The Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoes are a sustainable option from Northwave, using Michelin soles that give impressive amounts of grip. The shoes are really comfy and come at a decent price, too. As far as the best mountain bike shoes go, these are a great option if you’re someone that likes riding with flat pedals.

Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoes – Technical details

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NW-PairSide (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
NW-PairSide.JPG, by Josh Price

Northwave has made a big deal out of the fact that these shoes have good eco credentials, utilising RePET, ReRubber and ReFoam, which are recycled polyester, a blend of virgin and recycled rubber and post-production waste material with water-based glue. Northwave says that the shoes use 53.34% responsible input..

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NW-Side-Profile (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
NW-Side-Profile.JPG, by Josh Price

This mix of materials results in a sturdy sole with a nice amount of stiffness. It also means you have the ability to walk with comfort should a hike-a-bike scenario come into the mix, and there’s a pliable upper, which snugs down nicely to the shape of your foot.

The retention system is a simple set of laces, with a little tuck loop which houses the loose ends to make sure they don’t catch your chain.

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NW-Sole (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
NW-Sole.JPG, by Josh Price

Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoes – Performance

The standout feature has been the insane grip levels. At times I actually felt like the shoe was clipped in – the traction is that good. When descending or rolling over bumpy stuff, the grip is excellent, which has given me great confidence and let me go flat-out without concern.

As someone with reasonably wide feet, I found these to be comfy with enough room inside to not cause issues.

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NW-Inside (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
NW-Inside.JPG, by Josh Price

One area that could do with more attention is the arch support. The insole is very floppy and doesn’t add any stability and I’d love to see the inclusion of some extra support. A small gripe is that there’s no water resistance whatsoever, which means they’re great when the weather is nice but not so if you get caught in the rain. My guess is that the eco-credentials have meant waterproofing has had to take a back seat, but this can be forgiven.

Northwave says it’s named these the Tailwhip due to the similarity they share with skate shoes, and I have to say that’s very true. The aesthetics are somewhat of a lovechild between Vans and Five Tens. The brand also says the Northwaves can double up for casual use.

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NW-Michelin (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
NW-Michelin.JPG, by Josh Price

Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoes – Verdict

At £99, these are a good pair of shoes for the money, especially considering the eco-friendly credentials. A similar option from Five Ten is the Freerider Primblue which comes in at between £100 and £130 but lacks the grip levels of the Northwaves.

I really like these shoes, both from a looks aspect and also the way they perform. Not only did the grip levels give me confidence but they were also pleasantly comfortable. I would recommend these as summer shoes owing to the fact that their weather protection is not the best in the segment.

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Test report Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoe review £99.00

Shoes

Product purpose: 

Northwave says ‘The project with ACBC has the main goal of producing a new bike shoe model that introduces Northwave on the universe of circular materials.
Tailwhip Eco Evo, designed after the MTB shoes Tailwhip, suggests a contemporary skate style that fits for different moments and use, from the discovery of new trails to your everyday life at the office.’

Build extra: 

Upper, lining and tongue are made of 100% RePET, recycled post-consumer polyester;
Insole top sheet made of 100% RePET, recycled post-consumer polyester;
Insole footbed partially made of 86% ReFOAM, recycled polyurethane foam;
Laces are made of l 100% RePET, recycled post-consumer polyester;
Sole partially made of 26% ReRubber, recycled pre-consumer rubber chips;

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

These shoes feel well put together, a solid sole and no ‘rough edges’

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

Super grippy sole means that I have felt as though my feet are super planted, and won’t be going anywhere

Product durability 


Product durability extra: 

The upper has no water resistance, and is quite pliable, which is comfy, but has the downside of potentially being easier to damage.

Product weight 


Product weight extra: 

They aren’t super light, but don’t feel heavy on the feet.

Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

The shoes are super comfy, they’re just a little let down by the lack of arch support, and if Northwave included some then this would bump the score up a lot.

product value 


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Product value extra: 

These come in cheaper than a lot of similar flat shoes, but seemingly without cutting corners, giving you a great value.

Overall performance: 

These shoes have performed super well, being great on the bike, and even off the bike for those hike a bike sections, or in my case, dog walking/mountain biking.

Product likes: 

I like the eco credentials, the looks and the supreme grip levels.

Product dislikes: 

I wish there was some arch support for those longer rides.

Enjoy: 

Thoroughly enjoyed these shes

Buy: 

I would, yeah

Recommend: 

I would, if they like riding flats.

Conclusion: 

Northwave have made a great pair of shoes here, looking good, feeling good and riding well, only let down by the lack of arch support.