La Gaerne G.STL is to rely onlatest version of the top of the range from the Venetian brand, which today uses the acronym STL, but which is actually the styloAn iconic shoe for cyclists of all categories, from pros to amateurs.
Comfort and top quality materials, product development to maximize the action of the two Boa Li2 and an ergonomic carbon sole, these are the main features of the Gaerne G.STL Iridium that we tried. But we also asked Andrea Vendrame who uses them in the race to give us his feedback.
Andrea Vendrame's considerations
«Having the two Boa rotors is a great advantage – explains the Venetian rider of Ag2R-Citroen – the latter are also very sophisticated and allow you to act on the pressure which generates on the upper even during the race, without problems and perhaps even in the moments preceding a sprint. I use a custom footbed and I particularly like the narrow shoe, sewn perfectly on the foot.
«Despite using the custom insole – he continues – I didn't need to make any particular adjustments and the feeling was immediate. Compared to the previous version, the new one has a more rigid and supportive upper. I also believe that the latest version of the G.STL is the right compromise between an ideal balance value and the rigidity it expresses, a factor which for us is a significant advantage."
G.STL Iridium, how it is made
Compared to the previous version, some changes have been made, with the aim of make the closure of the Boa rotors and the 8 (many) cable anchoring/tensioning zones even more efficient. For example in the depression that is created between the base of the tongue and the torso of the foot, near the tip, which on this Iridium It has been reduced and the upper has been made more uniform. During the closing phase, the entire fabric wraps and molds to the foot, almost eliminating the empty spaces that sometimes arise.
The tongue is one of the padded ones. The thickness is useful for to best distribute the pressure exerted by the cables and rotors, but the foot is well ventilated thanks to the numerous micro-holes. Always with regards to the tab, the top has a velcro that holds it in place.
The heel cup is external, as per Gaerne tradition. It is not extremely rigid and matches theinternal padding differentiated in thickness, ensuring extremely high levels of comfort, as well as excellent support even during the most frenetic push phases. It adapts well to the shape of the heel.
Internally the STL presents a fabric that lines the shoeIt's truly micro-perforated. It enhances the sensation of being wrapped and cushioned around the foot, also positively impacting vibration dissipation. The insole has a different density between the front and back parts.
Carbon dioxide suola
The sole is made of carbon and has an EPS Carbon Sole matrixIt has important shapes, a sign of important work on the support and major relief areas, with an area of the arch of the foot that is not excessively pronounced.
This solution allows the shoe to be used by all types of cyclists (and feet), by those who use a standard insole or a customized footbed.
The sole is also very ergonomic, especially with the toe area that tends slightly inward. Regardless of subjectivity, this shape facilitates the positioning of the cleat so that the foot works in line with the knee: the holes for its mounting have a plenty of room for deflection: 1,5 centimeters.
Our considerations
A Gaerne shoe offers 360° performance, because it is of high quality in all its components, in construction and in fit. The G.STL Iridium is not an extremely stiff shoe (in the medium/long term and when it is very hot it can be an advantage), but it offers optimal support from front to back and vice versa.
It is comfortable when you pedal while sitting, when you relaunch standing on the pedals invites you to apply force to the tip and the heel remains firm, straight, and anchored. It doesn't take many hours of use to gain the right confidence.
The internal volume of the shoe is good and Compared to the past, there is greater support coming from the upper, a factor that allows for greater containment of the forefoot. The action of the Boa Li2 is always excellent. Here too, we can see the enormous development work that has been carried out hand in hand between the two companies.
In conclusion
A Gaerne shoe always fits well and will always be up to the task. G.STL Iridium It is the top of the range, but it is a product that is excellently suited to the professional rider and/or very advanced athlete. The list price is 439,90 euros. It combines the sartorial tradition of those who have always made shoes with need to use latest generation materials.
