Northwave Hammer Plus evaluate: Flexible gravel sneakers for all-day consolation

Non-carbon fibre-soled biking sneakers could be seen as one thing of a backward step or perhaps a downgrade at instances. I do know I’ve been responsible of considering this previously. Once the ‘improve’ to a carbon-soled shoe has been made, why would you want a nylon or rubbed-soled shoe?

I’ve been testing the Northwave Hammer Plus sneakers this summer time. They haven’t got a carbon sole however I’ve been actually impressed with the consolation they’ve supplied each on and off the bike. 

Although Northwave says it has borrowed from its MTB XC heritage to provide a shoe that may attraction to gravel riders in search of all-day consolation, the Hammer Plus sits in each the MTB and Gravel sections of the Northwave web site and I believe that is apt. These are off-road sneakers that you would use for mountain bike, gravel, commuting or the rest you need to. 

The sneakers are priced at a aggressive £121.49 / $149.99 / €134.99 and can be found in 4 color choices. They use a single velcro strap and Northwave’s personal SLW3 dial for closure and can settle for two-bolt pedal cleats. 

If you need to examine extra gravel shoe choices, head to our greatest gravel sneakers patrons information. 

Design and aesthetics 

A key design function of the Hammer Plus is what Northwave calls the ‘Jaws Evo’ outsole. The sole is designed to be versatile and supply strong consolation and strolling efficiency with out sacrificing pedalling effectivity or feeling on the bike.

The toe field space of the shoe flexes simply, in the identical manner a strolling shoe or boot would possibly, and you’ll see a change within the rubber on the only real itself on this space. It’s definitely far much less inflexible than race-orientated carbon MTB or XC sneakers. The sole includes a chunky rubber tread and two replaceable steel studs within the toe space. The rubber has some give to the contact however has confirmed to be robust in my testing. 

The solely seam on the perforated, grippy-feeling higher of the shoe is on the heel which retains issues neat. A protecting and hard TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) layer runs across the backside of the shoe and specifically, protects the toe space and heel from rubbing or scuffs. 

A small velcro strap and single dial closure care for tightening. The dial-in query is the SLW3 dial, the identical that may be discovered on the range-topping Veloce Extreme street shoe utilized by Filippo Ganna. The dial tightens issues down properly, you then raise the small tab and rotate the dial clockwise to launch rigidity. It takes just a little getting used to, however is quick when you’re acquainted. The velcro closure tab feels a bit redundant and the dial is doing a lot of the work. I do not suppose I’ve adjusted it a lot since I began testing the sneakers if I’m trustworthy.

Branding-wise, Northwave has saved issues fairly refined. ‘Northwave’ is printed onto the velcro strap, and there is a giant ‘NW’ on the outer heel. Hammer Plus is printed on the within ankle and that is it. I examined the white model which is definitely a kind of mild gray in individual. It is not too vibrant and there is sufficient black on the shoe to steadiness issues and provides an off-road aesthetic I believe. If it is not for you, there is a plain black choice in addition to a inexperienced and darkish silver with yellow detailing. 

The shoe’s ankle and tongue have a pleasant quantity of padding and there are zero sharp or inflexible edges anyplace on the tongue which is vital. The higher part of the heel is pretty malleable which inserts their USP. If you are in search of rock-solid heel retention you are in all probability in want of a special kind of shoe. 

Performance 

I’ve been testing the Hammer Plus for a number of months now, they’ve gotten loads of use and I’ve worn them while testing the Canyon Grizl:ON e-bike, SRAM Red AXS XPLR, and even in Spain for the launch of the Ridley Grifn RS. 

If somebody requested me concerning the sneakers, the very first thing I’d point out is consolation. They are a very comfy pair of sneakers. The versatile sole and one-piece versatile outer create a shoe that basically may be very comfy to stroll in. There is an effective quantity of flex within the toe space as your foot flexes and if you happen to’re used to inflexible off-road sneakers it makes for a refreshing change. This consolation extends contained in the shoe, simply in entrance of the SLW3 closure dial is a special, softer cloth that creates a comfortable feeling, one thing I’ve seen on a number of pairs of Northwave sneakers. 

Walking round within the shoe actually feels nice, the flex on the toe field is noticeable and the grippy rubber is a pleasant pairing for this flex. I most well-liked to take away the steel toe studs after some time, they really feel barely at odds with the flex and I really feel eradicating them boosts consolation and really feel additional. 

But all this speak of consolation and flex doesn’t suggest they underperform elsewhere. Inf truth, I really feel an actual power of the shoe is the steadiness between consolation and on-bike efficiency. I’d be the primary to complain in the event that they felt smooth and mushy on the bike, however they do not. I’ve ridden laborious within the Hammer Plus, on the street and off it and never as soon as have I assumed ‘I want a stiffer shoe’ or that I did not like how issues felt. 

You can cinch them down tight if you might want to they usually nonetheless present good efficiency and feeling when making any type of effort. They have jogged my memory that I in all probability do not want an excellent stiff off-road race shoe. This is presumably what lots of us look to at instances when eyeing up new sneakers at a sure finances. There are stiffer and extra inflexible sneakers in the marketplace if that is what you need, however I’d haven’t any qualms about driving a cyclocross or gravel race in them. If something, it might be good understanding my ft had been going to be comfy. 

Racing apart, plenty of riders get pleasure from social gravel driving, myself included. I’ve spent loads of summer time evenings mucking about on gravel bikes with my mates this 12 months and the Hammer Plus have been good when carrying my bike, or strolling round when stopping at a pub or for meals. Jumping over a barbed wire fence on a trip not too long ago examined the sneakers’ sturdiness, and because the wire scraped down the aspect of 1 after I obtained a bit too shut, the higher materials handled it properly although and did not tear.

Living with the sneakers has been straightforward and aside from getting them soiled and the wire scrape incident, they’re nonetheless in wonderful situation. The uppers are hardy and appear robust and the rubber heel and toe tab that stretch up from the only real have finished their job properly. 

Cleaning the sneakers is well finished. The uppers wipe clear very simply with moist wipes or bike wash sprays and a fabric. I have never wanted to do extra aggressive scrubbing to get them trying good once more. Of course, heading right into a British winter could change this when – not if – they get coated in mud. 

Northwave does supply the black model of the sneakers in a large match choice, excellent news for riders taking a look at one of the best biking sneakers for large ft. Our ft are all totally different and mine are on the slim aspect. The sneakers aren’t tremendous slim although, they’ve an inexpensive quantity of quantity however the toe field does taper barely on the toes. 

A barely rounder, extra open-toe field I believe would take the consolation to a different stage. On a sizzling day after a number of hours of driving, I used to be extra conscious of my toe place within the sneakers. 

On the subject of warmth, the Hammer Plus are a contact on the nice and cozy aspect within the warmth for my cash, so bear this in thoughts if you happen to stay someplace sizzling or endure in sizzling temperatures. 

Verdict 

The Hammer Plus have impressed me this summer time and made me take into consideration what I would like in an off-road all-around driving shoe. 

I just like the styling of the sneakers and the design is practical and properly executed. Comfort as talked about is great and I believe for the value, the Hammer Plus are an excellent worth purchase for every kind of off-road driving that ought to final a very long time.