At the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, elite cyclists including Remco Evenepoel, Paul Seixas, Primož Roglič, and Matej Mohorič sparked a major equipment trend by competing in high-performance road shoes equipped with traditional laces instead of modern twistable dials. While consumer markets remain heavily dominated by quick-adjust closure systems like Boa dials, a notable segment of the WorldTour peloton is turning back to laces to optimize aerodynamics and reduce shoe weight.
Aerodynamic Advantages and Wind Tunnel Data
The primary driver behind the professional shift toward lace-up cycling shoes is aerodynamic performance. According to an anonymous aerodynamic expert working in professional cycling, switching from dial closures to low-profile laces on the same shoe model can yield a significant aerodynamic savings ranging from 3 to 10 watts. Alex Dowsett, a former WorldTour time trial specialist and current aerodynamic engineer for the XDS Astana team, measured a 1 percent difference in his own wind tunnel testing. That aerodynamic delta translates to approximately 4 watts saved during a hypothetical flat time trial effort.
Specialized, which supplies shoes to both Evenepoel and Roglič, confirmed that athletes weigh these performance metrics closely. A Specialized representative stated that riders choose laces based on a preference for closure feel, aerodynamic performance, and reduced weight, though the brand also noted that laces lack on-the-fly adjustability during long races.
Comparison with Traditional Shoe Covers
The aerodynamic gains provided by lace-up shoes match efficiency figures previously achieved using full aero overshoes, such as those worn by Mathieu van der Poel in past events. However, traditional shoe covers introduce operational drawbacks, including time-consuming application procedures and a reduction in breathability that causes discomfort during warm weather or grueling 270-kilometer road races like the World Championships course in Montreal. During the Montreal championships, riders split evenly between wearing shoe covers and utilizing lace-up models, while Van der Poel bypassed both options in favor of aero socks paired with Shimano S-Phyre shoes featuring dial closures.
Pro Preference Versus Consumer Market Trends
A clear divide exists between the equipment preferences of professional racers and everyday consumers. While elite riders sacrifice the convenience of on-the-fly adjustments for marginal aerodynamic gains, the overwhelming majority of retail cyclists purchasing gear in Montreal continue to select shoes equipped with Boa dials. For standard riders, refined fit, high adjustability, and straightforward serviceability outweigh the minor wattage savings realized in competitive racing environments.
