Gaerne updates benchmark road shoe with G.STL release

In a busy week for road shoe drops, where Specialized executed a very well coordinated release of their S-Works Ares that made waves across the internet (not Bernie-meme big, but still) — Italian specialist brand Gaerne also issued its G.STL for road, a feature-rich pair of kicks that takes over as the brand’s flagship road offering.

Weighing in at a meagre 274 grams in size 43, and coming in killer colours like classic white, black, grey and my favourite — oil-slick fade iridium (pictured above and below) — the shoe gets several notable upgrades. Most notably is the an updated heel cup, an “infit” system with “eight fixing zones” to snug up fit, the latest BOA dials and a more considered tongue, which varies thickness and uses seamless construction. Building on Gaerne’s background in carbon boot manufacture, the ultra-light and ultra-thin sole is designed to optimize power transfer when hammering down on the pedals.

Not sure what that oil-slick fade looks like on, but on paper we have what looks like a very modern colourway from the traditional Italian brand.

TBD on an actual review of the G.STL shoes (we’re trying secure a sample pair) but from past experience, Gaerne makes some of the best, most under-the-radar shoes in the road universe. Every bit as performance-driven as some of its major competitors with simple Italian styling for which the brand is known.

Save your pennies if you’re in the market: retail price starts at $449 USD. More at Gaerne.