Bontrager Ballista Road Shoes

The Ballista Road Shoe from Bontrager is a smart and sleek design that offers a very precise fit right the way around the foot. They don't have the stiffest sole on the market, but they offer a good all-round package for fast group rides or smashing out a sportive.

• Pros: Eye-catching colour, full Boa system gives an excellent fit
• Cons: Some flex in the carbon sole, Boa can interfere with overshoes

First of all, these specific shoes are a limited edition model that comes in this fluoro yellow colour, and the grey/black material you see around the rear is actually reflective for some added visibility in the dark. The standard models are available in red, white and black, but both the LTD and standard have the same RRP.

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The first thing you'll no doubt notice about the Ballistas is that the retention system isn't like that on most race shoes. A single Boa dial has been placed on the heel, with the wire being run around the sides and then down the front of the shoe like normal.

It is actually a very good concept because, with the additional tension being placed around the side of the ankle, you get a fit that actually wraps around the foot rather than just pressure being applied above the tongue.

If aerodynamics are your thing then removing all of the closure system from the front of the shoe probably cleans up the airflow a bit, removing the need to wear Lycra overshoes in races or time trials, for instance.

If it's winter overshoes we're talking about, though, which are thicker and a little bit less stretchy, they can be a bit of a faff to fit over the Boa dial – especially if they use zips.

Breathability is good thanks to the number of venting holes on the front and sides of the shoes, and the upper is pliable enough to feel soft against the skin while still being tough enough to shake off the odd scuff and knock.

The tongue is well padded, especially at the top and there is plenty of comfort here too when the shoes are fully tightened.

The sole is a full carbon job and has a stiffness rating of 12 out of Bontrager's index of 14. All companies have different index levels, so on its own it's kind of a pointless number. What I can say is that the Ballistas offer a decent amount of stiffness for most riding, although when really putting the power down, in the saddle or out, I could detect some flex around the mid-sole, which was a bit disconcerting.

Price-wise, a penny under 200 quid isn't unheard of for this type of shoe: Boa system, full carbon sole and a build quality that looks and feels to be very high.

They are well made, and as I've said are very comfortable, but they are up against some stiff (if not stiff enough) opposition from the likes of Shimano with its RC701s, which come in at £169.99. They use a full Boa system and have a carbon fibre sole, although Steve did think that their stiffness could also be improved.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best performance road cycling shoes

They are £20 cheaper than the Giro Sentrie Techlace shoes, though, which cost £219.99 and are quite a bit heavier than the Ballistas.

Overall, I like the Ballistas, especially in this limited edition colourway, and unless I'm really going out for a smashfest I'd happily wear them for a ride, long or short.

Verdict

Great fit and very comfortable, though they lack a little stiffness in the sole for a race shoe