Italian cycling shoe manufacturer Gaerne has a new pair of riding slippers in its range and we’ve just received the G.Speed Composite to review.
We’ve been impressed by Gaerne’s footwear in the past, first with the flagship G.Chrono (£299.99), and then its more affordable sibling, the Carbon G Platinum (£219.99). This is the £169.99 G.Speed Composite.
While the G.Chrono uses a double BOA, and the Carbon G Platinum holds the foot in place with a ratchet and two velcro straps, Gaerne have opted for a single BOA and single velcro strap for the G.Speed Composite.
We’re long-time fans of the BOA system. If you’re not familiar, a dial is used to tighten a wire lace which wraps itself across the shoe, providing finite adjustment and even distribution of pressure, while the lower velcro strap should help keep things secure at the bottom of the shoe.
The G.Speed Composite is pitched by Gaerne as one for riders seeking “a functional and high specced shoe for racing and training” and it has a composite sole, which combines a carbon fibre ‘metatarsus and arch support’ with a nylon casing. The carbon fibre section sits beneath the cleat and, subsequently, the pedal and so should offer a stiff pedaling platform. The G.Speed is also available with a full-carbon sole.
First impressions suggest the microfibre upper is not dissimilar to that of the flagship G.Chrono: it’s light, flexible and should provide a close fit around the foot. We’ll find out if that’s the case. Each shoe has a number of mesh inserts to improve ventilation. Meanwhile, the injection-moulded heel cup, lined with a non-slip fabric, is designed to support the foot. Otherwise, there’s reflective detail on the heel of either shoe, non-slip rubber inserts on the sole and a padded tongue.
We weighed our test pair (size 43) at 570g, which is suitably light. All that’s left to mention, then, is that the shoes are available in sizes 38 to 48, and in two colours, with a black option alongside our white sample.
We’ll be completing much of the rest of our summer riding in the G.Speed Composite shoes and will report back.
Price: £169.99
Sizes: 38-48
Colours: white, black
Website: Gaerne
UK distributor: Hotlines
