FIRST LOOK – Crankbrothers MTB Shoes
EXPANSIVE DEBUT RANGE INCLUDES TWO CLIP-IN MODELS AND ONE FLAT MODEL
Applying decades of experience optimizing the shoe-pedal interface, Crankbrothers is introducing its first range of mountain bike footwear for both clip-in and flat pedals. The Mallet and Mallet E clip-in shoes and Stamp flat shoe apply the innovative Match System to provide optimized engagement for clip-in and flat pedal riders.
Crankbrothers entered the footwear category to solve common inconsistencies in the cleat box that cause frustration to riders. Its debut range is focused on the downhill, enduro, all-mountain and trail side of mountain biking with the Stamp and Mallet evoking a skate shoe inspired look and the Mallet E sporting adventure style. The outsoles are optimized for Crankbrothers pedals, though they are designed to work flawlessly with any mountain bike pedal system.
Above: Anka Martin riding in the Crankbrothers “Mallet BOA” shoes.
“We have spent many years finding innovative ways to optimize the shoe-pedal interface focusing on the pedal system, but we were missing control over the shoe, which created interference issues with the pedals. We saw riders cutting the cleat box in order to properly engage with the pedal and lengthening the cleat track to allow for more cleat placement options.
We’ve been working obsessively in the space of less than 1 mm to develop the right cleat depth to improve clipping in and out. We constantly look for opportunities to challenge the status quo and improve the riding experience,” said Gaspare Licata, Crankbrothers CEO.
MATCH OUTSOLE
Crankbrothers has spent the past three years developing its footwear range, putting shoes through rigorous testing in the lab and on the trail, and applying the feedback of everyday riders as well as professional riders such as Fabio Wibmer on the Stamp shoe and Luca Shaw on the Mallet shoe. Much of that testing has been focused on the development of proprietary rubber compounds, particularly on the flat shoe where it is critical to the pedal connection.
Above: Bernard Kerr riding in the Crankbrothers “Mallet” Shoe.
“Fabio added great value to the Stamp shoe, thanks to his cross-discipline experience. He helped us to address some details on the fit and to improve the interface between outsole and pedal. He also worked with us on the last-mile changes: the toe ramp and the outsole flexibility, two points which allowed us to make a significant step forward on the final performance of the shoe,” said Vanni Scapin, footwear designer and developer for Crankbrothers.
The Stamp flat shoe outsole has a high-friction rubber compound (MC2) to stick to the pedal body and low rebound properties to dampen vibrations. In addition, the lug depth is designed around pin dimensions to absorb the pin body. The Mallet and Mallet E shoe outsoles have a mid-friction rubber compound (MC1), which allows for easy pedal entry and exit. The MC1 rubber compound also provides more stiffness for power transfer.
Above: Fabio Wibmer riding in the Crankbrothers “Stamp” Shoe.
READY TO RIDE
Match System optimizes engagement for any MTB clip-in system, whether that’s Crankbrothers or SPD. The Mallet and Mallet E clip-in shoes come with a Match shim and Crankbrothers cleat pre-installed in a neutral position so they are ready to ride with Crankbrothers pedals right out of the box. A rider who prefers SPD can simply remove the shim and replace the cleat to achieve the proper cleat height.
As the wearing of the outsole’s rubber around the Match Box occurs, a rider can remove the shim and ride with the cleat only to maintain effective cleat height. The Mallet shoe has a Race Zone on the cleat box that allows the cleat to be positioned further toward the heel for added stability when descending based on the feedback from professional Downhill racers.
Above: Iago Garay riding in the Crankbrothers “Mallet E BOA” Shoe.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
Crankbrothers shoes feature a synthetic upper with premium materials designed to offer breathability, protection, and comfort. Features such as perforated materials and mesh windows provide ventilation to keep feet cool in hot conditions and dry quickly in wet conditions. Reinforced TPU in the toe box provides protection against rock strikes and impacts. Thoughtful details such as silicone heel dots provide heel grip and a padded tongue provide all-day comfort for long rides.
CLOSURE SYSTEMS
Each shoe model comes in three closure systems, BOA® and strap, speed lace and strap, and lace. Crankbrothers top-of-the-range shoes, including the Stamp flat shoe, feature the BOA® Fit System. Utilizing a micro-adjustment dial, a strong lightweight lace, and low-friction lace guides it delivers a fast, effortless precision fit.
The speed lace option offers fast adjustment while the classic lace system offers smooth closure with round laces. The speed lace and lace options both come with a lace pocket to safely tuck laces.
The Crankbrothers shoe range starts at US size 5 up to size 14 with half sizes to fit riders with small and large feet. The complete shoe collection is now available at crankbrothers.com and select retailers worldwide.
PRICING
Available to buy at MTB Direct or ask at your local bike shop.
Australian pricing is as follows: RRP
- Stamp Lace: $219.95
- Stamp Speedlace + Strap: $249.95
- Stamp Boa: $299.95
- Mallet Lace: $249.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
- Mallet Speedlace + Strap: $279.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
- Mallet Boa: $329.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
- Mallet E Lace: $249.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
- Mallet E Speedlace + Strap: $279.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
- Mallet E Boa: $329.95 (with cleat installed RRP: $49.95)
About Crankbrothers
Since 1997, Crankbrothers has grown to have a global presence with distribution in 50 countries and offices in California, Utah, Italy and Taiwan. Tested and proven by the world’s best athletes in the most demanding conditions, Crankbrothers products deliver superior function through disruptive design.
For more information, visit:
www.crankbrothers.com.
