SLAM - Match Race Shoes Review
The Italian-based Slam, a sportswear manufacturer that has been in business since 1979, makes seven models of sailing shoes. We tested the Match Race, described as a "technical sailing shoe." Slam’s shoes have gained a particular foothold in the grand prix racing market, which Practical Sailor considers a qualified endorsement, but one that comes with a caveat: Many products preferred by racers offer superior performance yet also carry a superior price tag. At $130, the Match Race shoes were the most expensive pair we tested.
The upper sections of the Match Race are made from suede panels stitched over foam that’s covered with a proprietary mesh fabric Slam calls Tora and advertises as "breathable." Every seam is double-stitched.
The Match Race, which is made in Italy and comes in four colors, has a unibody sole made up of siped sections under the ball and heel, with larger grooved sipes rimming the periphery. This is the one product Practical Sailor tested where the stitching connecting the sole to the uppers was not visible and therefore better protected from wear. It is also the only test product to have reflective tape sewn on it (upper heel). The Match Race also has a removable, antibacterial, latex foam footbed that also contains "active coals to absorb bad smells," and has been treated with the "essence of perfume," according to Slam.
Bottom Line: Superb comfort with a superior grip and admirable foot protection, this shoe has two Achilles’ heels—drainage (it retained 7 ounces of water and is the only model whose foam footbed absorbs water) and price. If money isn’t an object, you can’t go wrong here.
We are the largest online store for SLAM Sailing Gear in the US. We carry the largest line of SLAM jackets, vests, sailing shoes and gear available in the US. Shop our main online sailing clothing and outdoor performance clothing store while we build our new SLAM Sailing Store online. Call 800-666-1050 if you have any questions regarding SLAM Clothing.