Axis RK1 named one of Cyclist's best road cycling shoes of 2026

The Axis RK1 makes Cyclist's best road cycling shoes of 2026

When we launched O2C earlier this year, we said everything starts with the foot. Now one of the UK's most respected cycling titles has put that idea to the test.

Cyclist magazine has included the Axis RK1 in its Best road cycling shoes 2026 guide. It sits alongside brands that have been making cycling shoes for decades. For a shoe that only started reaching riders in spring, that means a great deal to the whole team.

What Cyclist found

In his full review, Laurence Kilpatrick singled out the tailored fit and the sock-like feel of the upper, calling the RK1 a "very comfy and high performance road shoe."

The buying guide picked up on the details we obsessed over: a non-stretch upper for a close, locked-in fit; a stiff, low-stack carbon sole; and two width options for different foot shapes. It also noted the high heel cup that keeps your heel planted, and the replaceable heel and toe bumpers that help the shoe last.

They were honest about the trade-offs too. White shoes take some looking after, and the RK1 is a premium product. We'd rather you hear that from them than from us.

Why it rides the way it does

A mould for every size. Most brands stretch one sole across several sizes. We make an individual carbon mould for each size and width, so a 39 gets the same support as a 46.

Wide without wobble. Our designer Steven Nemeth spent over 17 years developing performance footwear. His rule is simple: a wider shoe only works if it still supports the foot. So the RK1 pairs a roomy toe box with a structured heel and midfoot.

Light where it counts. At 243.4g per shoe in a size 45, the RK1 is built for the days when the road tilts up. The Dyneema-reinforced knit upper holds its shape without adding weight.

Power straight to the pedal. A T800 Toray unidirectional carbon sole and a low stack height keep your foot close to the pedal axle.

Dialled in, for life. Our own twin alloy dials adjust in both directions for fine-tuning on the move. Every dial and cable carries a lifetime guarantee for the life of the shoe.

Find your fit

The Axis RK1 is available in standard and wide fits for £389.95. Not sure which width suits you? Our fit guide walks you through it in two minutes, and our team is happy to help.

Thank you to Cyclist for putting the RK1 through its paces, and to every rider who took a chance on a new name this year.