The Northwave Hammer Plus is an off-road shoe designed for gravel and cross-country mountain biking, focusing on comfort on and off the bike. However, this emphasis on comfort comes at the expense of sole stiffness, which may be a disadvantage for those who prioritise racing, long climbs, or more intense efforts, as the flex in the sole could feel uncomfortable due to the pressure felt around the cleat area.
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The Hammer Plus is available in a broad range of 36 to 50, with half sizes between 39.5 and 45.5. I tested the wide-fit version offered across the full-size range. A women’s fit version is also available in sizes 36 to 43, with half sizes from 39.5 to 42.5.
While the standard fit comes in four colour options, the wide-fit and women’s models are available exclusively in black. The 40.5 wide-fit version I tested weighed 680g for the pair.
Northwave Hammer Plus shoes – Technical details
Northwave provides a size guide on their website for each shoe model, which I found accurate in terms of both length and width. My feet measured just beyond the wide-fit threshold and the chance to check both wide and standard wide fits to confirm the wider fit was best. Compared to other brands, I found the standard width to offer a generous amount of space in the toe box. For those like me who often find the front of other brands of cycling shoes a bit snug, the Hammer Plus Wide is likely to be a better option.
The Hammer Plus features a small Velcro strap on the lower part of the shoe, which I adjusted once during the initial fitting and did not need to adjust again. While the main tension dial resembles a Boa equivalent, it was developed by X-Dial and is called the SLW3. This system allows for precise micro-adjustments to increase tension and offers a two-part release mechanism: you can release tension incrementally by pressing the adjacent button or fully release it by pulling the lever backwards.
Although the micro-adjustment and quick-release features seem appealing, the full release can be somewhat frustrating to use, particularly when wearing gloves or when your hands are cold. The mechanism is small with a pointed end, making it difficult to grasp and apply pressure. I also encountered an issue with one shoe, where releasing the tension proved challenging and slowed the process of taking it off. While the SLW3 system doesn’t feel as smooth as a Boa dial, it’s worth noting that at this price point, you’re likely to find the L6 dial, which has the pull-up full release and not the Li2 with incremental tension and release.
Northwave Hammer Plus – Performance
The shoes are very comfortable when you first put them on, featuring thick padding around the heel and flexible materials throughout. The thick padding means the dials occasionally require retightening after a short period of use, as the materials settle into place. The sole offers good grip, even on wet surfaces, and the deep tread allows for easy walking without the cleats causing issues or making noise. The closely spaced tread pattern does tend to trap mud and dirt easily, which can be inconvenient — especially since walking is a key aspect of the design. For extra grip, there are tie stud threads at the front, although studs are not included.
The thicker padding means they can take longer to dry if they get wet, particularly around the heel area.
While many XC and gravel shoes prioritise sole stiffness, the Hammer Plus adopts a different approach. For less intense riding, the sole stiffness was adequate when I wasn’t pushing too hard. During climbs or more strenuous efforts, the lack of stiffness became an issue, as the flexible sole caused discomfort, with pressure points around the cleat area becoming noticeable.
For more relaxed rides, these shoes offer superb all-day comfort and I often choose them when I expect to be walking. There is no heel lift when walking, and they avoid the ‘clip-clop’ sound often associated with stiffer, race-oriented shoes. The range of colours also provides more subdued options for those who prefer a toned-down aesthetic.
Northwave Hammer Plus shoes – Verdict
Priced at £122, the Northwave Hammer Plus is competitively positioned, especially compared to brands such as Specialized. The Recon 1.0 features a single L6 Boa dial and costs £100. For £165 – you could upgrade to the Recon 2.0, which includes Velcro and a single Li2 dial. Shimano offers distinct models for gravel and MTB, such as the XC502 at £139 with a Boa L6 and single Velcro strap or the RX6 series at £159.99. If walking comfort is a priority, Shimano’s EX7 is designed as a touring shoe with increased sole flex and is worth considering. Where the Northwave Hammer Plus stands out is in its extensive size range, including half sizes and a wide-fit option.
The Hammer Plus is marketed as a gravel-oriented shoe, and as the gravel segment expands, so does the interpretation of what this means for different riders. Even within off.road.cc, there were differing opinions on whether walking comfort should be prioritised in gravel footwear, highlighting the evolving definition of the category. This is why I still believe it needs to be segregated.
The Northwave Hammer Plus isn’t without its flaws. The SLW3 dial can be frustrating at times and the flexible sole caused discomfort under the cleat area during longer climbs or more strenuous efforts. That said, if your vision of gravel or cross-country riding prioritises walking comfort, the range of sizes, width options, and colours makes it easy to find a well-fitting shoe, all at a price that competes with other major brands.
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Product purpose:
Seizing the best from outdoor weekends on the bike is what Hammers shoes are meant to.
A wrapping fit with no annoying pressure points, the comfort of getting off the bike for a short walking break, excellent breathability are the key features that make them the never-without-it of the off-road enthusiasts.
The SLW3 developed by X-Dial is totally uniqueand offers ultra-fast, micrometric fastening.
This compact mechanism is very light and intuitive, just turn the dial for quick, accurate closure.
The SLW3 closure combined with a strap is the core concept around the Hammer Plus.
They offer lightness and breathability through the unibody construction of the upper dressing it all up with the micrometric SLW3 dial, skilled to provide a micrometric customized fit Jaws Evo sole, with its advanced toe flexi system and arch support is ideal for riders who need a performing sole, with the super plus of being walkable
Perforated upper with unibody construction to ensure optimal insulation, no seams to maximize the comfortability.
Thermowelded TPU reinforcement for all-round protection.
Build extra:
Season – Spring/Summer
Gender – Man / Women
Fit available – Regular / Wide / Women
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