Nike Women Ventoux II Road Shoes - Tested

Since their involvement with a certain high-profile American pro cyclist, Nike has been expanding their cycling specific range. Known for top end quality, particularly in the footwear department, their women's specific road shoes don't disappoint.

Dr Kim Hurst tested the Ventoux ll shoes during her extensive training in Scotland, including the mammoth Bealach-na-Ba Challenge with it's gruelling climb and 100+km round trip. Here's what she has to say...

The Women's Ventoux II shoes are your ticket to speed and efficiency on the road. The shoe inner and in-sole provide a foot-hugging fit that inspires confidence for those out and out efforts to the line. The female-specific design gives a trim fit around the heels and a lower volume fit across the forefoot, although the fit isn't as narrow as some other makes of shoe. There is plenty of padding around the ankle opening and decent arch support too.

The shoe is finished off with a pretty standard 3-Velcro strap system and a more Nike-specific eye catching colour scheme complete with Nike swooshes. The Velcro does allow easy adjustment on and off the bike for a personalized fit across the top of the foot and the stretchy tongue prevents pressure there too.

The lightweight and durable synthetic-leather uppers resist stretching, so you'll avoid having to overtighten any strapping to achieve the same fit months down the line. Ventilation is good too, with breathable sections across the toe box and down the sides

Low-profile nylon soles reinforced with fiberglass provide stiffness to up the efficiency of your effort through the pedals and unless you're willing to spend another £40-50 on a carbon sole you can't really expect much more stiffness than this. Compatible with 3 hole (SPD-SL Look) and 2 hole (SPD SPD-R) cleat patterns.

These are shoes that compete with the longer established cycling-specific footwear names and at £69.99 they're good value for money. I really rate them!