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Northwave’s Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes is the bigger brother of their entry-level Scorpius 2 MTB Shoes. As you would expect from the better sibling, the Scorpius 2 Plus is both stronger and lighter with improved ventilation. These Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes are perfect for the weekend warrior who has been searching for a performance-enhancing edge to separate them from the pack.
Stiff Scorpius
Northwave’s Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes were awarded a whopping stiffness rating of 10.0 – that’s an impressively stiff sole. This is possible through the use of a unique Speedlight 3D Sole; the nylon chassis has been injected with fiberglass whilst the upper outer polished shell has been co-injected for supreme rigidity. When you’re climbing a steep gradient or descending like a demon, the super-stiff sole on these Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes will deliver optimal power through your pedals without the sloppy flex of other MTB shoes.
Lightweight And Breathable
Northwave has incorporated a Multilayer Thermowelded Construction to provide additional weight-savings. This refined process combines multiple layers into a one-piece outer shell to provide superb breathability. When coupled with an advanced AirFlow System, these Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes keep your feet cool and comfortable when the temperature rises and the action becomes fierce. An Integrated Heel System works with the technology in these Scorpius 2 MTB Shoes to keep your heel firmly in place whilst offering trimming further weight.
Lightweight and breathable doesn’t mean flimsy. These Scorpius 2 Plus MTB Shoes come with Microinjected Protections to safeguard your feet from rogue branches and stones when you’re shredding the trail.
Features:
- Material: Nylon filled Fiberglass (sole); Rubber (studs); TPU (outer shell)
- Stiffness index rating of 10.0
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Microinjected Protections to protect against injury from branches and stones
- SLW2 dial plus extra strap: the only one with step by step and full release pressing a single button
- Integrated Heel System ensures efficient heel retention
- Weight: 350g
Northwave Scorpius 2 Plus Review:
Pros:
- Very stiff
- Lightweight
- Microinjected protection
- SLW2 dial plus extra strap with downloadable app for fine tuning
- Hook and loop strap on top for easy and quick fitting
- Heel is securely fitted to the shoe
- Durable
Cons:
- Fire orange covers over the spikes get quite scratched easily (as with my pair)
- Not a viable option for someone who has wide feet or like me, have fat and wide forefeet
- Breathability could have been a little more efficient
Northwave Scorpius 2 Plus Review:
I absolutely love MTB shoes. Northwave Scorpius is my 4th pair so far and the 6th pair of SPD shoes that I own. When choosing a pair of MTB shoes, the priority for me is not how wide they are or how comfortable they are (there is plenty of shoes for that). I am more concerned about the stiffness and lightweight features as I am a serious avid cyclist. I can comfortably say the Northwave Scorpius 2 Plus is a very stiff MTB shoe and because of that, it transfers power to the pedals very effectively. The Scorpius 2 Plus is also very lightweight weighing only 350g. With lots of protection, I never worry if something sharp will poke my toes since I know my investment in my Scorpius 2 plus is safe and secured. There are many reviews with a lot of pros and cons about Northwave shoes but at the time of writing, I never came across one which can outperform this Scorpius 2 plus considering the price range it falls into. If the breathability of the Scorpius 2 plus is a little better and its exterior is more durable, then I will gladly give it a 10/10.
Other MTB Shoe Reviews By SPEEDCLICKE
Northwave Delta Review:
Northwave’s Delta MTB Shoes have been stylishly designed. They are aggressive, modern and crafted following the latest trend in performance shoes.Northwave’s Delta MTB Shoes are great for any rider who is looking for a shoe that can keep up with their style. These Delta MTB Shoes were awarded an incredible rating of 8.0/10 for stiffness. That’s as stiff as it gets for an SPD shoe! These MTB Shoes has a dial system just like the Speedplay pedals and it functions exactly like the Speedplay pedals. The quality of the shoe features is noticeable when you look at the price. Northwave Delta Shoes comes in over a dozen color configurations.
