These, the new Vittoria Hora shoes, are the latest top-end offering from the respected Italian company.

Vittoria is aiming high with these shoes, and to our first look they appear to tick all the boxes we look for in a high-end race shoe.

There’s a Lorica upper featuring Nylon mesh inserts to provide ventilation during warmer periods of the year. Underneath the shoe is an incredibly stiff Air System all-carbon sole punctuated with vents and drillings for the standard three-screw cleat format. Weight is on the money for an expensive shoe like this, at 307g per shoe (size 8).

Interestingly, Vittoria has opted for two mechanical closure systems to get the desired fit it wanted in these shoes. Over the forefoot is Vittoria’s own rotary ratchet mechanism, which pulls a Nylon cord through a series of plastic tunnels. It works in a similar way to BOA ratchets but is more ergonomic to use, with a small lever that flips up to facilitate adjustment. It can be operated easily on the move, with a fine level of adjustment available.

Above it is a fairly conventional ratcheting strap, the two in unison clasping the shoe securelyaround the foot. The sole has been reinforced to reduce heel lift and stiffness of the shoe is further increased with a carbon fibre insert in the midsection which noticeable decreases flex along the length of the shoe.

 The finish of the shoes is excellent, with neat and tidy stitching and small details like the tricolour graphics and reference points for setting up cleats. The gloss black finish is quite bold and not one for the shy and retiring types. 

Price is €249.

A full review soon. For now, you can find out more by heading over to www.vittoria-shoes.com or onimpex