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.... Read More