Northwave first started manufacturing mountain bike shoes back in 1993, with the brand’s style often leaning more towards a utilitarian look, not too dissimilar to the Shimano ‘space clog’ of years past. Thankfully, this style seems to be dwindling, and shoes that scream “I’m a mountain biker” are becoming less common. In comes the Northwave Overland Plus, which, in our opinion, is a fairly normal-looking shoe yet boasts some great adjustability features.
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Northwave Overland Plus Details
The Overland Plus is Northwave’s Trail/All-Mountain shoe, targeted at those looking for comfortable, lightweight kicks for long days on the bike. It features a Vibram sole in the brand’s ‘Fort Augustus’ tread pattern for plenty of underfoot traction and an EVA midsole to reduce weight and improve vibration absorption. Retention of the upper arch is dealt with by a large velcro strap, and the mid-instep to ties is taken care of by Northwave’s own SLW3 rotor dial.
- Size Range | EU 40-47
- Retention Method | Velcro Strap Upper, SLW3 Dial Lower
- Sole Construction | Vibram Fort Augustus
- Colour Options | Black, Blue
- Price | $259.99 AUD
- Confirmed Weight | 515g per shoe, size 44
What is an SLW3 rotor dial, you say? Well, it’s the brand’s own take on the classic BOA system, using a ratchet dial to increase or release tension to the cable, though the system works a little differently. Adding tension is the same, turn the dial and it reels in the cable, but loosening the shoes uses the smaller lever at the top.
A single push releases a single click of tension, which is brilliant for on-the-bike adjustments. Pulling the lever upwards releases all of the tension quickly, making it easy to remove the shoe.
Flows Initial Impressions
Straight away the Overland’s were comfortable with no immediate pressure points or discomfort, and had plenty of adjustability to dial in the fit.
The Overland Plus isn’t noted as a wide shoe, but in the size 44 tested, it appeared wider than some of the shoes we’ve been riding in, like the Fox Union BOAs & Specialized 2FO Roost. For those with wide feet this eliminated extended periods of wearing the shoe’s in before feeling comfortable, however those with narrower feet may find these a little roomy. Nick typically wears a size 45 in most shoes, however the Overland Plus’ fit on the longer side for a given size, with a size 44 being the perfect fit for his flippers.
Northwave’s own SLW3 dial is an excellent twist on the traditional BOA system, with a nice tactile feel between each click and plenty of adjustability. The single-click tension release is a great addition making rolling adjustments a breeze. The single SLW3 dial and large velcro strap allowed plenty of adjustability, and while we would prefer two dials, it’s really not an issue.
We are always on the lookout for plenty of reinforcing around the toe-box following a few incidents of high-speed karate kicking rocks and tree’s. The Overland Plus score a green tick in this department, and the rubber moulding is nice and robust and will help deaden the blow from an impact. The remainder of the shoe features padding throughout yet remains minimalist to avoid adding bulk and looking like skate shoes from 2005.
The overall construction of the shoes appears plenty durable and we haven’t seen any premature wear or loose stitching. Something to note is the availability of spares for the SWL3 dial, is less common than the BOA system. Northwave does offer replacement parts, but you may not find these in a pinch.
Coming in at $90 AUD less than the Fox Union BOA’s with comparable adjustability and stiffness, these are well worth a look for those in the market for a lightweight trail/all-mountain shoe. The higher volume fit makes these particularly appealing for people with broad feet, however, it’s important to check the sizing carefully to avoid any issues with the extended fit.
