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FEATURES: FOOTWEAR FRIDAY - CARNAC ATTRACTION
Road Bike Action
September 8, 2011
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A mosaic of materials and magnets from France
Founded in 1949, Carnac was manufacturing cycling footwear long before Johnny Carson began predicting the future under the same name. Known for their variety of
cycling-specific patents, and unique product designs, Carnac first launched shoes with their innovative “Magnetic Closure System” in 2010. Their latest footwear incarnation involving magnets is sure to draw the attention of everyone on the group ride, but how well do the current Attractions perform?
THE TECH
While no less than four different materials combine to create the Attraction’s upper, the foundation of which is a highly breathable, padded mesh layer; it’s the unique magnetic closure system that gets all the attention. Half of the Attraction’s signature magnets are found at the end of each strap. The other half of the closure system resides on the upper’s outside portion, with two chunks of clear vinyl the size and thickness of grammar-school erasers, each supporting a plastic bridge and sliding mechanism—these mechanisms house the system’s second set of magnets.
THE RIDE
Cleat installation is straight forward thanks to outsole graphics, but fitting the shoes on your feet is another matter. Sliding into the Attractions is simple enough, as the tongues are thin, and the overall fit is surprisingly wide with plenty of room in the toe box. Closing the two straps is also quite simple as the eight magnets on each one seem to have minds of their own, gravitating toward each other and linking up with ease. But at the core of each closure is a ribbed, plastic bridge, which is sandwiched between each strap’s two magnet-filled mechanisms. With the magnets engaged, it takes more than a fair amount of effort to slide the upper mechanism toward the outside of your foot, thereby tightening the overall fit.
However, once you successfully tighten the straps to your preferred setting, they remain fully locked into place and never warrant re-tightening, even after a lengthy and/or fast-paced ride. You’ll need to perform the same process, however, each time you put on the shoes. The supplied insole features only the barest amount of padding; but the overall plush feel of the shoe is well appreciated, particularly during those long days in the saddle. And although there’s no ventilation in the heel, the rest of your feet receive plenty. Including the bottoms, thanks to four ventilation ports in the outsole. Fans of stiff carbon fiber outsoles will appreciate the Attraction’s unique design and sharp looks, and it features a replaceable heel tread as well.
THE VERDICT
Simply put, there are a lot of things going on with the Attraction and its 32 magnets. It’s one of the most unique shoes to ever come into the opulent RBA offices, and it’s comprised of some high-quality materials with a one-of-a-kind closure system. But some of the design elements don’t seem to have been fully developed; namely the magnets provide an astoundingly secure fit, but limit the ease of adjustability. Also, the polyurethane straps can be easily removed from the magnet housings and shortened to provide a more custom fit; but they must be snipped at the ends with a pair of scissors, thereby making the modification permanent. Five Franklins is a hefty investment, but we know that it can be hard to put a price on a pair of well-fitting shoes. The Attractions offer a surprisingly comfy and wide package.
PUNCH LINES
• Magnetic closures are cumbersome but effective
• Unique design stands out from the pack
• Questionable price-to-performance ratio
STATS
Price: $499.99
Weight: 691 grams (size 41)
Sizes: 39-48 (half sizes 41.5-44.5)
Carnac Sport |
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