# 3D-Woven Cyclist Shoes The Rapha Explore Powerweave Cycling Shoe is Protective and Lightweight By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-03-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapha-explore-powerweave-cycling-shoe References: [uncrate](https://uncrate.com/rapha-explore-powerweave-cycling-shoe/) & [rapha.cc](https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/explore-powerweave-shoe/product/ERS01XX) The [Rapha Explore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/explore-collection) Powerweave Cycling Shoe is a footwear style created with avid [off-road riders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-tracker-textile-at-ii) in mind to help them easily maintain comfort and agility when spending extended periods on their favorite trails or routes. The shoes feature a 3D-woven upper fabric section that's durable yet lightweight along with TPU-reinforced yarns that further add to a sock-like construction and feel. These components work together to make them a comfort-focused footwear option, while still paying attention to impressive foot protection. The Rapha Explore Powerweave Cycling Shoe is fitted with a carbon footplate on the bottom that enhances its ability to be secured into place on a bike, while also making them suitable for walking on slick or uneven terrain. A series of anodized titanium hardware components as well as a [BOA Li2 dial system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuga-du-boa) round the style out as perfect for riders of all ranges. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-woven Fabrics:** Incorporating 3D-woven fabrics into products can create durable yet lightweight options with impressive foot protection. - **Carbon Footplates:** Carbon footplates can enhance the functionality of footwear for biking and walking on different types of terrain. - **BOA Li2 Dial System:** The BOA Li2 dial system can provide quick and easy adjustability for footwear, making it ideal for athletes and adventurers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear:** The use of 3D-woven fabrics and carbon footplates can revolutionize the athletic footwear industry by providing comfort, durability and protection. - **Biking Gear:** Developing products that incorporate both carbon footplates and the BOA Li2 dial system can provide biking enthusiasts with comfortable and versatile gear. - **Outdoor Apparel:** Companies in the outdoor apparel industry can explore the use of 3D-woven fabrics in creating protective and lightweight clothing for adventurers and professionals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md) - [Adventure-Ready Durable Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/explore-collection.md) - [Tactical Kevlar Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salewa-wildfire-nxt-goretex.md) - [Metallic Indoor Cycling Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-pwrspin-x-alex-toussaint.md) - [Durable Hyper-Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deckers-x-lab-enduro.md) - [Long-Distance Cycling Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brevet.md) - [Bio-Circular Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norda-001a.md) - [Harsh Terrain Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mount-to-coast-t1.md) - [Adventurous Cyclist Pant Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/686-platform-bike-pants.md)