For their last ten months of road riding, my feet have had the pleasure of slipping into the second iteration of Brancale’s Dynamic cycling shoe. It’s been a thoroughly pleasant few thousand kilometers, and while initially dubious of such strong retro references, I’ve been reassured by consistent comfort and construction.
Brancale was one of the first models of clipless road cycling shoes to hit the pro circuit, worn by Greg Lemond, amongst others, circa 1986. According to the Brancale website, they were one of the first cycling shoes designed from the ground up to be used with clipless pedals.
The Dynamic shoe was, back then, coloured in grey, and the same shade has been applied to this new iteration. Velcro fasteners are again used, which seems to fly in the face of more modern technologies.
Critics will question a $295 price tag for a seemingly outdated system, but it is a moot point: I’ve not once had reason to compare the security of their attachment to my foot, and there has been absolutely no loss of responsiveness due to looseness.
What you are paying for is a thoroughly modern shoe in terms of construction. The leather of the 80s model has been replaced by a Lorica microfiber upper which improves water repellency, is stronger and is more abrasion resistant.
The heel cup and toe of the shoes are constructed with Sisa microfiber. The entire upper of the shoe is made from Italian materials, as is the carbon fiber sole, so the whole product is completely made in Italy. Just like the original.
This is a show that you can wear for thousands of kilometres without wishing for anything more technologically advanced. It is the Gran Fondo of cycling footwear, with the heritage and culture to match.
I’ve worn these through all four seasons now, wearing thicker winter socks and extremely thin summer socks, and the Dynamic II has hugged my foot comfortably and securely through each pedal stroke.
What’s more, they’ve felt just at home whilst riding my classic steel road bike as they have while attached to my Cannondale CAAD 10. If Ermenegildo Zegna created a cycling shoe, Brancale’s Dynamic II would be it.
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