If you’ve been around the scene for a while, the name DZR Shoes likely rings a bell. They were pioneers in the “clipless sneaker” space, essentially creating the category of shoes that look as good at the bar as they feel on the trails. After a brief hiatus, the brand is back under DRIFT, and they’ve just dropped their first silhouette: The ARC.
DRIFT is leaning hard into the classics, and in a world where BOA is king, I still love a little lace action. The ARC is a premium, full-grain leather, waterproof MTB shoe that feels like a bit of a throwback in the best way possible.
BIKE
Fun Fact: BIKE and DZR had a collab shoe back in the day, and I remember always wanting a pair.
Developed and tested in the soggy mountains of British Columbia, the ARC wasn’t just built for Tahoe sunshine; it was built for year-round riding. The use of leather is intentional here; it’s naturally durable and, unlike its synthetic counterparts, it molds to your foot over time, developing a specific character and a patina that tells a story – something I really, really dig.
Details
The core of the ARC is built around three pillars: premium leather, total waterproof protection, and versatile SPD compatibility. It features a specialized waterproof construction designed for whatever the forecast has in store.
DRIFT
- Waterproof, full-grain leather construction
- Composite shank
- Reinforced toe box
- Rubber outsole
- SPD compatibility
- Sizes 5M to 12M (6W-13W)
- MSRP: $240
The ARC uses a composite shank to transfer power while maintaining a natural walking gait off the bike. It’s the kind of shoe you can wear for a multi-day trip where you might spend as much time pushing your bike or grabbing a coffee as you do pedaling.
Intentional Design
According to DRIFT Co-founder and CEO Shane Rattazzi, the ARC represents a move toward a more “intentional” business model. Rather than flooding the market with dozens of SKUs, DRIFT is focusing on small-batch development and meticulous testing.
DRIFT
“This is how we plan to operate as a brand: small-batch development and intentional product introductions that reflect the design and development approach of DRIFT,” says Rattazzi.
It’s great to see a brand with this much heritage coming back to the table with a focus on high-quality materials and “ride-everything” versatility. I’m looking forward to getting a pair of these dirty to see if that BC-tested waterproofing can handle the unrelenting SW Idaho sunshine and moondust over the summer.
Availability and Pricing
The DRIFT ARC is a unisex style and is available in five muted, trail-ready colorways: Cedar, Forge, Stone, Charcoal, and Black/White.
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- Price: $240
- Sizing: 5M to 12M (6W-13W)
- Where to Buy: Exclusively at drift-sports.com.