Vittoria made 150 of the limited edition shoes; this one is number 42, not size 42(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Bont shoes will soon be upgraded with a new buckle that includes an integrated guide to help the overlapping pieces slide more freely against each other.(Image credit: James Huang)
Bont will add a new off-road version of its top-end Vaypor shoes for 2012. The appearance is similar but the upper construction is slightly revised and the sole construction is completely different for better walkability.(Image credit: James Huang)
The tread blocks are replaceable on Bont's new Vaypor XC shoes.(Image credit: James Huang)
Bont says the Vaypor XC's sole material has built-in flex for running but interestingly, it flexes primarily in only one direction.(Image credit: James Huang)
ll of the shoes use Sombrio's FS high-friction rubber sole(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
This low-top is called Float and costs $89(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Loam high-top costs $119(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The $89 Float in black(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
And finally the flagship Flats high-top, which costs $139(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Giro's new $150 Privateer embodies the look and fit of their more expensive mountain models(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Privateer uses a DuPont Zytel nylon sole that's heavily engineered to offer the best possible stiffness(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Privateer will be available in black and white and has a claimed weight of 345g per shoe(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Shazam's sole; all of the new Sombrio shoes are for flat pedals(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Downhiller Dave Watson started Sombrio in 1998; the brand are making a big push into footwear for 2012. This model is called the Shazam and costs $129(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Vittoria also offer a Junior road model for the same price(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Vittoria use a uni-directional carbon sole that's 3mm thick throughout. The sole features lateral adjustment of the cleat nuts and Vittoria's Sole Air System ventilation(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Vittoria's MicroMetric cable closure is easily replaceable and a new set costs about $30. Vittoria have been making a dial-closure system since 1992(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The standard Hora model costs $425 and is 100 percent made in Italy(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
These shoes are part of Vittoria's 1976 luxury line and incorporate the throwback kangaroo leather upper and the carbon UD Air System sole. The pair will set you back $350(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Old and new collide: a 1976 replica upper with Vittoria's top-end Air System sole(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Bianco line uses a microfiber upper(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Bianco's rubberized nylon sole is SPD compatible(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Vittoria offer kids' shoes down to size 32. The Junior mountain model ($115) is pictured(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
E*thirteen's LG1+ pedal has an alloy body, steel axle, replaceable steel pins and replaceable wear plates that are said to slide over rocks rather than get hung up like a metal body(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
E*thirteen's Spin Control bearing preload adjustment allows riders to tune their pedals' rotation so that they're easier to find in the air(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The LG1 Race with titanium axle and pins(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
VP's Arc6 two-piece cleat allows the front and rear to be changed separately. This has two advantages: precise placement (since half may be left in place) of the replacement and the ability to change the most worn section first(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
VP's 69 (r, for sticky shoes) and VP-001 (l, all rounder) pedals(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
VP's custom track pedal; they plan to offer a limited run this spring(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
CrankBrothers' new Mallet downhill pedal(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The track pedal has two toe straps for ultimate security(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Every year CrankBros do a special color for Interbike(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Boutique Montana machine shop Twenty6 make this polished flat pedal called the Predator(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Predator comes with a host of options including titanium or chromoly spindle sand anodized, polished or painted bodies; prices range from $194.99 to $279.99(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
