Lightweight, with excellent power transfer and an impressive level of technical achievement, the Time Osmos 15 Road Shoe loudly announces Time's re-entry into the cycling shoe world. Time has developed the Osmos shoes for optimal bioposition with the Xpro and Xpresso Time road pedals, but the sole will also set-up well with most 3-bolt cleat road pedal systems. In other words, this is a modern shoe, with contemporary set-up and features, not the old school Time TBT design. When last we saw Time's shoes, the venerable UL Team had already been updated in this way, but the Osmos takes the 100% carbon outsole further, making it a great choice for any road cyclist.

Time has long been known for advancing technology and mastering material science in the process of building great framesets, pedals and shoes. The Osmos 15 features a sculpted and evolved carbon sole that masters the essentials for spring, heel lift and power transfer zone. The designers opted to have inflow and outflow venting within the sole to help reduce heat and moisture build-up under the fore and midfoot. A fixed, durable toe-tap is centered between the two intake vents, and the softer heel tap is replaceable. Overall the carbon sole is an impressive piece of work, and light, assisted by Time's deep experience with carbon fiber. Many of the directional features that normally are hidden between the sole and last are visible, and you can see how the design carries power, and supports the mid and rear of the foot. Time hasn't released a stiffness scale as other companies have, but from the structure alone, you intuitively know it is truly stiff.

The upper is a marvel as well, with absolute minimal stitching despite three materials being used. A supple, strong, lightweight microfiber is used for the base "boot", along with a PU material that offers stretch and improved fit while adding what resembles an anatomic set of "ribs" that complement the natural shape and structure of the foot. Large mesh zones allow for considerable active breathability and inflow of air that keeps the top and sides of the foot cooler and drier. The paneled materials of seamless upper are hot-welded, with spider-web reinforcement on the inside. The Osmos 15 as the premium grade shoe gets more more reinforcement than it's two siblings. Time has followed the example of most top-end shoes, turning to Boa for the consistent, easy to adjust dial and wire IP1 closures. Two are used on the Osmos 15, and the dial and anchor placements seem just about perfectly aligned with the support for a fit that doesn't leave gaps or bunching. While individual foot shape and volume greatly impact such fit, few other hoes using the Boa system close more naturally than the Osmos.

If the upper and carbon sole speak to fit, ventilation, and supreme knowledge of how a shoe functions, it is the last and insole of the Osmos 15 that make it eminently rideable, As after all where the foot presses against the shoe is crucial to longevity on the bike. Given Time is part of the Rossingnol family, the board last is thin, yet perfect, creating an ideal platform the dense, supportive and highly breathable insole. All too often cycling shoe insoles- regardless of fancy names or adjustability- just don't seem to deliver on marketing promises. Time has opted for a dual density insole that employs a firm, yet energy returning Sensor foam. This has been developed to absorb and mitigate road vibrations that pass from the pedal to foot, while not compressing to the point where power transfer is lost, particularly under the ball of the foot. This "red zone" is also well perforated to allow the airflow from the sole to reduce heat and friction at this highly concentrated pressure zone. The arch shape and the minor details sculpted into the bottom of the insole are not just for show, but to aid in positive energy transfer, minimize vibrations, add support and lessen the overall effect of constant pressure subjected on the foot during pedaling action.

All the technology, expertise, and fine materials in the world won't matter if a cycling shoe doesn't fit you properly, and just as feet of some cyclists fit better in a Sidi, while others need a forgiving shape and volume allowed by Shimano, not everyone will find the Osmos 15 suit their feet, but we can say this, the anatomic shape and upper system Time has developed will work for various foot shapes and volumes. It doesn't appear to have as much forefoot width as the UL-series shoes, but that may well depend on where you need it, as the upper is much more forgiving and the informed placement and considerable wire range of the dual Boa IP1 units will offer superior fit to many large volume feet. The Time Osmos 15 will appeal to, and fit, a wide range of cyclists who believe strongly that cycling footwear should never be taken for granted, and should in fact represent one of the most important choices a rider must make.