Just because they’re black doesn’t mean these classy handmade Italian leather racing shoes are shy and retiring.
The leather uppers are stitched with red thread that matches the hot red inners, and – like a flashy tailored suit with a colourful silk lining – this inner is hidden once you’re wearing it, but still leaves a nice flash of red around the rim to frame your foot.
Under the traditional upper is a modern carbon resin sole which is impressively stiff without a big weight penalty, and comes with the standard three-bolt cleat fixing points and rubber heal and toe bumpers for safe walking.
The shape and cut of both upper and sole is a revelation for what you presume to be an ‘old-fashioned’ shoe.
What’s more, it will improve with time and wear. There are numerous round ventilation holes punched into the sides of the upper, and two under the toe box.
What’s not to like? Laces – anything else wouldn’t look right, but fiddling with them makes you long for Velcro.