Rapha has launched its first venture into the performance footwear market with the new Rapha Grand Tour Shoes. Having been developed in partnership with Giro. The Grand Tour shoes are the first to use Yak leather, a soft but highly durable leather specifically developed by specialists Ecco for the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes. Living in central Asia, the Tibetan plateau and in Mongolia, Yaks are beasts of burden known for their ability to survive in severe weather and barren conditions. Because of this, Yak leather delivers unique benefits to the rider including water resistant, and three times the tensile strength of other bovine leathers. For the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes, this Yak leather has been paired with a full carbon Easton sole. At only 6.5mm thick, the Easton EC90 unidirectional carbon fiber sole found on the Giro ProLight SLX and Factor models. 

Unique details distinguish the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes from other offerings on the market. For example the aluminium buckle on the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes has been machined for durability and an excellent strength to weight ratio. The shoes are available in white or black, with a contrast strap. The Rapha brand is communicated through a Rapha logo on the strap and reflective Rapha logo on the heel.

Since its launch in 2010, the Giro SuperNatural fit system has been widely accepted and comfortably fits multiple foot shapes and widths. For the Rapha Grand Tour Shoes, the Giro lasts have been used and unique insoles developed that pair moisture wicking fabric with natural cork and PVA, to give a supportive platform that molds to the foot shape over time. Three different arch supports are included. The heel cup area of the shoe is lined with soft, untreated Yak leather.

The Rapha Grand Tour shoes will be available on April 10, 2012 in European sizes 39-48 in half sizes except for 47.5 On sale date for the shoes is Tuesday, April 10 through rapha.cc and these North American retailers:

La Bicicletta Pro Shop - Vancouver

Studio Velo - Mill Valley, CA

Bike Effect - Santa Monica,

Contender Bicycles - SLC, UT

Signature Cycles - NYC

Rapha Cycle Club San Francisco

For more information visit: www.rapha.cc