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Northwave Compact 5

After five years going compact, Northwave revamped the line with a powerful featherweight, the Compact 5. This snug, stealth shoe brings out the sprinter in you. It sings Italian opera every time you put it on and gives you garlic breath every time you take it off. The minute weight they shaved off this year's model allows you to start channeling Paola Pezzo (cross-country Olympian, golden goddess) who will pull you through the climbs and entice you down the descents. It’s safe to say there ain’t a whole lot there for protection - we feared kicking anything harder than thick moss while testing these thin-skinned beauties.

Set Back: ~$160

Who The Shoe Fits: A racer or hard cross-country rider who never seems to find the right fit or someone looking to sing Italian opera while descending the steeps and offering up a water bottle of fine Italian merlot to all who pass on the climbs.

Features: Laces below Velcro and the delightful inner nylon sock complete the wrap of luxury that (above all) defines this shoe . The rigid plastic sole is designed for riding and it will help you perform flawlessly - though it will make you walk funny. I didn’t notice anything other than their lightness while walking. The custom heel cup forms a solid fit without constriction and its integration with the inner sock gives it a buttery-soft feel.

Factors: Not much toe protection, but when you’re traveling at Paola speed, who thinks about crashing? The offset yellow and black reflect the Euro-style you’ve been missing all your life. Golden bike shorts (like Paola's)/ lugs not included. The vents are high on the shoe, making it hard to get them completely soaked. No matter, they'll feel dry after a few pedal strokes.

Tongue 'n Groove: This shoe will make you wish you were Italian. Hands down, the baddest of the bunch. It's slim on protection, but you won't care. They claim that the "grippy vulcanized natural rubber outer sole" grips wet rocks, muddy and wet ground better than any other sole on the market. Perhaps so, but we need to mind-meld with Leonard Nimoy before we can confirm that this is a true vulcanization process and not just more Vulcan propaganda.