OSMOS: the return of TIME shoes

By Sébastien Jacquet – Photos: Time – Nicolas Joly / DR

Six years after discontinuing the development and production of its shoes, Time is reconnecting with one of its original activities in 2019. The brand’s history began in 1986 with the launch of its first clipless pedal, followed by its first pair of road shoes in 1988… This was followed by more than two decades of success and high-quality work recognized on the feet of many users, from the greatest champions in the professional showcase to Sunday anonymous riders.

The French company has been working on the subject for two years, with the idea of improving “the link between the body and the pedal, and strengthening pedaling efficiency and power transfer.” With its range of pedals and cleat system, to which frame manufacturing can be added, Time thus intends to offer a complete range to support cyclist performance. For its return, Time relied on 40 years of experience and know-how from the Research and Development Center of its parent company, Rossignol, based in the heart of sports shoe manufacturing, in Montebelluna in the Veneto region of Italy. To design and develop its new models, Time focused on two of the most important notions in the eyes of the practitioner: comfort and performance.

Initial work on the last shape design, based on the approximately 3,000 feet referenced in the Montebelluna R&D center, to best adapt to different anatomies and provide optimal comfort, then on the selected materials (polymers, carbon fibers, synthetic materials, vacuum hot-pressed film + breathable textile, screen printing, etc.) to meet the targeted criteria of practitioners: support, comfort, lightness, durability, and breathability.

Time also worked on the design of its product, drawing inspiration from the dynamic and curved lines of the automotive world, futuristic concept cars, and prestige cars that exude elite performance.

Seamless construction

Osmos 10, 12, and 15 each feature an upper based on a seamless construction, which differs in the level of ventilation and rigidity without compromising foot support and comfort. Thus, the Osmos 12 and 15 offer the most breathability, and the Osmos 15 also integrates an internal reinforcement to strengthen and stiffen the upper, and increase its level of performance. Time has also added silicone micro-pads on the heel to reinforce foot support in the shoe during activity.

Three models, three outsoles

Each of the three Osmos models is based on its own outsole. The highest-end version, the Osmos 15, benefits from a 100% carbon fiber sole whose positioning and quantity of carbon sheets ensure maximum stiffness-to-weight ratio.

In the mid-range, the Osmos 12 benefits from a composite outsole, which integrates 20% carbon fibers, as well as a 100% carbon insert to increase stiffness at the support surface.

Last in the range, the Osmos 10 is based on the most simplified version, with a composite sole comprising 20% carbon fibers.

Boa IP1 closure technology

Boa technology is integrated into the different models. A single Boa IP1 closure for the Osmos 10, a Boa IP1 closure + Velcro straps for the Osmos 12, while the Osmos 15 is designed with a double Boa IP1 closure.

Two comfort-focused insoles

Time has developed Sensor 2 and Sensor 2+ insoles designed specifically to reduce vibrations in the metatarsal area, where the foot experiences the most, in order to enhance comfort. The Sensor 2+ insole is specific to the Osmos 15 shoe and benefits from high-density EVA inserts to increase stiffness and optimize energy transfer. While the Sensor 2 insole, featured in the Osmos 10 and 12 models, emphasizes comfort.

In-house lab tests

Of course, the Osmos in prototype form underwent rigorous testing at the Montebelluna center through a series of multiple tests before its launch on the production site and its market release. Tests on materials (tensile strength, seam strength, tear resistance; abrasion resistance of the upper and lining; flex resistance; colorfastness; permeability; UV aging). Tests on soles (flex resistance; torsion resistance; nut tensile strength; weight). Tests on the finished product (flexion; bond strength between inner and outer sole; outsole tensile strength; weight). And finally, a whole series of usage tests at rest or in action (such as ease of putting on and taking off, ease of opening and closing, support, heel position, interior comfort, energy transfer, foot stability and positioning, breathability, etc.).

Shoes, cleats, pedals

With this return to the market, Time is once again able to offer the complete “shoes-cleats-pedals” package, and thus intends to offer “minimal bioposition.” That is, to reduce the distance between the shoe sole and the center of the pedal to increase pedaling efficiency. The work done on the outer and inner sole was done with this in mind, and Time recommends, for maximum efficiency in action, the combination of the three products (and notably the Xpro 15/12/10 or Xpresso 7/4/2 pedal range). Note that the shoes are compatible with all pedals on the market, without the need for an adapter. For example, on the Osmos 15: there is 8 mm of shoe thickness, plus 14 mm for the cleat/pedal assembly: a total of 22 mm distance between the foot and the pedal.

Range, prices, and availability

Technical support for many athletes in their 2019 season, such as the Poissy Triathlon club, the Rally – UHC and Boels Dolsman teams, riders from the professional team Vital Concept – B&B Hôtels, such as Johan Le Bon or Bryan Coquard, the Osmos range is available now. While the pre-series of these shoes is made in Italy, production and manufacturing are transferred to Time’s parent company factory in Romania. The Osmos range is structured around three models, each offered in two colors. The entry-level model, the Osmos 10, is priced at €249.99 (500 g per pair). In the middle, the Osmos 12 is €299.99 (500 g per pair) and the most advanced and technically efficient version, the Osmos 15, is €349.99 (480 g per pair)… All that remains is for us to test these new Time shoes (in their Osmos 15 version) in the coming weeks to tell you more about their behavior, reliability, and efficiency on the road.