Price: $252.99
Sizes: 36 to 50 EU (wide width available, too)
Fit: True to size
Colors: Black, white, light grey/sage, and white with fluo-red dials and accents
Upper Material: PU synthetic leather
Sole Material: Morph Carbon composite
Stiffness Rating: 13 out of 15
Weight: 335g (size 45 EU)
Cleat Compatibility: 3-bolt (compatible with Northwave Speedplay/Wahoo adaptor)
Closures: Northwave’s proprietary double X-Dial SLW3 rotor system
Replaceable heal pad: Yes
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
High Performance, Italian Craftsmanship
Northwave is synonymous with quality gear, and it has been several years since I last reviewed the company’s shoes or boots. I was thrilled to reconnect with the brand at the Sea Otter Classic in April. The rep set me up with a pair of their new 2025 Revolution road shoes to test, and they did not disappoint.
Having never tested the previous versions of the Revolution road shoe, I can only speak to the 2025 model. Notably, they feature a new Morph Carbon sole, a proprietary double SLW3 rotor dial system that enables micro-adjustments, and Northwave’s patented Powershape system, designed to provide optimal arch support. These advancements contribute to the shoe’s high-performance capabilities, making it an attractive option for cyclists seeking both comfort and efficiency.
Superior Power Transfer is at the “Sole” of the Shoe
The Revolution’s Morph Carbon sole utilizes a blend of lightweight and durable materials to achieve a stiffness index rating of 13 out of 15, resulting in excellent power transfer with every pedal stroke. The unique shoe lining features silicone dots in the heel cup to prevent slipping on the pedal upstroke or when walking.
A X-Dial SLW3 rotor system features a dual-zone closure that comfortably secures the foot and can be easily tightened or loosened during a ride through micro-adjustments. The previous version of the Revolution had only one dial. Northwave’s proprietary dial system works a bit differently from the BOA dial, but once you’ve used it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.
Northwave’s unique Powershape design features a sole that follows the anatomical shape of the foot’s arch, providing comfort and support. I always ride with an orthotic due to my flat feet, but unfortunately, mine did not fit inside the Revolution. Thus, to test the shoe, I had to forego the orthotic. My foot was supported, but not as much as it would have been with the orthotic.
There’s plenty of cleat adjustment capability. I used Shimano SPD three-bolt cleats, and there was substantial fore-and-aft movement for perfect cleat placement. Northwave sells an adapter for $27.49 that works with Speedplay or Wahoo cleats.
For added comfort, there are two vents on the sole, allowing air to flow in at the toes and out mid-foot. To extend the shoes’ useful life, the heel pad is replaceable with one hex screw.
Breathable PU Synthetic Leather Upper
The laser holes located on the Revolution’s PU synthetic leather uppers at the front and sides, combined with the bottom vents, make the shoe breathable and comfortable in warm weather. With a true-to-size fit, the shoe is available in sizes 36 to 50 EU regular. There’s also the option for wide-fit versions, ensuring most riders will find the right fit. To accommodate those who require a greater volume in the fit, the tip, metatarsal, and instep sizes have been completely redesigned.
Weighing in at 335g for size 45EU, this shoe is fairly lightweight, and your legs won’t fatigue as quickly. Available in four color variations: black, white, white with red dials/inserts, and the color I tested – light grey/sage.
Bottom Line
After many years, I was excited to try Northwave’s latest road shoe. The Revolution is lightweight and comfortable, with a stiff sole that provides excellent power transfer. At $253, this shoe offers excellent high-end features for a reasonable price.
Pair the Revolution road shoe with matching Extreme Air socks for $16.50 (as shown in the pictures above). The open-weave design makes it super breathable and perfect for spring/summer rides or even on the indoor trainer.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I read and appreciate ALL of Ms Rosenbaum’s reviews. Regarding cycling shoes, I need, and have NEVER found a good way to compensate for a leg length discrepancy, in my case 14mm. No one has presented road or mountain shoe sole or cleat modifications, so I put a 1 cm cleat spacer under a SPD mountain cleat and used longer cleat bolts. I made the spacer from a stack [f old cleat wedges. Previously, with Speedplay road cleats I used an old cleat mount as a spacer with a piece of sheet metal, cut to cleat shape as a cleat base, and longer screws. A 1 cm raised cleat “clomps” so I used cabinet bumpers screwed into the sole of a mountain shoe to enable walking. Speedplays have a walkable cleat cover.
Hi David
Thanks for the note. Everyone has different leg lengths to some degree. Shims are the only solution I know about but maybe a bike fitter or RBR reader has found another solution. Would be interested to hear from others.
Where can I buy these shoes? The Northwave website does not list the US as a “ship to” country. Help!