Northwave adds insulated mid-season cycling shoes to its line-up

It’s getting to that time of year when a summer cycling shoe can be a bit cool, particularly when starting out in the morning. So Northwave has just launched the Flash TH road shoe and the Raptor TH MTB shoe models.

The secret’s in the shoes’ construction from Thinsulate microfibre, which is both insulating but also breathable and, of course, thin too. The cut is like a summer cycling shoe, so there are no heavy, awkward cuffs, as you find in full-on winter cycling shoes.

The Thinsulate shoes also have additional thermal insulation in the toe area, where you’re most likely to feel the cold first. It’s enclosed by a toe bumper to ensure abrasion resistance.

>>> Are stiffer soles better?

Northwave has also included all-around reflective elements in the shoes’ uppers for enhanced low light visibility. The Flash TH has a carbon-reinforced sole, which Northwave says has a stiffness index of 8.0, for good power transmission without sacrificing comfort.

There’s a wrap-around upper with a single dial closure, using Northwave’s SLW2 dials. The closing wire is displaced to the outer side of the shoe to avoid pinch points over the top of the foot. Northwave says that this design also gives aero benefits.

Northwave quotes a weight of 293g for the Flash TH – that’s for a single shoe, but the size isn’t specified. With its additional sole lugs, the 2-bolt Raptor TH shoe’s weight is quoted at 378g.

The Flash TH and Raptor TH are available in sizes between 37 and 48, with half sizes between 39.5 and 45.5 too. You can have any colour provided it’s black – probably a sensible choice for a shoe likely to see use on damp roads. Price is 159.99 Euros, with UK and US prices not available at the moment.