Hallmark of the Climber's Shoe is the mesh-backed synthetic leather upper with its dotted design.

Hallmark of the Climber's Shoe is the mesh-backed synthetic leather upper with its dotted design.​

Two years after venturing into the footwear arena with its Grand Tour shoes, high-end apparel maker Rapha is about to start selling its second set of road-specific kicks, the Climber's Shoe. These $400 shoes will go on sale in North America starting this weekend. Initially only the white/grey model will be available, with black/pink and blue/white coming on-line at a yet-to-be-specified date.

As it did with the Grand Tour shoe, Rapha partnered with Giro, who's done some of the heavy lifting in bringing these lightweight pedal mashers to life. Hallmark of the Climber's Shoe is the mesh-backed synthetic leather upper with its dotted design, a nod to the polka-dot climber's jersey of the Tour de France, and the once common practice of racers drilling holes in components in order to shed weight.

Beneath the foot is the same EC90 SLXII composite sole found on the Rapha Grand Tour shoes.

Beneath the foot is the same EC90 SLXII composite sole found on the Rapha Grand Tour shoes.​

Of course, it's also is claimed to increase breathability. The mesh construction is designed to allow perspiration to evaporate inside the shoe, while the perforations permit increased air circulation. The shoe is held in place by traditional hook-and-loop Velcro straps.

Beneath the foot is the same EC90 SLXII composite sole found on the Rapha Grand Tour shoes. Highlights include a low 6.5mm profile to minimize stack height for better pedal interface. There is also a replaceable heel protector. Inside the shoe is Giro's ProLight SN footbeds and an antibacterial lining. Claimed weight for a size 42.5 is 215 grams. Sizes run 39-48 in whole and half-sizes, but there is no 47.5.

For more information, visit rapha.cc