VP's Vice ($90), their stalwart trail flat, comes in five anodized colors(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The VP-69 ($90) is a new pedal specially designed for sticky-soled shoes, it has fewer pins and a concave shape to best exploit kicks with lots of grip; it comes in lots of painted colors too(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Comparing the Pilot to the VP-001, VP's all-round flat pedal(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The LG1 Race pedals trade out the LG1+'s steel axle and pins for those made from titanium. The LG1 pins, both steel and ti, come in two lengths, 4mm and 7mm, with engineered break-off points so that you're left with some traction. Their Allen heads are accessed from behind, so in the event the entire pin is sheered, it can still be replaced(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Speedplay's latest Syzr mountain bike pedal prototype; the new pedal incorporates all of Speedplay's plethora of features found on the Zero(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Syzr body is relatively simple and open; because its only connection to the rider is through the cleat (not the shoe's lugs) it offers a solid connection and ample space for mud evacuation(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Syzr offers massive and precision adjustment through its cleat, just like Speedplay's road model, the Zero. It will be offered with five different axle lengths, and the ability to shim the cleat for cant or leg length discrepancy; this works because the cleat provides the sole connection to the shoe (there's no shoe lug-to-pedal contact)(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Time Sports' new iClick 2 pedals. These offer stainless steel wear plates and beefier cleats(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Time's all-alloy Z Strong downhill pedal(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The ROC ATAC S pedal offers more platform than the standard ATAC for better energy transfer through a more substantial platform(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
VP's new Pilot pedal offers a huge platform. It's just 6.5mm thick and rotates on a single in-board bearing. The pedals weigh 350g and will be available in January(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Predator features a slight concave shape, breakaway pins and increased 'active' traction area (the area between the pins expanded for 2012)(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Vittoria's top-of-the-line Hora in a limited edition dress commemorating Italy's 150th unification anniversary(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Northwave's Extreme road shoes feature mostly seamless uppers combined with a ratcheting main strap and new SLW dial-type lacing system for the forefoot. Suggested retail price is US$324.99(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sidi's new Speedplay-specific SP Carbon sole provides 6mm more rearward adjustment than is typical for most three-bolt-plus-adapter setups while also trimming stack height and weight(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Sidi T3 Carbon triathlon-specific shoe gets the new Eleven Carbon/Composite sole for 2012(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sidi claim their new Eleven Carbon/Composite sole plate is 20 percent stiffer than the old version while still retaining its trademark tuned flex pattern for all-day comfort(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Hallelujah! Sidi's Genius 6.6 Mega shoes are finally available in the US in a more fetching white-and-blue color scheme(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Sidi have updated their top-end Dragon 3 Carbon SRS mountain bike shoe with a new rubber toe guard(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Five Ten's new Cool Hwip (the interesting spelling is due to the trademark held by a certain dessert spread) costs US$149(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Cool Hwip features Five Ten's Raptor tongue and a dual Velcro flap so that it opens fully for easy lacing(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Cool Hwip offers 3/4 asymmetric inner ankle coverage to protect it from the crank(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The toe vent on Sidi's new Vent Carbon sole can be opened or closed as needed based on the weather(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Sidi Ergo 3 Vent Carbon features a new all-carbon sole that's supposedly 38g lighter than the previous plate while also offering flow-through vents for improved comfort in hot weather(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Sidi Vent Carbon sole is the company's new top-end plate for 2012, trimming 38g from last year's Carbon Lite while also featuring two flow-through ventilation channels(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The upper on Northwave's new Extreme road shoes is mostly seamless, reducing weight while also increasing upper flexibility and rider comfort(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The top-end Extreme Tech road model (US$324.99) is built with Northwave's familiar adjustable ratcheting main strap and a new-for-2012 dial-type SLW closure system for the forefoot similar to those made by Boa(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Northwave will also offer the Extreme Tech road shoe with three hook-and-loop straps to save a few grams. Claimed weight is less than 200g per shoe and retail price is US$299.99(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Northwave's new Ultralight Carbon sole works with three-bolt cleats or Speedplay's four-bolt pattern via a slick adapter that adds virtually zero stack height(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Northwave's trick Speedplay cleat adapter will add virtually zero stack height to the system while retaining sole compatibility with traditional three-bolt cleats. The red base plate will eventually be one-piece item, though, lending more support to the middle of the cleat(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Northwave's new Extreme Tech MTB shoes are available in a bright white or an even brighter neon yellow and orange finish. They'll cost US$279.99 once they become available some time in October(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The new Northwave Speedlite Carbon 3D sole features a carbon fiber plate with a dual-density soccer-inspired cleat pattern molded over it for grip(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The nearly seamless upper on Northwave's new Extreme Tech MTB shoes is reinforced at the toe and outer edge to protect from abrasion(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The new Raven costs $129 and offers many of the Cool Hwip's features including the Raptor tongue and 3/4 asymmetric ankle(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
