When Jim Wyker greeted me he slipped a pair of 2010 Aerlite S.B.S. on my feet and they felt relaxed and comfortable, so good they felt like they were a custom shoe. I was ready to ride.

The reason Northwave’s feel so comfy right out of the box might be partially because the insole is built on a wood foundation. Wood might not seem like an exotic material at first, and don’t worry the outsole is a well-ventilated Carbon epoxy, but wood is the way expensive dress shoes are made.

Then I met Northwave’s other heads of state. Desiree Moore and John McKone stopped and chatted for a while. John elaborated on the benefits of wood, “It’s an insulator to heat and road noise. You know what I mean by road noise don’t you?”

At first I thought I he was referring to dampening vibrations and shock transmitted by the pedals and cranks. But John went on to explain that the wood in Northwave shoes help create a quieter riding experience as well. I’ve never ridden shoes with wood insoles so I wonder what I’m missing.

Northwave’s wood insole is completely natural. The layers of wood are worked, thermoformed at high temperatures and treated with special bonding agents to protect the insole from sweat and water. The structure is broken down into two sections: a more flexible portion that adapts to the shape of your foot and a stiffer core to connect power transmission to the bike.

Northwave builds its shoes from a BioMap concept that analyzes how the body functions during physical activity. So the wood insoles are designed to transmit power directly to the pedals without wasting any energy.

But there is more to a pair of Northwave’s than just the wood intersole. Footbeds, the ventilated outsole, the enclosure and the Ultra Y heel system all work in congress as a complete design.

Check back with Cycling Shoes Online for a complete review.

Colors: black, blue and white
Sizes: 39-48, half sizes 39.5-45.5

[View with PicLens]

NorthWave: So, we have this barbaric idea to promote our new shoe and you’d be perfect for it.
Tom Boonen: Do I get to ride an ox?

NW: No, Mr. Boonen, there will be no ox riding. But interesting that you should mention the Roman Empire. We are going to have to ask you to put on this man-thong made from the hide of a Spanish field mouse.
TB: Will my girlfriend like it?

NW: She’ll love it. Sexier than a commercial for Gilette. Now, we are going to need you to put on this Conan suit worn during the filming of all 7 Conan movies. Don’t worry abou the itching. We know it was never washed, but the Terminator doesn’t have any STD’s… at least none we’ve discovered yet. Just take a look at the Kennedy he bangs day and night, there’s nothing wrong with her. The rash which you will see in 2-4 weeks should disappear quickly. And nevermind the scaring, with the power you’ll get from this skin suit one day you might win Paris-Roubaix three times!
TB: OK. So, can I some more product for my hair?

NW: Hairstylist! Sop him up will you?
TB: When are you bringing in the ox?
NW: No oxen, maybe another time.

TB: What’s this white dust in this pocket?
NW: That’s a special gift from the Terminator. NOW FLEX!!

I’d rather see an ad with Boonen’s girlfriend instead.
Note: the poster from the ’98 DBR campaign is NOT Boonen’s girlfriend. We all know Tornado Tom only dates 16-year-old’s.

Sizes range from 36 to 43 with half sizes between 39.5 and 42.5 to encourage a superior fit.  Northwave’s toe box typically runs a little wider up front and these are no exception.

The breathable upper mesh combined with that women’s-specific design should reduce the chances of burning, itchy feet. The flat sole uses a carbon reinforced lining but no carbon weaving appears on the underside of the foot. The rigid sole is a lightweight option for added performance in a racing-minded rider.

The closure system is a simple set of Velcro straps and ratcheting buckle. I’ve heard some people say that the ratcheting system takes some getting used to, but that can be common among many shoes. The Velvet also uses Northwave’s uncompromising Ultra-Y heel design, a popular heel cup that snuggly holds your heel in place when you pull up on the pedals in sprints and tempo riding.

The tongue is thinner for streamlined performance. The upper part of the shoe is made of synthetic leather that is bright and white with a pink insole.

Price is usually less than one hundred dollars. Northwaves are frequently found in bike shops everywhere as well as online.