Pros:
- Tough rubber toe bumper
- Comfortable and lightweight
- 8.0/10 for stiffness
- Compatible with multiple standards
- Adjustable strap
- Dial system and release button
Cons:
- Expensive
Northwave Delta Review:
Northwave has been my favorite brand before but they have been doing things lately that I’m not a fan of. When I first saw their new shoes, I was pretty excited. With the addition of the dial system, these Delta shoes are very flexible and comfortable. Northwave Delta is strong for its price, it’s not as stiff as the Scorpius 2 but for the price, the stiffness is sufficient, comfort is amazing and the dial makes the riding experience even better. There’s a couple of negative things about the Delta shoes. The first one is the dial system is limited. When you have angle issues like some users reported, you might damage the dial system or even worse, send it back to Northwave for exchange. That being said, it’s safe to say Northwave should probably have made a few more adjustments on the dial to prevent this issue. Second thing is that it’s a pretty expensive shoe. $290 for something like this is pretty stiff but things like this tend to be hard on the pocket book. It also has a pretty low bottom profile. It’s not as low as the Delta Experts but you’ll be walking across rocks and stuff if you have a narrow feet. Finally, the last thing is not really negative but it’s worth mentioning that Northwave Delta shoes do not come with toe cleat and it will require you to spend more for them.
Pros:
- Sufficient stiffness for its price
- Flexible dial system
- Great fitting shoes
- Super comfortable
- Super lightweight at only 355g
- Lots of color configuration
- 2 dial positions for easier pedaling
Cons:
- The dial system might have a higher failure rate because of its flexibility
- Expensive
- No toe guards
- Has a narrow profile
- Fire orange covers get worn quickly
- Not very stable at high speed
Northwave Scope Review:
Northwave has been my favorite brand before but they have been doing things lately that I’m not a fan of. When I first saw their new shoes, I was pretty excited. With the addition of the dial system, these VX shoes are very flexible and comfortable. Northwave VX is as stiff as the Scorpius 2 plus which is pretty good for the price. The Northwave VX shoes also hold slips nicely when you are braking. Another thing that I like about the Northwave VX shoes is that the heel fits securely in there. This is unlike the Northwave Scope shoes. Lastly, the Northwave VX shoes is much lighter than the Northwave Scope shoes. These shoes weigh 306g in size 42 (EU). That’s half the weight of Northwave’s Scope shoes.
Northwave VX Review:
Pros:
- Stiffest SPD shoes in the market today
- Secure heel retention
- Fire orange protective coating is durable
- Light
- SLW2 dial for easy adjustment
- Tubular webbing strap
- Secure hook and loop strap
- Breathable
- Deep heel pocket to prevent heel shifting on board
Cons:
- None
Northwave Scope Review:
Northwave’s VX shoes are similar to the original VX shoes except they are much lighter. These VX shoes weigh 306 g in size 42 (EU). That’s half the weight of Northwave’s Scope shoes.
Pros:
- Stiff
- Light weight
- Great fit
- Touch screen capability
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Expensive
- Poor ventilation
Northwave VX5 Review:
Pros:
- Stiff
- Lightweight
- Contain toe spike protection boot
- Touch screen capability
- SLW2 dial for easy adjustment
- Easy to secure
- Comfortable fit
- Lots of colors
Cons:
- Expensive
Northwave’s Answer For The Heel-lock Shoes
The idea of Northwave releasing their own version of the heel-lock shoe came at the beginning of 2014 when 8bar, a German company that specializes on creating shoes for racing, released their new shoe called the 8bar Genius. The Genius has a special ability to snap back when you heel-out. This makes pedaling in the aero position and doing track stand easy. The Genius was not the first ever SPD shoe that has the ability to do heel-out pedaling. In 2010, Fuji came up with the Fuji Ace TT which came with this capability. The design is similar to that of 8bar Genius minus the ability to snap back. Northwave, being the leader in SPD shoes released this shoe a little later than 8bar, with the release of their answer called the Scorpius 2 Plus.
This SPD shoe with Heel-out capability has been tested over 2 months, racing, and even trips to the bike shop multiple times.
