DMT KRSL shoes review

Italian brand DMT pioneered the 3D knitted shoe upper with its renowned DMT KR1 Knit and licensed it to some of the world’s largest sports-shoe manufacturers.

This technology has also been used in shoes that Tadej Pogačar has worn when riding to victory in the Tour de France.

For 2022, however, DMT has taken the woven upper and applied it to an all-new, all-carbon outsole on its KRSL shoes.

DMT KRSL shoes construction

The anatomically shaped new sole has four large, meshed vents to aid breathability and bring down the weight, plus a 1cm-deep lip around the sides for stability.

The stretchy, one-piece upper has a close-fitting, sock-like fit with no need for a tongue. The laces are anchored to elasticated ropes that are bonded to the base either side of the upper.

This allows you to tighten the fit more evenly over the forefoot, reducing the chance of discomfort on the top of the foot.

In fact, so snug is the shoe’s fit that the laces seem just a secondary security measure (there’s an elasticated pouch to tuck the ends into for neatness and safety).

There’s also a protective waxy layer that’s bonded to the lower third of the woven material on the upper, and the toe area has a large, diamond-shaped open mesh panel on top for more venting.

DMT KRSL shoes fit and performance

On the bike, the KRSLs are stunningly comfortable. Race shoes are usually all about stiffness, and the KRSLs still have all the stiffness you’ll ever need in the sole.

The compliance in the upper is without equal among the best road cycling shoes, while the stiffened heel cup with a gridded silicone lining holds your foot securely in place.

The weight, or lack of it, is impressive, with my test pair tipping the scales at a very scant 497.2g a pair for a size 45 (UK 10), which puts these among the lightest shoes I’ve tested.

Details such as the replaceable heel bumper for walking are also very welcome.

Even on the very hottest of rides and long days in the saddle, my feet didn’t approach getting overheated or sweaty.

These shoes have excellent venting and breathe better than any other lightweight shoes I’ve tried.

This does, however, have a downside. On cooler days, the shoes can feel somewhat chilly and they didn't keep my feet dry when the rain came.

DMT KRSL shoes bottom line

The DMT KRSL shoes are worth the investment if you do a lot of long cycles in hot, dry places. They're enormously comfortable, light, breathable and fit beautifully.

However, that investment may be a bit of a risky one if you ride often in changeable weather conditions, because they suffer terribly in the wet.