality, materials, and the finish are exceptional.
CHPT3 says the insole is 3D moulded to add plenty of foot support.
A subtle reflective inset on the heel adds an element of on-bike visibility without compromising the understated looks.
The sole combines a thick EVA midsole with a nylon cleat plate integrated into it and a treaded multi-density rubber outsole.
This is distinct from many other urban cycling shoes, like Chrome’s classic Kursk, which combines a rubber outsole and cleat plate.
CHPT3 Transit performance
The sole design makes the Transit much more comfortable to walk – and even run – in. The 2-position adjustable cleat mountings are SPD compatible, and hidden by bolt-on covers.
This means you don’t have to use the Transits as ‘just’ an SPD shoe, yet you still reap the benefits of the increased midfoot stiffness thanks to the nylon plate embedded in the thick cushioned sole.
The Transit’s thick EVA outsole lifts your foot away from the pedal, which feels different from low-stack performance cycling shoes.
It does have the benefit of damping out vibrations from the road (or trail).
To test the Transit shoes, I’ve used them on my office commute, which is roughly 30 miles each way across towpaths, bike paths, and roads).
The cleat is inset into the sole so it doesn't come into contact with the ground when walking. But I had no issues clipping into Shimano XT and XT Trail, Look X-Track, and Redshift Arclight Pro pedals.
At 476g each for my size 45 (UK10.5) test pair, they are a similar weight to my Van’s Old Skool Overt skate shoes (400g) – although weight isn’t a big consideration here.
The Transit is a much more structured shoe than its most direct competitor, the Chrome Kursk.
Adidas’ £120 VeloSamba looks the part, but the sole is overly stiff for off-the-bike use. The Transit is more expensive than all the competition – but its all-round performance is better.
CHPT3 Transit bottom line
The CHPT3 Transit is a great shoe on the bike and off. The stylishly understated looks aren't out of place in the office or on a night out. On the bike, they work well albeit with a slightly elevated foot position over the pedals.
The comfort levels are impressive too. Unlike other urban cycling shoes I’ve tried, the Transit is comfortable when walking longer distances and around the office.
The downside is the premium price.
