Michelin is also making a decisive entry into the field of high-end soles developed in a specific for the road world. In the MTB category, Michelin inserts and soles are a cornerstone for many shoes and the entry into the road world is arousing a lot of interest.
It's not just about protective inserts for the toe and heel, but of a carbon sole designed differently from the normal standards and developed in collaboration with Ekoi, now supplied with the Pro Team C12 model, but which we will see on a large scale in the near future.
Eliminating glues and screws
A lighter, more performing shoe, but also simple and with a carbon sole protected in the most sensitive areas. These were the main factors in the design phase. The sole of the Pro Team C12 shoe was born from the joint venture between Ekoi and Michelin, it is full carbon and adopts the two Michelin inserts (tip and rear buttress).
For the construction, screws and glues have been eliminated, it uses different thicknesses on the two inserts and the latter have an excellent grip. The sole is a full carbon which integrates a thermoplastic polymer newly built and a very low percentage of rubber. This means greater rigidity with a significant reduction in weight, as well as reduced thicknesses and increased longevityTo contextualize the product even better, we asked Ambrogio Merlo, CEO of JV International, the company that directly developed the sole (works in direct contact with Michelin) and Salvatore Puccio, that He has been using Ekoi shoes since 2024.
Technologies applied to the world of cycling
«We use the best of Michelin technologies and we apply them to the world of cycling. For the first time we have entered the road sector – says Ambrogio Merlo – trying to bring innovation and high performanceIn collaboration with Ekoi, this sole was developed which combines autoclave-processed carbon fiber with a polymer created by Michelin. The result – continues Merlo – is excellent, as regards performance and lightness, because the polymer weighs significantly less than rubber.
«We have managed to combine two antithetical elements – concludes Merlo – namely rigidity and a good quality of walking. Even the sole design is specificThe central part and where the cleat is mounted must support the pedal stroke thanks to special carbon ribs, at the ends the design is structured in such a way as to guarantee stable support».
A quality shoe and the sole is stiff
«I started using Ekoi shoes this year – says Salvatore Puccio – and the first thing that struck me was a excellent overall qualityThe sole is very rigid, the upper is of excellent quality, two factors that are not to be taken for granted, considering that Ekoi has only recently arrived at this type of product.
«In addition he has a good convenience – continues Puccio – an important factor for those who wear this type of footwear, every day and for many hours, where the convenience aspect plays a significant role. From my point of view – concludes Puccio – it is important to underline, in addition to the performances, the Ekoi's proactivity which asks us professionals for continuous feedback, actions aimed at developing a quality product».
