The British Columbia-based footwear company Drift, previously operating under the name DZR, has rolled out a refreshed version of its original Minna model. This latest iteration is positioned for dry trail sessions, pump track laps, and everyday city commuting.
The redesigned Minna sports an upper constructed from suede, ripstop textile, and full-grain leather, all backed by a waterproof lining. A gum rubber outsole in the classic skate-shoe style rounds out the bottom, while a recessed composite plate accommodates SPD cleats.
According to Drift, every pair of their shoes is hand-assembled in limited production runs. The brand relies on full-grain leather for uppers, incorporates a waterproof membrane, and uses a composite shank paired with an SPD plate to boost overall stiffness.
Protection features on the Minna include a fortified toe cap to shield your feet, plus a shock-absorbing footbed for added comfort. A sizable leather button-down flap covers the laces, keeping them safely away from your bike’s drivetrain.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the Drift Minna brings to the table:
- Waterproof construction: a dual-layer build that keeps moisture out when conditions turn wet
- Mixed-material upper: ripstop textile, suede, and leather combine for a light, breathable feel
- Refined shape: a comfortable interior paired with a sleek, low-profile exterior
- Rugged shank: a rigid cleat plate that delivers stiffness and efficient power transfer while pedaling
- Gum rubber outsole: grippy, skate-inspired traction suited to dry weather
- Recessed SPD integration: functions equally well as a riding shoe or a casual option for the office or a night out
Drift describes the revamped Minna as athlete-driven in its development, created in British Columbia with a focus on staying light enough for warm, dry-weather rides. Even so, should a sudden downpour catch you on the trail or during a wet commute, the shoe is built to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
This release builds on Drift’s first model, the Arc—a low-top, sneaker-inspired cycling shoe engineered specifically for rainy conditions, which retailed at £180 / $240.
The Minna’s outsole feels significantly stiffer than what you’d find on other hybrid urban-SPD shoes, such as CHPT3’s Transit. This supports the claim that Drift’s Minna leans more toward performance than pure urban casual.
Shane Rattazzi, co-founder and CEO of Drift, explained: “The Minna honors our roots in the SPD-compatible sneaker space, blending contemporary textiles and suede to deliver a more comfortable, adaptable fit for daily progress both on and off the mountain.”
In terms of weight, the Minna tips the scales at 540g per shoe for a USA size 11 / EU45 / UK10.
Color options include White, Navy, and Army Green—each with white/gum rubber soles—as well as an all-Black version featuring a traditional all-gum rubber bottom. Retail pricing is set at £142 / $189.
