Explainer: Trek’s 3 New Road Shoes Feature ‘MetNet’ – What is it and what does it do?
Today, Trek released not one, not two but three new performance road shoes that feature a proprietary technology developed by the brand to alleviate foot-related pain when riding. So what is this MetNet and what does it do?
MetNet is a new technology that provides stretch in the areas of the shoe that most commonly cause foot-related pain, numbness or discomfort. Targeting the areas around the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the 5th metatarsal tuberosity, MetNet allows the shoe to stretch and compress around the foot, alleviating pressure points.
Trek says the goal with this new technology was to alleviate issues like hot foot, numbness and tingling that many riders experience, without compromising pedal efficiency. To that end, MetNet was developed in conjunction with the pro riders from Lidl-Trek and it has been incorporated it into three new shoes, the RSL Knit, RSL Road and the Velocis.
Trek RSL Knit Shoe
For the ultimate racing-snakes
The Trek RSL Knit features a new Pro Last that incorporates new 3D foot scan data to better match the average rider’s foot shape. An engineered knit fabric and MetNet exoskeleton naturally stretches to provide relief to problematic areas of the foot.
Details
| FIT | Snug, sock-like fit |
| CLOSURE | Micro-adjustable BOA Li2 |
| UPPER MATERIAL | Stretchable polyester yarn |
| SOLE | 100% OCLV Carbon |
| STIFFNESS RATING | 14/14 |
| WEIGHT | 225g (size 42) |
| RETAIL | R8500 |
| MORE | trekbikes.com |
The RSL Knit has four vents located on the bottom of the shoe, is available in a white and grey colourway or the super-bling black and gold option. Courtesy of a high modulus carbon sole (the same that is used on Trek’s frames) the stiffness rating is of the brand’s highest, at 14 out of 14.
Trek RSL Road Shoe
High-performance shoe with stretchy upper
In the RSL Road Shoe, the MetNet technology is courtesy of a laminate that is placed over a perforated synthetic upper to achieve stretch and comfort. This shoe features the same (new and improved) Pro Last seen on the range topping RSL Knit option listed above.
Details
| FIT | Race-ready, secure fit |
| CLOSURE | Micro-adjustable BOA Li2 |
| UPPER MATERIAL | Synthetic PU with stretchy mesh lining |
| SOLE | 100% OCLV Carbon |
| STIFFNESS RATING | 14/14 |
| WEIGHT | 225g (size 42) |
| RETAIL | R8000 |
| MORE | trekbikes.com |
Available in black or white, the RSL Road Shoe matches the weight and stiffness rating of the Knit option. Essentially the difference lies in the upper which is a synthetic PU with a polyester and stretchy mesh. Trek-Lidl riders seem to use this RSL Road shoe and the RSL Knit option.
Trek Velocis Shoe
Light, comfortable and well-ventilated
The new Velocis shoe is slightly less stiff — which can actually improve comfort levels for some riders. Comfort is also boosted with the MetNet technology whereby a laminate is placed over the perforated synthetic upper, adding stretch and support where it is needed.
Details
| FIT | Secure and comfortable |
| CLOSURE | Micro-adjustable BOA Li2 |
| UPPER MATERIAL | Synthetic TPU and mesh |
| SOLE | Carbon and fiberglass composite |
| STIFFNESS RATING | 10/14 |
| WEIGHT | 222g (size 42) |
| RETAIL | R5250 |
| MORE | trekbikes.com |
The Velocis is available in black, red or white colourways and as with all of the new shoes here is available in 36 through 48 sizing, including half sizes. Ventilation is aided by two holes on the bottom of the shoe and the perforations on the upper.
For more details head to trekbikes.com