Adidas AdiStar XC Race

WHAT: Adidas AdiStar XC Race HOW MUCH: $210 WHERE: www.adidas.com/cycling

Adidas has, it seems, traditionally had a love/hate relationship with cycling. At times the three-stripers have trotted out truly great cycling kicks. At other times, they’ve introduced some not-so-great shoes. For 2005 it appears that a team of bike-fanatic designers created the lineup, judging by the $210, AdiStar XC Race.

Like most high-end mountain bike shoes, they sport lightweight yet super-stiff carbon fiber soles, ratcheting upper buckles and synthetic leather uppers. However, design departs from tradition with the AdiStar’s two lower Velcro straps. To achieve precise fit adjustments without being hindered by Velcro’s typical “memory,” the straps utilize fishing-line like cords.

What? Fishing-line like cords sound too frail for shoes destined to snag brush and kick rocks for hours on end? Well, six months later, the aramid fiber cords are intact and the straps are full length. In fact, the cord system has worked surprisingly well and the straps held tight in every condition but snow.

If I had to describe the fit of the AdiStars in one word, it would be “narrow.” The shoe’s slim fit grasped my skinny feet comfortably most of the time, but on long rides the toe section seemed cramped. The super-snug fit wasn’t entirely bad.

On race-level shoes like these, the tight nature adds to the feeling of maximum efficiency. Between the fit and the carbon fiber soles, the AdiStars gave the impression of feet-glued-to-the-pedals power transfer. Except, in this case, the soles are much more rigid and tough than any bare foot could ever be.

If you’re looking for comfortable, multi-use, budget shoes, forget about it. But if you’re narrow-footed and looking for speed, slip on a pair of the AdiStars. The stitching, sole lugs, and unique closure system all withstood a full season of thrashing without a hint of wear, and as an added bonus, they’re about as stiff as any shoe on the market.