Etnies have been synonymous with Skateboarding and bmx riding for many years, and used to offer my go-to set of bmx shoes – the Number mid. These were discontinued a few years ago, resulting in me going elsewhere in search of that perfect level of support, pedal feel and grip. The Marana Mid Crank was released by Etnies last year, taking the classic Marana mid profile and adding a myriad of bike-specific features without spoiling the looks. With such fond memories of Etnies shoes I had to get myself a set to put to the test.
Etnies drafted in the expertise of Michelin to handle things in the rubber department, and as such the shoe proudly sports a Michelin logo on each of the heels. Between your feet and this rubber is the stiffest shank that Etnies make, providing a great deal of support; an STI Evolution foam midsole; and finally a Pro1 insole as the final layer underneath your feet. Protection is provided in the form of an injected rubber toe cap and an asymmetrical mid-top upper, keeping your toes and ankles safe through the rigors of aggressive bike riding. A Scotchgard™ treatment is applied to the upper to resist the elements and keep your feet dry, combining with the quick-drying 3M™ Thinsulate™ material used for the main bulk of the shoe, to create a purpose built item that should keep mountain bikers happy in all but the wettest of conditions. A tongue pouch for lace secretion rounds out the feature packed Marana mid crank shoe; retailing for $119.99 and available in the usual range of sizes, including half sizes between the most common.
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From The Loam Wolf
The Loam Wolf has been watching from the woods and mountains above, waiting for the right time to attack the status quo. We have descended, hell-bent and heaven-sent to reignite the stoke in riders around the world. Our pack has been growing and we smell blood. The passion, wildness, and grassroots love for our sport will no longer go without a voice. The Wolf Pack is here, and we will do our best to unite photographers, industry friends, athletes and mountain bikers of all kinds while giving them a voice and place to remember why they fell in love with riding bikes.
