PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN)—Rapha is introducing a new high-end road cycling shoe that features yak leather uppers, an Easton carbon sole and Giro lasts and insoles.
The $450 Grand Tour shoes will be available from Rapha and six specialty retailers, including Rapha's own Cycle Club in San Francisco. The shoes will also be available from the Giro website.
Rapha claims it's the first cycling shoe to feature yak leather, which it says is lightweight, water resistant and strong. "The yak leather is soft and comfortable straight out of the box but, unlike some other leathers, is strong enough to wear in rather than wear out," Rapha said in a press release.
Other features include an aluminum buckle and insoles made of natural cork. The heel cup area of the shoe is lined with untreated yak leather.
The shoes are available in black or white in sizes 39 to 48 (whole and half with the exception of 47.5). The shoes are delivered in individual shoe bags and with after-care cream developed specially for Ecco leathers.
