Rapha's original Pro Team Powerweave cycling shoe launched back in 2020. Since then, it has remained one of the best on the market – aesthetically and in terms of performance too. Now, with the announcement of a brand new version, the style-conscious cycling brand continues to prove that function and finesse aren’t mutually exclusive.
Developed over 30,000km of road and gravel testing, this isn’t a case of minor tweaks and new colourways. It’s a top-to-bottom overhaul, shaped by Rapha’s global Wear Test Programme – a network of more than 130 experts and pro riders who feed back on cycling gear in real-world conditions. Be it sodden Welsh climbs or sunbaked Californian singletrack.
The new Pro Team Powerweave comes in two distinct flavours: a streamlined road racer for chasing KOMs on the tarmac and a rugged gravel edition for off-road adventures. Both feature the brand’s signature Powerweave upper – a lightweight, breathable woven material that provides a flexible fit, locked in by dual BOA Li2 dials. While the road model gets a full carbon sole for maximum power transfer and the gravel variant opts for a Vibram Megagrip outsole. A smart move for hike-a-bike sections and mid-ride coffee stops alike.
Pro Team Powerweave: A modern classic refined
What’s impressive is how considered the design feels. The road shoe now includes a sock-like knit collar and a Pebax heel counter for extra support – subtle adjustments that reflect a genuine dialogue with riders. It’s not just about aerodynamics or stiffness, but about how the shoe behaves hour after hour in the saddle.
Rapha’s cycling footwear journey hasn’t been long, but it’s been deliberate. The original Pro Team Powerweave shoe, released a few seasons ago, set the tone. A sleek, uncluttered silhouette with high-spec construction and a premium price tag. This new iteration builds on the concept, refining comfort, fit, and aesthetics without compromising performance.
As EF Pro Cycling’s Owain Doull puts it: “When I put them on, it feels like I’m putting on a pair of football boots built for speed.” Which, from a man who makes his living going fast on two wheels, is probably about as good an endorsement as you can get.
Next up: Meet the alternative cycling brands making the coolest kit.
