Two years after entering the MTB shoe market, the South African brand Leatt is developing its range of flat shoes, made up of four references. Between waterproof model, Moz system and new rubber compound developed in-house for the sole, we had the opportunity to do a few laps with the various new features. from the brand’s 2023 catalog:
If Leatt became known for its protections, the South African brand then tackled masks, textiles and… shoes! We presented their arrival in the footwear segment, now it’s time to take stock of the brand’s 2023 range.
It is the designer of the brand who presents us in person the new products that are appearing in the catalog this year. “Our main concerns in the development of these new models are at the level of the sole, which has completely evolved compared to the previous models, as well as at the level of its rubber compound which we wanted toimprove following the various feedback from pilots and customers “, he explains to us.
Previously in the form of a waffle mold (understand there a sole with inward roughness, as in the photo on the left), the design of the sole is reversed and now consists of small individual triangles, as illustrated in the right picture. These have the advantage of being able to deform separately, which according to the product manager ” reduces the rigidity of the outer part of the sole and therefore optimizes its cushioning/comfort, but also offers better grip “. If the old sole was called “Waffle Grip” by the brand, this new scheme is simply called “Waffle Grip Pro“.
If the design of the sole is synonymous with evolution for 2023, so is its rubber compound.
If the design of the sole is synonymous with evolution for 2023, so is its rubber compound. Our interlocutor tells us more: If the rubber offers good grip qualities, it is on the other hand very flexible and therefore wears out very quickly. This is why we have combined it with other polymer compounds in order to obtain the perfect compromise. “Only the field test will allow us to judge, and that’s good, we have several pairs in test at the editorial office.
While waiting for the full tests, here is an overview of the range, as well as some first impressions of the models that we have already had the opportunity to ride.
Leatt HydraDri 7.0: dry feet
Great novelty in this 2023 range, the Leatt HydraDri 7.0 is a waterproof shoe for flat pedals. The product manager explains the reasoning that led the Cape Town brand to imagine this pair: “ Winter shoes offering perfect waterproofing should not only be intended for people using clipless pedals. That’s why we imagined this pair of HydraDri 7.0 with a sole for flat pedals. »
In a pictorial way, this model is composed of a fairly traditional low shoe on which a waterproof outer membrane, equipped with reinforcements at the level of the heel and the toes, has been affixed. Fast interior lacing secures the foot, while there is a waterproof zipper coupled with a snap closure on the outer membrane. Finally, as we explained to you above, it is the sole revisited and baptized “‘Waffle Grip Pro” as well as the new rubber compound “RideGrip Pro” that equip these Leatt HydraDri 7.0.
We have had the opportunity to wear this pair during several outings over the last few weeks (rather wet in Belgium) and we can now tell you that the HydraDri membrane plays its waterproof role to perfection. However, it should be noted that these are more shoes for “bad conditions” rather than “winter” shoes strictly speaking, since they are not equipped with thermal insulation. If the coldest outings therefore require a pair of merino socks, this breathable slipper allows a wider range of use throughout the year.
On the pitch, the new design of the sole of these Leatt HydraDri 7.0 offers flawless grip
The outer membrane fits firmly, but comfortably at the top of the ankle. This tight fit prevents water drops from passing between the leg and the shoe. For the rest, the new design of the sole of these Leatt HydraDri 7.0 offers flawless grip. We tested them both on high-end pedals (Hope F20) and on more accessible pairs (Crankbrothers Stamp 2), and yet the sole was never faulted, with grip always there. Nothing to complain about in terms of comfort either, the shoe stays in place and the tightening system is functional. In terms of price, the HydraDri 7.0 are displayed at €209, which is a fairly high price for shoes for flat pedals, but average for models intended for bad weather conditions.
Leatt 3.0 Flat Pro: comfort and adjustment down to the millimeter
The appearance says a lot about the program of these Leatt 3.0 Pro, which are cut for a program that is definitely committed and gravity. They have reinforcements similar to those found on the HydraDri 7.0 that we have just presented to you, but with additional reinforcements on the back and the side of the shoe.
The Leatt 3.0 Pro are equipped with the tightening system called “Moz” by the brand. This is an alternative developed by the South African brand in competition with the well-known Boa system. Leatt explains that they have made it a point of honor to develop a durable product, and that like Boa, they also offer all the spare parts.
« For those who want to save a few grams or do without the Moz system, a lace-up version is also in the brand’s catalog. ” slips us the product manager. For the rest, a small sleeve secures the ankle and prevents stones or other projectiles from getting lodged in the shoe.
As for the HydraDri 7.0 model, the “WaffleGrip Pro” sole and the new rubber compound that equip these Leatt 3.0 Pro succeeded in seducing us during our first outings, with grip and comfort identical to what we told you previously. for the waterproof model. This model intended for gravity practices is in the standard weight level (810g in size 43) and displays a price of 169€ while the lace-up version loses 20€. We’re going to put the shoes through the test of time so we can give you a proper test in the next few weeks.
Leatt 2.0 Flat: refined simplicity
More discreet with an all-purpose/urban look, the Leatt 2.0 are more accessible while featuring the brand’s latest innovations in terms of sole and rubber. Indeed, this model displayed at 119€ is equipped with the sole “WaffleGrip Pro“as well as rubber compound”RideGrip Pro“.
The Leatt 2.0 have reinforcements in the toe area as well as on the back of the shoe, while ” the instep is perforated to optimize air circulation within the shoe “, explains the designer. No micro-adjustment at the level of the tightening like on the 3.0, it is only in laces version that this 2.0 model is available.
Alongside the classic colors (black, red, yellow or even beige), a limited edition “Tomas Lemoine” has just been unveiled in collaboration with the slopestyle pilot from Marseille. Leatt explains that the pattern of the colorway is random, so each of the pairs is somehow one-of-a-kind. These Leatt 2.0 “alien” colors are displayed at the same price as the classic version, namely 119€.
As you may have understood, we were pleasantly surprised by this new rubber/sole design combo from Leatt during our first rides with these different pairs. However, we must put these comments into perspective, since these are only first impressions that should be qualified with a longer test. We will not fail to offer you an article detailing our opinion for each of these pairs in the coming weeks.
All the models are now available from the brand’s various retailers.
For more information : https://leatt.com