The start of the test in November was somewhat unconventional: Although the Outcross Plus from Northwave is an SPD shoe, it first had to prove itself on a platform pedal with pins. And how: The sole shows excellent grip - even without a cleat - and the Michelin sole will continue to show this grip in the coming months.

The Outcross Plus is the perfect middle ground between a cross-country shoe and an enduro shoe. This is because it is lighter and stiffer than an enduro shoe, but more robust and equipped with more grip than a cross-country shoe. This centricity is also evident when you look at the scales: the tested pair in size 42 weighs around 850 grams. That's around 100 grams more than a purebred cross-country counterpart and at least 100 grams less than an enduro model.

The Outcross Plus is equipped with two Velcro straps and a twist lock. The shoe was a touch too big for the tester, but this was a good opportunity to test the size adjustment. The two straps and the quick-release fastener worked perfectly. The twist dial is convenient for adjusting the shoe a little tighter just before the descent or intensive uphills. Opening the twist lock is lightning fast and the cord loop is released immediately by pressing the silver lever above the wheel.

The outer material of the shoe is remarkable: it has a dirt-repellent coating and the structure alone gives dirt little chance of sticking. The mesh opening in the toe area is somewhat delicate. This ensures good ventilation, but also provides little retention in the event of moisture and rain. Even at low temperatures, it gets really frosty in this area. This can be avoided with waterproof socks in winter, and then the Outcross Plus also works as a four-season shoe. Since the shoe was a touch too big for the tester, the Outcross Plus was also recommended for frosty outings in winter with a waterproof sock. The outer material also proved to be durable: Ride tested the shoe from November to the end of April, and after a thorough cleaning, the shoe and sole were almost as good as new even after numerous rides in muddy weather.

The sole - equipped with a rubber compound from French tire specialist Michelin - matches the shoe, as it also does an excellent job. The rubber is soft enough to provide good grip on rocks. But it is still abrasion-resistant enough to look almost as good as new even after a few months. The height of the sole is pleasant. The cleats are well housed in the sole and don't protrude - this also ensures a secure gait and prevents the somewhat stupid clicker clatter known from cross-country shoes when walking on hard ground.

Conclusion: If you ride your hardtail with shaved legs and chase KOM titles on Strava, you'll hardly be happy with the Northwave Outcross Plus. If you're looking for a well-ventilated shoe for three seasons with a perfect sole and grip, this is the right choice. With its medium sole flex, the shoe offers good power transmission and scores points for comfort and safety, especially in running passages, which makes the Outcross Plus particularly suitable for long tours. The Northwave shoe also proves to be really durable: after several months of use in a very hard and wet winter, the outer material and sole are almost as good as new after a thorough cleaning. Anyone who buys the Outcross Plus should therefore be prepared not to want to buy a new bike shoe any time soon.

www.northwave.com