Chrome Industries Kursk AW 2.0 Pro Sneaker - Night

Chrome Industries Kursk AW 2.0 Pro is a low-profile SPD sneaker for anyone who cycles to work, rides fixed gear or single speed, and wants the benefits of clipless pedals without spending the rest of the day walking around in a stiff MTB shoe. It is exactly the kind of cycling shoe we think belongs in an urban environment: stiff enough when you pedal, but still built for walking, running errands, and grabbing a coffee when the bike is parked.

The FlexPlate construction uses a nylon reinforcement through the sole to provide better support and power transfer on the pedal, while the shoe retains more flex at the front than a traditional cycling shoe. The recessed 2-bolt mount places the cleat inside the outsole, making the Kursk much more comfortable to walk in and reducing how much the cleat contacts the ground. It works with most common 2-bolt systems, including Shimano SPD, Time, and Crankbrothers. Pedal cleats are not included.

AW stands for All Weather. The upper is made from heavy-duty, water-resistant 1050D nylon and is combined with a higher rubber rand around the sole and a gusseted tongue to keep out more rain spray, dirt, and cold air. The outsole was developed together with Japanese brand Panaracer and uses vulcanized rubber with good grip both on the ground and when using the shoe with regular platform pedals. It is a weather-resistant cycling shoe, not a completely waterproof shoe.

The Night version has reflective details on the heel and laces that become visible when hit by light in the dark. The laces can be tucked away in Chrome’s Lace Garage on the tongue, keeping them away from the chain and chainring—a small but very sensible detail, especially on fixed gear and single speed bikes.

We have used the Kursk AW 2.0 Pro ourselves in both heavy rain and sunshine, on longer rides and quick errands. The combination is what makes the shoe so good: it works like a proper SPD cycling shoe when you are on the bike, but looks and feels much more like a regular sneaker when you get off. Chrome states that the model runs approximately half a size large and recommends going down half a size. Based on our own experience, we agree.

Quick Specs

• Model: Chrome Industries Kursk AW 2.0 Pro
• Version: Night
• Type: SPD sneaker / cycling shoe for commuting and urban cycling
• Cleat mount: Recessed 2-bolt mount
• Compatibility: Most 2-bolt systems, including Shimano SPD, Time, and Crankbrothers
• Pedal cleats: Not included
• Sole construction: Chrome FlexPlate with nylon reinforcement
• Outsole: Vulcanized Panaracer rubber
• Upper: Water-resistant 1050D nylon
• Construction: Raised rubber rand and gusseted tongue for better weather protection
• Reflective details: Heel and laces
• Lacing: Classic lacing with Lace Garage
• Insole: Molded PU insole
• Materials: Vegan construction without animal-derived materials
• Fit: Approximately half a size large—Chrome recommends going down half a size
• Use: Cycling commutes, fixed gear, single speed, and other urban cycling