British sprinter Mark Cavendish is not only known for his remarkable achievements but also his unique style that extends to his choice of footwear.
This year, as Cavendish inches closer to breaking Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 Tour de France stage wins, he does so in exclusive, custom-made Nike cycling shoes that stand out in the peloton.
Cavendish and Nike share a long-standing relationship that took a brief pause when he rode with Deceuninck-Quick-Step, donning Specialized S-Works shoes. But, Cavendish’s switch to Astana-Qazaqstan marked a rekindling of his partnership with Nike.
Intriguingly, this comes at a time when Nike’s current cycling shoe line only includes indoor cycling shoes, making Cavendish’s shoes a truly rare commodity.
2023 Tour de France Riders’ Gear
The unique design of Cavendish’s shoes is the result of a collaboration between Nike and British designer, Sophia Webster. Drawing inspiration from mythology and fashion, the shoes incorporate wings on each side, symbolic of the Greek god Hermes and mirroring Webster’s popular sandal designs. Coupled with a golden Nike ‘swoosh’ and sole, the shoes emanate an aura of speed and victory, reflecting Cavendish’s sporting prowess.
Cavendish’s return to Nike and the unveiling of these custom shoes mark another interesting chapter in his illustrious career. Not only do they demonstrate his style, but they also stand as a testament to his ongoing influence within the sport. As he strides closer to breaking Merckx’s record, these shoes will undeniably become a part of cycling history.
Mark Cavendish’s journey, as he potentially surpasses one of the sport’s greatest records, is already filled with excitement. His custom-made Nike shoes, and custom-painted Wilier Filante SLR bike, embodying speed, victory, and style, add an extra layer of intrigue and admiration to this endeavor.
Whether we will see a public release remains unclear, but there is no doubt that the unique design and exclusivity would be welcomed by fans and cyclists alike.
One thing is certain: every pedal stroke takes Cavendish, and his exclusive Nikes, closer to making history.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.