Northwave Extreme X: High-end shoe for cross-country and gravel

The Italian manufacturer Northwave is bringing a sole technology from road racing to the off-road sector. The Hyperlight HT sole was originally developed for the Veloce Extreme, which is used by time trial world champion Filippo Ganna. Now the construction comes in the Extreme X is used for cross-country, marathon and gravel racing and is intended to provide enormous stiffness and excellent power transmission with perfect grip in the shoe.

Strong acceleration thanks to 100 per cent carbon sole

The sole is made from 100 per cent unidirectional carbon. The so-called high-tail system is an asymmetrical construction in which the sole extends upwards along the outer heel area. This design is intended to stabilise the foot and support the inner edge of the arch. According to Northwave, the Hyperlight HT sole achieves 169 per cent higher torsional stiffness and 41 per cent higher compressive stiffness compared to the previous generation. The patented PowerShape system supports the arch of the foot.

Rubber and TPU inserts on the outsole provide traction when walking. Incidentally, the three cleat plates are screwed into the carbon and can be replaced, which extends the service life of the shoe. This is also a difference to specialised gravel shoes, which often rely on larger tread blocks and more walking comfort. Otherwise, the Extreme X follows the race philosophy of classic cross-country shoes: maximum stiffness for power transmission to the pedals, minimum compromise on weight.

Carbon sole versus gravel flexibility

Gravel shoes like the Specialised S-Works Recon or the Shimano RX8 use a combination of carbon and more flexible materials. The reason for this is the versatility of the area of use. Gravel riders often cover long distances, carry their bikes over obstacles and run on different terrain. A sole that is too stiff can be uncomfortable.

The Extreme X takes a different approach. The 100 per cent carbon construction corresponds to the approach of pure marathon and cross-country racing shoes: every watt should be transferred to the pedal, walking comfort is not the main focus. This concept works for racing situations in which riders rarely dismount. However, the extreme stiffness can be a disadvantage in gravel events lasting several hours with carrying passages.

Upper material with anatomical support

The upper material has been designed to be lighter than its predecessor. Laser-cut ventilation zones are designed to improve temperature regulation. The ARS 3.0 structure (Anatomical Reticular Support) encloses the foot from the inside. A so-called underlap construction allows the upper material layers to interlock, which should enable a pressure-free fit.

For the closure, Northwave relies on its own SLW3 dial, which allows precise adjustment in both directions, even while riding. The scope of delivery also includes two anatomically moulded insoles: 5 mm for a narrower fit and 3 mm for the regular version. Both offer support in the arch and metatarsal area.

Optimum fit thanks to many sizes

The Extreme X is available in white and black. The many available sizes are typical of Northwave and a great advantage when it comes to an optimum fit. These range from 36 to 50 and - typical of the Italian manufacturer - there are also half sizes from 39.5 to 45.5.

Technical specifications

• Price299,99 Euro >> available here
• SoleHyperlight HT made of 100 per cent unidirectional carbon with high-tail system
• Torsional rigidity: +169 per cent compared to predecessor model
• Upper materialLightweight construction with laser-cut ventilation zones
• Internal structureARS 3.0 (Anatomical Reticular Support)
• ClosureSLW3 rotary wheel locking system with two adjustment wheels
• Insoles5 mm (narrow) and 3 mm (regular)
• OutsoleRubber and TPU inserts with replaceable studs
• Sizes: 36 to 50 (half sizes 39.5 to 45.5)
• Colours: White, Black

Classification by the editorial team

Just under 300 euros for a top racing shoe - that seems almost cheap these days. Especially because the Italian manufacturer has a lot of experience in the race shoe sector and has repeatedly scored top marks in past tests. In racing - especially over shorter distances - the high stiffness should pay off. However, as soon as you get off the bike, the disadvantages of the poorly rolling sole are likely to come to the fore. The many available sizes are great, and the option of replacing the cleats is another argument in favour of the Extreme X. The hard TPU inserts can wear out or tear quickly, especially when racing. A replacement extends the service life of the high-end racing shoe.

A comparison with established models shows the classification: The Shimano S-Phyre XC9 costs 400 euros and weighs around 290 grams in size 42. The Specialised S-Works Recon is 425 euros and 310 grams. Both use carbon soles with maximum stiffness. The Northwave Extreme X costs 299.99 euros; unfortunately, the manufacturer does not currently provide weight specifications.