Bontrager XXX Road cycling shoes review

As used by the likes of Fabian Cancellara, the Bontrager XXX Road shoes may not be the lightest shoes on the market, but are certainly very comfortable and super stiff.

Cycling Weekly Verdict

With a snug fit, the Bontrager XXX Road shoes are incredibly comfortable while still being super stiff.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Snug, comfortable fit

  • +

    Plenty of adjustability

  • +

    Stiff sole

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Come up a little large

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By Henry Robertshaw
published

First unveiled last summer, the XXX Road are Bontrager’s flagship shoe for 2015, and certainly hit the spot in a way we’ve come to expect from most products coming out of Wisconsin.

The size 43 shoes weigh in at a shade under 500g for the pair, nothing out of this world, but very respectable nonetheless. (If you’re after seriously lightweight shoes then Trek offers the XXX LE, which are 25g lighter per shoe.)

>>>Cycling shoes: a buyer's guide

However, what impressed me most was the comfort. The Bontragers come up a little large, but if you’ve got the right size the fit is outstanding, hugging your foot and keeping it nicely in position without ever being tight. Two independent BOA dials as well as a Velcro strap also ensure plenty of adjustability.

All shoes at this price would be expected to have a super-stiff sole, and thankfully the Bontrager XXX Road cycling shoes are no different. The Platinum Series Carbon soles apparently hit 14 on Bontrager’s stiffness index, and even if I am not entirely sure what that means, there was certainly no discernable flex with every last watt making its way to the pedals.

For more details visit the Bontrager website (opens in new tab).

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Henry Robertshaw

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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