Northwave/Michelin collaboration leads to three all-mountain shoe models

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — A collaboration between Michelin and Northwave has resulted in two new mountain bike sole models being used on three new Northwave shoes for next season. The companies, which announced the collaboration several weeks ago, revealed details on the first morning of the Eurobike show here Wednesday.

The Northwave Dolomotes Evo is a mid-height all-mountain shoe with the Michelin Rock'r sole. The colorful sole design, inspired by Michelin's Wild Rock'r 2 mountain bike tire, has wide blocks made with multiple rubber densities for traction and durability. 

The Northwave Spider Plus 2 and Spider 2 are low-top designs featuring a different Michelin sole, called the X-Crossbow Michelin. This sole has similar grip to the Rock'r but is less stiff for better walking flexibility and cushioning. The Spider Plus 2 has Northwave's one-button SLW 2 closure system, while the Spider 2 has Northwave's Speed Lace system.

Northwave helped develop the two soles and has exclusive use of them forever. Northwave is Michelin's exclusive partner in the bike shoe industry for at least one year, but Northwave said it expects to work with them longer.

The shoes will be available late this year or early 2015. The Spider 2 will retail for 130 euros; the Spider Plus 2 for 170 euros and the Dolomites for 200 euros. U.S. prices have not been set yet. 

Besides the new Michelin-soled shoes, Northwave showed an ever-expanding line of clothing, including a full line of road apparel, a new enduro clothing line, helmets and sunglasses. And other new shoes include the brand's first shoe made for track racing, a sleek, aerodynamic model that could also be used for road time trials.