Northwave Core 2 Road Shoes - Black/Yellow Fluo - Text Review

Introduction

The Northwave Core 2 Road Shoes - Black/Yellow Fluo are performance-oriented cycling shoes designed for road cyclists who want a solid mix of comfort, stiffness, and ventilation without breaking the bank. Priced at ₹11,990, they aim at amateur to semi-pro cyclists or weekend road riders who value power transfer, durable build, and breathable materials. If you’ve been looking for road cycling footwear that supports long rides, frequent pedalling, and compatibility with SPD pedals, these are made for you.

Design & Build Quality

Design-wise, the Core 2 shoes feature a seamless unibody upper construction which helps reduce pressure points. The upper has built-in mesh inserts (4 breathable mesh panels plus micro pores across the surface) to promote airflow and manage heat during extended rides. The styling is aggressive and sporty: bold Black with Yellow Fluo accents that enhance visibility. On the sole side, there’s an NRG Air Carbon Reinforced sole with a stiffness index of 8.0 — offering good rigidity for efficient pedalling. Weight is around 260g per shoe (one size), which is reasonable for a performance road shoe. The shoes also include a cleat plate which is SPD-pedal compatible (though cleats are not included)

Performance & Features

In use, the stiffness index 8 sole gives strong power transfer when climbing or sprinting; the ventilation keeps feet cooler during hotter rides or uphill sections. Regular-fit design ensures decent comfort straight out of the box, though break-in helps. The 5 vents in the sole help with under-foot cooling. The build handles sweat, road grit, and normal use pretty well. SPD compatibility widens the usability if you're using SPD pedals on your road bike or toggling between MTB/road setups.

Pros:

• Good stiffness (Index-8) gives efficient power transfer.
• Excellent ventilation (mesh inserts + sole vents) helps reduce overheating.
• Seamless unibody upper cuts down on pressure points.
• Bright, visible colour accents (Yellow Fluo) add visibility and style.
• SPD compatible sole for flexibility.

Cons:

• Cleats not included — extra cost to get SPD cleats.
• With regular fit, riders with very narrow or very wide feet may need to try different sizes or make adjustments.
• At 260g, it’s not the lightest road shoe in the premium segment. Price may be steep for beginners.