Verdict from 5 experts and 6 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Most of the reviewers praised the Northwave Extreme Pro’s class-leading stiffness and power transfer.
- Plenty of wearers have lauded the pair’s comfortable upper construction and how it molds after the foot.
- The Northwave Extreme Pro has been regarded by several purchasers as a shoe with good value for money.
- Some have found the quality of materials and construction to be excellent.
- A number of cyclists appreciate the pair’s breathable design.
2 reasons not to buy
- A number of consumers think that the Extreme Pro is a bit pricey.
- A few users claim that they can feel vibrations when on rough roads.
Bottom line
The Northwave Extreme Pro is constructed to be the most power-efficient road shoe today. From the sole to the upper construction, this shoe is packed with innovation for the pursuit of speed.
Despite having the highest stiffness index, it doesn’t compromise on fit or comfort. All in all, it is revered as top-performing race footwear, albeit a few downsides. If you compete and sole rigidity is your preference, the Extreme Pro should be on your list.
Tip: see the best cycling shoes.
Good to know
Northwave has meticulously designed every aspect of the Extreme Pro. Before deciding on a sole to use on the shoe, the company tested several carbon construction methods to find out which provides optimal power transfer efficiency. The model ended up with the PowerShape Carbon 15 sole, which embodies superior rigidity.
The upper’s X-Frame 2 construction complements the sole in transferring every watt of power. It also provides a supportive fit with no pressure points. Lastly, double SLW2 dials fasten two major parts of the foot for even distribution of pressure.
Superior sole rigidity without sacrificing comfort. Crafted from 100% unidirectional carbon fiber, the Northwave Extreme Pro offers optimal power transfer to its wearer. The PowerShape Carbon 15 sole also features the brand’s proprietary Powershape system placed on the arch of the foot for improved comfort.
The outsole is measured by the company to have a 15 out of 15 stiffness index rating.
Airy construction. This shoe features vent pockets deliberately situated in the toe, midfoot, and heel areas. These hollow compartments allow air to penetrate the inside of the shoe, keeping the foot cool even in warm conditions.
Comfortable time off the bike. Rubber pads are placed on the toe and heel area to provide stability while standing or walking. They also offer friction to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces.
The Northwave Extreme Pro employs a three-bolt cleat design. Some of the road bike pedals you can use are Time Xpresso 6, Look Keo Classic 2, and Shimano 5800. Graphs are provided for accurate cleat alignment.
This model is also designed to accommodate the NW Speedplay adapter. When these two are paired, the lowest stack height between foot and pedal could be achieved. A lower stack height provides a direct connection to the pedal, resulting in a more efficient power transfer.
Comfortably snug and supportive fit. Made up of the brand’s patented X-frame 2 construction, the shoe’s upper is only 0.5mm thick. This slim construct enables the material to shape after the foot as it gets tightened.
It is also crafted from a single piece, preventing any pressure points while providing support and comfort.
Secure and efficient closure system. Utilizing a pair of SLW 2 dials, one fastens the top part and the other tightens the instep and toe areas. This system modifies the pressure distribution between the two locations.
Prevents heel slippage. Equipped with an integrated heel system, the Extreme Pro makes heel slipping a thing of the past. This system is made from directional fiber to keep the foot in place.
This model’s Pro Regular Fit footbed features a dual-density design to aid in excellent power transfer while providing support at the same time.
- A limited-edition Extreme Pro model was unveiled in 2019. This shoe was created in partnership with the Astana Pro Team from Kazakhstan.