Didadora Protrail 3
Review: Didadora Protrail 3
By Scott Mares | Published Jan 18, 2011
We Liked
The fit of this shoe is spot on. Its not too tight and not lose at all. So I was really happy with the fit of the shoe. My feet never got tired or numb durring rides or turning the screws at the local Cross Crusade series. We didn't get any hot spots in our feet during the countless of hours of road and off road riding. When we got the shoes we took some time looking at the material that the shoe is made from. The inside is this soft suede like material. The outer looks like its made from carbon but its not. On closer inspection you will see the external cage that the Pro trail 3 shoe has. Its actually invisible unless you look really closely at the shoe. We do cyclocross and that means that we have to get off and run and jump over barriers. We need a shoe that will offer protection if we accidentally hit a barrier. This shoe has a rubber toe guard that is stiff and will protect all ten of your toes. And that is a nice piece of mind. We loved the open Tread design. When you are running in the mud and mud is part of cyclocross. Taking the mud with you when you get back on the bike is not something that you want to happen. We hate shoes that have soles that clog up with mud. So a open tread pattern is very desirable. The carbon pro trail 3 is different from other shoes in that it has wide open spaced tread. This will allow the shoe not to cake up with mud (and there was much celebrating). Back in the day (when all shoes were leather) there was No Mesh. Now a days most if not all shoes have mesh on the front and sides of the shoes. We never thought that our feet got too hot in our shoes. The PT3 departs from mesh and has small holes like back in the day over most of the shoe. This allows breathability and still offers protection from the elements. You can also close up the holes very easily as well by just putting some duct tape on the inside of the shoe to keep the water totally out. As I mentioned earlier the PT3 has a carbon sole. There is a fine balance in making the shoe stiff one way and flexible another way. Diadora did a great job on this shoe in this aspect. Its not too stiff for jumping off and running over hill and dale in the autumn mud and leaves. So 2 thumbs u on that! Great styling on this shoe as well! What do you expect from the Italians? They just do not do plain anything. It has to have style. The PT3 is mainly a black shoe with little silver specs that make the entire shoe look like its made out of carbon fiber. That is so pimpin! Then they put their distinctive lime yellow logo on it in a off set manner. The shoe also has a unique feature in that it has a cleat support system so you have better cleat pedal platform connection. And It really works! Love that! You feel like your foot is in contact with a larger contact area of the pedal verses a single point.
We Didn't Like
Not much to complain about with this shoe. But with that said there are two things that I would change on the shoe. The first thing I would change is how the release works on the shoe buckle. Its not that the buckle is bad at all except that the release is a button that you press. So what you ask? Well you can inadvertently hit that button against something and release the strap while you are riding or running. So we would change the release on the buckle from a button to a lever.
The second thing is to include some skinny spikes and not the typical soccer style cleats. The typical soccer style cleats will not penetrate the mud or ice very well. In addition they are fat so they contribute to clogging the shoe with mud.
The Final Say
The Diadora PT3 (Pro Trail 3) is one of the best shoes out on the market right now for cyclocross. It is packed with more design features than the latest iPhone 4. And I don't think that they have an app for that either. The look and fit of the shoe is second to none. Getting a pair not only means that you love your feet but you are also making a statement and you are serious about cycling. If you get a pair you wont be sorry you did as your feet will be happy while your out in the mud turning your self inside out in quest for eternal glory. Believe me if your feet are not happy your not happy at all. Remember you could not run or ride if you didn't have your feet.
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Vitals
- Manufacturer
- Diadora
- Model
- Protrail 3
- MSRP
- $499.00
- Website
- Pro Trail 3
- Weight
- 335g
- Materials
- MTB Carbon Sole, Duratech rubber outsole. Multiped system, made of TPU and fibreglass-reinforced Nylon. High Grip finish in the pedal cleat area.
- Sizes
- 38-47
- Fit
- Athletic
- Colors
- 2 Colors, Black/Yello Fluo and White/ Red/Black
- Serviceability
- The buckle, strap and toe spikes are all replaceable.
- Design
The pro trail 3 has a carbon Sole for Maximum rigidity. The tread is made from Duratech Rubber. This is a Abrasion-resistant rubber compound that is combined for excellent grip in wet conditions. The PT3 (Pro Trail 3) shoe has a Multiple-step micrometric buckle. That has a automatic release button. So you get the perfect fit and can be easily adjusted even on most intense rides. This buckle features aluminum mechanics and is replaceable. The Polytech® supports straps are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the top of the foot and are fitted on shock absorbing E.V.A. foam. This will prevent against uncomfortable pressure on your foot. The fastening system features a resin impregnated polyester fiber strap that runs through a strap-lock made of aluminum. This assures the practical fastening of the shoe with only one hand so adjustments can be made even while riding. Unlike traditional velcro fasteners, this closure system is resistant against the rain and mud and will also last longer. * The MULTIFIT ADJUST allows the rider to custom fit the shoe to the height of the instep by adjusting the belt into one of the three positions available (foot arch). * The MULTIFIT ADJUST rotates on a pin allowing it to adapt to the individual shape of any instep (foot arch) D Skin:The outer shell is Microfiber and is bonded to the treated antibacterial Sanitized MT liner by the innovative MH TM technology. Thanks to our D-SKIN technology the upper offers the highest level of comfort and breathability for the foot and the most efficient power transmission to the pedal Morpho Cage:Made of soft TPU our holding cage guarantees a secure, long lasting closing of the upper for more stability, more power transmission and more comfort during your ride. Ergonomic Heel Support: * The bearing structure is highly rigid in order to contain the heel. Softer plastic on the sides adapts to either thin or wide feet alike. * New lighter profile in the area of the Achilles' tendon in order to avoid pressure and the consequent traumas. * Perforations for ventilation Hi Vent Insole:Maximum ventilation and comfort in even in the most extreme weather conditions. 100% water-proof materials to keep the feet cool and dry. Multiped MTB:Exclusive system designed by Diadora guaranteeing maximum stability on the pedals and improving power transmission Regular Race Last: This is the last our racers use: precise on the forefoot, superior comfort in the middle section of the foot and outstanding heel retention. This combination of precise fit and ergonomic support offers the best power transfer.