A single sided Velcro flap helps keep the price down on the Raven(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Raven and Cool Hwip share a similar Stealth Rubber sole(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Pretty slick for clipless(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Fi'zi:k's new lightweight contender, the R3 SL, weighs 243g in a size 43 (single shoe), roughly 35g lighter than the standard R3; while it relies solely on Velcro for closure, it's tricked out with titanium D-rings for the straps(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The R3 SL sports a 15k carbon and polyurethane sole; Fi'zi:k say the larger weave allows them to use less material to achieve the same stiffness(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Fi'zi:k will offer the standard R3 in white for 2012; in addition to the black and red versions currently available(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The North Face have new shoes for 2012 too; the Shifter is the most suitable model for bike use(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Shimano's SH-RT82 (Road Touring) offers the road look, with an SPD-style two-bolt cleat attachment and a rubber outsole for surefooted walking(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
From the top the $159 Shimano RT82 looks like a high-performance road shoe(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The RT82 has a high-end buckle and Shimano's offset straps(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
he Mamba (l, $130) and Mamba X (r, $139) are DZR's highest performance shoes; the latter is suitable for off-road riding(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
We loved the look of the $110 women's Link in lime(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
DZR's $139 Dice is made from genuine leather, not synthetic; a black synthetic model, $95, is available for those opposed(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Kestrel Strap ($164) is Five Ten's new cross-country trail model(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Five Ten Kestrel features a ratchet strap in addition to laces; it's also more breathable and considerably lighter than the Raven or Cool Hwip(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Five Ten's Kestrel uses Stealth Rubber in its tread, but in a lighter design(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
DZR debuted last year at Interbike; all of their shoes are clipless compatible(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
DZR's clipless sole(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
DZR's Midnight (l, $85) and Minna-Unisex (r, $95)(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The $95 Minna-Unisex is meant to fit men and women, and available in sizes 37 to 47(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
DZR's new 2012 collection; many of the models have both high- and low-top versions(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Walter Lockhart, Shimano's lifestyle gear manager, shows just how wide Shimano's shoe range is; their most popular mountain bike model, the $120 M087, ranges in size from 40 to 52, plus offers additional widths(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Shoe and pedal choice is one of the most important decisions you have to make as a rider, whether you value the subtle connection the right rubber compound can make with a flat pedal or the power transfer provided by a sexy carbon sole. The choices are many, and range from utilitarian to ultra-exotic and everything in between.
We saw a huge cross-section of footwear at this year's Interbike show, ranging from new flat pedal shoes from Sombrio to urban clipless options from DZR and high-performance economical mountain models from Giro, all the way to high-end road shoes that cost more than a complete entry-level bike. Check out our massive image gallery to see the latest shoes from these brands plus Five Ten, Fizik, Giro, Northwave, Shimano, Sidi, The North Face and Vittoria.
The Sidi Ergo 3 Vent Carbon (US$499.99) is built atop a new full-carbon plate and has two internal channels for flow-through ventilation, with an adjustable toe vent that can be opened or closed to account for changes in weather
On the pedal front, we were impressed by the features e*thirteen have packed into their LG1 flats and the potential of Speedplay's prototype off-road Syzr, which our technical editor James Huang has already reported on comprehensively. Other notables for 2012 include CrankBrothers' redesigned Mallet. Click through our image gallery for a look at these pedals and more, including the latest offerings from Time, Twenty6 and VP.
CrankBrothers' new Mallet in commemorative Interbike 2011 colours
