R.E.W. Reynolds cycling shoes: made in England

Now that spring is in the air it's time to drag out that bicycle, dust it off, oil it and set off along daffodil-lined roads to seek new horizons. For this you'll need a pair of quality British-made cycling shoes. In this feature I try out a pair of classic cycling shoes from R.E.W. Reynolds.

Founded in 1921, Reynolds started by making bicycle frames but later started to manufacture cycling shoes as well, no doubt because of their location in Northampton, the heart of the English shoemaking industry.

Some of the colour choices for the R.E.W. Reynolds Classic cycling shoe

I've met David Smith, who now owns Reynolds, on a couple of occasions and his passion for cycling and shoemaking sits well with the business's concentration nowadays on shoe manufacture. He gave me a pair of their classic cycling shoes to try. 

This model of shoe is used for flat pedals with or without toe straps. David Smith explained to me how they've been carefully designed and constructed out of a supple full grain leather with a leather sole with resin stiffener and fluted shank to allow efficient pedal action without sole flex. The result is a shoe that I found comfortable for pedalling but also stylish when worn at home or around the office. 

Sizes are true to size; if anything slightly generous. They are not like vintage cycling shoes that were made very narrow and often small for size, so don't be tempted to go up a size when ordering. Ideal for cycling to work, touring, going shopping or enjoying that classic bicycle ride at L'Eroica Britannia, these are beautifully made and comfortable shoes and are available here in a choice of colours for men and women priced from £149.

Shoes for cleats (for clip-in pedals) and wonderful brogue-style SPD-compatible boots are on the way, so keep an eye on R.E.W. Reynolds website here.