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Tech review - March 26, 2004
Rocket7 Super Stock road shoe
Ready for blast-off
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Until recently, custom-made cycling shoes were simply too expensive and way too dorky. Rocket7's line-up of made-to-measure cycling footwear has changed all that; Cyclingnews' Anthony Tan gets ready for blast-off with their Super Stock road shoe.
Located in Puyallup, Washington, Rocket7 was founded in 1999 by Brian King, a former professional speedskater who used road cycling as a means of building and maintaining fitness when he wasn't in the rink. After retiring from speedskating, King had the opportunity to work alongside a master shoemaker from Italy who specialised in designing lasts (the mould used to create a shoe), and soon after, Rocket7 was born.
Out of all the equipment in a amateur or pro cyclist's bike den, the shoe is possibly the most personal - and underrated - choice of all. Particularly for those of us born with a tendency to pronate (roll inwards; I'm in this category) or supinate (roll out), flat feet (me too), varus forefeet (me again), or feet of slightly different length or shape (umm, me also).
Custom-made cycling shoes can address many or all of these issues, and in most cases, significantly better than a set of orthotics can on their own. Generally speaking, orthotics designed for your running or work shoes are designed just for that, and the pedalling action associated with riding a bike is unlike most people's day-to-day activities. Unless, of course, you're a pro cyclist!
However, after asking around, one of the biggest barriers to their widespread adoption has been, funnily enough, not cost, but a simple matter of aesthetics. I heard the words "dorky" and "geeky" far more often than "pricey". Rocket7's snazzy styling has catered for the fashion-conscious cyclist in all of us.
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Rocket7's four-model line-up - including Road, Triathlon, MTB, and Track - can be built to any one of of three specifications: Full Custom, Super Stock or Standard. The test model offered to Cyclingnews was the Super Stock for the road. Their mid-range model, this shoe is based on a Standard shoe last (a stock-based foot shape), but with an integrated custom-made footbed (Rocket7 recommends this option for feet that are fairly normal in length and width, but perhaps have a low or high arch). Custom cleat mounting and set-up is available at extra cost, and Look, Speedplay, Time Impact and SPD-R pedal configurations are all possible.
To begin with, I was required to place both feet into the foam mould supplied while seated, one foot at a time, with my legs a shoulder-width apart; Rocket7 believe this most closely replicates the position and angle of one's foot while pedalling. I then sent the mould back to the guys at Rocket7 (along with my prescription orthotics), where a cast of my foot was used to build the footbed directly into the carbon sole, and three weeks later, voila, a very pretty pair of cycling shoes arrived at my doorstep. By the way, your orthotics are only used once to create the last, and are returned to you separately.
My first impression was a good one. I liked the minimalist design (which no doubt contributed to its quite remarkable weight of around 200 grams per shoe for a size 42), the quality leather upper, the very low-profile cleat platform (6mm from foot to pedal) and non-carbon triple Velcro strap - I've always thought any more than three decent-sized straps is overkill, and found carbon straps have the tendency to restrict blood flow to your feet.
Something I didn't account for, however, was the positioning of the cleat holes. I have my cleat further back than most, and wasn't able to position my cleat far back enough to reach the desired setback. But hats off to Rocket7: they drilled another three holes for me without blinking. So after a minor tweak and my cleats correctly positioned, I was off!
Immediately apparent is how much closer your foot is to the pedals - I lowered my seat height almost a full centimetre before I was comfortable. Not only that, but with virtually a flat sole, I felt more stable than my previous shoe, which was far more curvaceous. (Something I'm still very fond of, but not in a shoe...)
Also, when people think of custom-made shoes, you expect they'd fit like your favourite pair of slippers or Ugg boots straight away. But just like with anything new, and in particular with shoes made partially or wholly of leather, they need time to break in and soften. It took a good four to five weeks before I was convinced that these were made just for me, but before then, I did experience some discomfort during rides longer than two hours.
While breathability is generally very good, especially around the forefoot, the padding used around the rear of the shoe could do with some revision. The padding doesn't breathe that well, but rather becomes soaked in sweat; neoprene, a breathable, more generously padded material, would be a far better alternative in my opinion. On longer rides, my bony feet were also wanting for a little more support underneath - just a few millimetres separates one's foot from the stiff as buggery carbon sole, which created a few hotspots on the ball of my foot and heel. A thicker pair of socks does the trick here, but a thicker insole would still be most welcome.
After three months' riding, my pair of Rocket7 Super Stocks have held up well, although I have noticed the padding around the heel cup that I whinged about before has started to wear. But don't get me wrong: I'd find it almost impossible to go back to an off-the-shelf shoe - the fit and feel is truly unique - and for US$399.00, it's no more expensive than some of your non-custom, top-shelf European brands. However, given my feet are anatomically quite different, I'd be inclined to spend the extra 100 bucks on their full custom model, built precisely to the shape of each foot. Perfect for mongies like me.
Recommended retail price: US$399.00
Pro: Just about perfect fit, low platform, well-priced, and most importantly,
looks great!
Con: Could do with extra padding around heel and insole
More information: Rocket7
website
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