Review of Chrome Midway

I must confess that I was highly skeptical towards Chrome’s shoe range. Sure, they’re one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bike messenger bags with a fine tradition. 'Chrome started in Boulder, Colorado 14 years ago when a couple of guys needed bags and couldn’t find anything that met their standards. So they got the toughest materials they could find, headed into their garage and started sewing.’ Chrome may not be the first name that comes to my mind when the time comes to get new functional shoes for cycling. But when I received a pair of their Midways back in 2010 I was pretty stoked.

The Midway is distinguished for its fusion of durable cordura and stylish suede that hits below the ankle bone. An awesome looking shoe which impresses me with functionality, high quality materials and some tough riding features.


Chrome currently offers six different shoes: Dresden, Tobruk, Midway, Saipan, Kursk and Arnhem. The Midway was built for those who want a tough shoe to wear from bike to bar with a unique style and let’s just say that there's way more to it than that.

The shoe slips on smooth and feels like my favorite pair of sneakers. I'm amazed at how comfortable these shoes are. As they break in they just get more and more comfortable. To this day, I can honestly say that I did not feel any discomfort. Not to mention they look killer.
Most of my shoes are great to walk in but their performance on the pedals is really terrible. These babies have a stiff sole from the heel to the ball of the foot to prevent flexing from downward pressure when pumping the pedals but yet flexible in the forefoot so that you don’t have to walk around like a dork. I’m positive that the re-enforced nylon/glass fiber shank to support the midsole is one of the key features which makes these shoes unique. By the way the insole is removable.


I’m using a BMX-style platform pedal in combination with a foot retention system. Their low profile design fits perfectly into the toe straps. Entry of the straps are still super quick and easy. The skid resistant contact rubber on the eye catching red stiff-soled shoe offer the best foot to peddle contact that I have ever had.
The particularly stiff and solid sole tells against weight. To reduce weight should be Chromes main goal for the future.
The tread is super grippy, even in the rain but still easy to extricate yourself from your bike when things go wrong, sometimes terribly wrong. I never get the feeling that my foot is backing out of the strap as I’m trying to stop. My feet feel totally secure and they're solid as hell, none of the cordura or suede are wearing too fast.