Ride Concepts VICE Shoe – REVIEW
A smart blend of street and trail, the new Ride Concepts Vice shoe is heaven-sent for flat pedal riders of all disciplines. Form, function, and comfort – these shoes have it all wrapped up in a low-cut package that wouldn’t be out of place at dinner with Mum. But dinner doesn’t do these performance riding shoes any justice.
We’ve reviewed a few shoes from Ride Concepts in the past, such as the Transition and the Powerline shoe, and have been very impressed with the level of quality and performance that they offer. The brand is continually growing and now offers riders a mix of specific riding shoes for a range of riding styles, from downhill, bike park, DJ, and enduro.
The Vice shoe from Ride Concepts is a stylish flat pedal shoe that can be worn on or off the bike with ease.
Photo: @Jaime Black
Photo: @Jaime Black
Features
They might be pretty with their brushed suede, but the Vice shoe is made to party on the trails and in the street. D30 inner soles handle the big landings. There’s EVA protection all around, and a rugged outsole that also protects the toes.
The RC Fuzion outsole is the brains behind the grip of the Vice shoe, which features a sloped-angle inverse hexagon pattern tread varying in diameter from 9mm at the toe and heel to 7mm at the pedal contact area, to provide a more focused grip pattern on the pedal.
The suede upper is tough, and the easy to clean fully gusseted tongue keeps the dirt on the outside, clamping down nicely with seemingly tough laces. They seem to breathe well, not too hot, but we’ll know for sure once the Aussie winter is over.
Overall they are stocky, yet lightweight on the foot – a nice balance of security and maneuverability.
[easy-image-collage id=12217]Photos: @Jaime Black
Tech Specs
- RC Fuzion outsole features sloped-angle inverse hexagons, varying in diameter from 9mm at the toe and heel to 7mm at the pedal contact area.
- Rubber Kinetics | DST 6.0 HIGH GRIP rubber outsole
- Suede upper is durable and protective
- Cup outsole design features 3mm EVA for additional shock absorption and comfort
- Perforated ventilation for breathability
- TPU toe protection
- Fully gusseted tongue prohibits the intake of dirt and debris
- D3O High Impact Zone Technology insole absorbs impact and reduces fatigue
- Weight: 468g (Men’s 10)
- Material: Suede, Canvas, Synthetic, Rubber
The RC Fuzion outsole with sloped-angle inverse hexagon shapes that vary in diameter from 9mm (rear) to 7mm (front) for a more targeted grip.
Photo: @Jaime Black
On The Trails
From the first ride, it’s clear that marrying your foot to a flat pedal is the sole focus of this shoe. Developed with Kyle Strait and a roster of MTB and BMX legends that dominate just about every surface you can ride, these shoes emanate comfort, connection, and control of your bike.
As a long-time Vans rider, I expected a familiar sense of security on the pedal, and I was genuinely surprised by how well the “RC Fuzion” outsole hooked up with my HT pedals. As you’d hope, no slipping and sliding – just traction on the pedals that provides confidence at speed, on the rough, and in the air. RC describes the sole as “an inverse, gradient diameter hexagon pattern designed to bring the pedal closer to the rider”. I’d say that’s pretty darn accurate.
[easy-image-collage id=12216]Photos: @Jaime Black
Conclusions
The comfort, control, and aesthetics of Ride Concepts’ “VICE” shoe are genuinely impressive. We were especially impressed with how stylish they look off the bike and yet have all the support and protection of a specific flat pedal MTB shoe. Available now in a range of colours for men, women, and kids, we urge you flats riders to try some for yourself.
Price / Where to Buy
Ride Concepts VICE shoe: $204.95 (men’s)
Women’s $204.95
Youth $169.95.
The Ride Concepts Vice shoe is distributed by Lusty Industries in Australia. You can find one of their dealers near you or ask at your local bike shop to get your feet in a pair.
