BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Northwave has launched an all-new shoe, the Hammer Plus, with a specific focus on the evolving needs of multi-discipline riders.
How so you ask? Is the cross-over just a marketing messaging exercise? The launch announcement would suggest otherwise. First up we have an acknowledgement that what works for elite XC – an extremely stiff shoe – is not necessarily what Gravel riders and bikepackers are looking for – some on-foot (off-bike) flexibility.
How is “walking comfort” engineered into the Hammer Plus?
With the Hammer Plus, the tip of the sole (the toe box) has a point of flexibility specifically engineered to provide walking comfort – something which the brand claims is typically not found in a technical shoe of this type. This is also paired with rubber inserts, to “ensure optimal grip and traction on any terrain”.
Of the Jaws Evo out sole, Northwave emphasises this provides comfort “without sacrificing foot support and protection, while also guaranteeing effective power transfer to the pedals” in conjunction with “an unprecedented level of walking comfort and efficiency in a shoe of this type”.
Wide Fit comes to Northwave
What’s also eye-catching here is that Northwave has introduced a Wide Fit option – “specially developed for particularly generous fits” – previously something of an Achilles heel for the Italian brand.
It’s here that we see a growing market shift, with a growing number of brands acknowledging they have previously missed out on customers because of shoe fit challenges (narrow shoes).
Also not missing in this equation is a mention of cleat positioning, where the announcement highlights: “All this (toe box flexion and Jaws Evo sole), while always guaranteeing ample space and maximum possibility of adjusting the cleats, thanks to the large sliding area.
Hammer Plus is available in four colours – white, black, silver, and green – (Wide Fit version in black). A WMN version is also offered in black with an iridescent logo.
The Hammer Plus are available online and in stores at a suggested retail price of €134.99.
Alongside Hammer Plus, the new Hammer differs from its “big sister” in the closure, which is equipped with three Velcro straps instead of the SLW3 rotor. The recommended retail price is €99.99.
