Gaerne Carbon G.Stilo+

Gaerne makes a comfortable shoe. That became clear the first time we slipped the G.Stilo+ shoes on. There was no break-in time, and though the shoes are on the narrow side, the upper had enough give to prevent pinching and pressure points. Talk about a glove fit. The G.Stilo+ shoes make a solid argument for the premium price tag.

That glove fit also comes courtesy of the Comfort Fit Tongue, which has a cushioning layer that provides a flat, wide surface over your foot. It’s vented, too, to keep things cool. In fact, there’s venting all throughout the shoe, so despite appearances, air flows quite well through the entire construction. Perforations throughout the thin upper and tongue, as well as six large mesh vents, provide adequate airflow in warm weather. There are six more small vents in the heel cup, too.

The heel cup is also particularly impressive: it held snugly without pinching. Gaerne says the inside has a non-slip treatment, which basically seems to mean the fabric is oriented in such a way as to prevent upward slipping. The outer heel is injection-molded to hold its shape over time.

They’re on the heavy side, though, so weight weenies need not apply. If you value supreme comfort over weight, look no further.

We hope you enjoyed this online gear selection. For the complete VeloNews Buyer’s Guide, which is only available in the magazine, subscribe to VeloNews, visit your local newsstand, or buy the single issue.