A new shoe brand is stepping into MTB… sort of! DRIFT is a relaunching of the DZR Shoes brand, a company that started in 2010 and introduced the first SPD compatible sneaker to the MTB world. The name DRIFT is mostly new - DZR actually stood for Drift Zone Racing. But the people behind it bring decades of knowledge and experience from the DZR days and extensive product testing on British Columbia’s often wet trails.
DRIFT’s debut product is the ARC mountain bike shoe. The Arc is waterproof, made from full-grain leather, and offers a sole that balances off-bike comfort and clip-in pedaling performance. Bikerumor got a quick look at the Arc during the Sea Otter Classic, but here’s all the info Drift provided on the new shoe.
DRIFT ARC waterproof mountain bike shoes
While the Drift brand name is new, the people behind it are proven, as is their concept of a tough, waterproof sneaker that works well on the bike, but also post-ride, too.
Tech details
The low-top Arc shoe is made from full-grain premium leather, crafted with hand-finished construction, and pre-treated for an easy-care long life. Drift says they prefer real leather over synthetic alternatives, as it is highly durable and naturally molds to the shape of a rider’s foot as it wears in.
The soles of the Arc shoe feature SPD/2-bolt cleat compatibility, and a composite shank to provide efficient power transfer to the pedals. The rubber outsole was designed to remain comfortable for off-bike wear despite its compatibility with cleats. The sole features a sleek profile and is designed to promote a natural walking gait.
These all-season shoes also offer a fully waterproof lining, so any weather forecast won’t cancel your ride plans. They also include a reinforced toe box for protection from trail debris, and a snap down lace cover.
“The ARC is the culmination of everything we’ve learned and an evolution of our designs, materials, and partners,” said Shane Rattazzi, Drift Co-founder and CEO. “We took a calculated, meticulous approach to designing and testing our first drop, and we’re extremely stoked to bring the ARC to market.”
We’re expecting to receive some Arc shoes for testing soon, so keep an eye on Bikerumor for a full review later this summer!