You can trust Cyclingnews
Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Image 1 of 6
Northwave's new Aerator MTB SBS shoes stay true to their name with superb ventilation(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
Generous venting in the forefoot isn't just there for show - you can actually feel air coming through, especially if it's cold outside(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
A polyurethane cage wraps the rear of the foot for exceptional heel hold, even when walking(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
The main strap is adjustable in length, though we still had problems getting it short enough for our average-sized feet(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
The carbon-reinforced nylon sole is notably more flexible than true carbon plates but still reasonably stiff(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
Construction quality is top-notch and the shoes have proven durable over months of abuse(Image credit: James Huang/Cyclingnews.com)
The Northwave Aerlite SBS MTB is a faithful adaptation of its
As the name suggests, airflow is a key feature of the Aerlite SBS MTB,
Like many shoes these days, the Aerlite SBS MTB uses a semi-rigid
Moreover, Northwave manages to achieve this level of hold along with long-term
The heavily lugged outsole offers a secure and stable grip on a
Long-term durability has been top-notch, too, as neither the lugs nor
However, two major flaws mar the otherwise spotless performance. First, the shoes are rather heavy at 844g per pair (size 43.5) and finicky racer-types will undoubtedly
We can partially overlook the weight issue as these things have proven
Unfortunately, that means that many riders who might otherwise benefit
Otherwise, the Aerlite SBS MTB is a very good choice for an all-around