Ride Concepts’ new VICE shoe is aimed at dirt jump, slalom, BMX and downhill riders who value pedal feel.
Ride Concepts produces a whole host of cycling-specific shoes and sponsors some of the biggest talents in the industry. Riders such as the Athertons, Sam Pilgrim and Kyle Strait all wear Ride Concepts rubber, and from our own experience, the shoes are pretty good.
The new VICE shoe gets a familiar skate-shoe design, a style that was missing from the Ride Concepts range, and throws in some high-tech features to produce a stylish and grippy pair of kicks.
As well as looking more like a casual skate shoe, the VICE also has the new RC Fusion outsole. This sole is described as an ‘inverse, gradient diameter hexagon’ in the Ride Concepts marketing email, but to us, it looks similar to your traditional waffle style grip.
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The hexagon pattern varies in sizes with the shapes nearest to the toe measuring 9mm in diameter and those at the heel just 7mm. The idea behind the different sizes is so the pedal can seat itself securely in the smaller diameter hexagons for added grip.
It’s worth mentioning at this point that the VICE is aimed at riders who value pedal feel, meaning that there is no firm foot support for pedalling efficiency in the shoe. Some riders may prefer this, BMX, pump track riders, etc, though riders wanting to cover distance and who value pedal efficiency will likely prefer a different shoe in the Ride Concepts range.
Enhancing grip is the Rubber Kinetics DST 6.0 HIGH GRIP rubber outsole, a material that is super tacky and easily allows pins to bite right into the sole.
The skate style upper is made of durable suede with perforations for breathability. A gusseted tongue is designed to prevent debris and dirt getting inside, but it’s safe to say that these are a dry weather shoe and shouldn’t really be used as an all-rounder or in the rain.
A TPU Toe protector and rubber toe cap are featured but again think of these as light protection and not something you would rely on to fend off rocks and roots on the trail.
D30, a soft material that firms upon impact, is used for the heel and ball to protect the foot in the event of a hard landing.
The VICE is available in Charcoal, Black, Camo, Grey and this special edition Kyle Strait model with a gum coloured outsole.
Ride Concepts VICE First Impressions
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I was sent the VICE just a few weeks ago and used them solely on those dry and dusty days between rain clouds.
The skate-style design is closer to a pair of Vans or Etnies shoes, but the materials and overall quality are of a much higher standard, and I suspect the VICE would outlast either.
If you’re used to riding in trail/enduro flat shoes then the soft materials and loose fit are the first things you’ll notice, then the lack of protection around your heel. It’s clear that Ride Concepts have a very specific market in mind for the VICE and trail/enduro riding isn’t it.
This is further evident if you do take to more challenging terrain in the soft shoe. Pedalling and riding on rutted out dry tracks is not where the VICE likes to be.
Head to a flowing pump track, or hit the local dirt jumps though and the VICE comes into its own. The DST 6.0 outsole and hexagon pattern happily moulds around the pins of any pedal for ample grip, while the D30 panels did the best to iron out my various attempts at not casing.
A gusseted tongue keeps the majority of stones and grit out, but what’s missing is a lace retention system. Usually, there’s a small pouch or even just a loop of elastic to keep laces away from your chainring, but not on the VICE.
Off the bike, the VICE is extremely comfortable, and as mentioned above, feel and look like a pair of Vans or Etnies, and I think this is how a lot of people are going to see them, as a pair of quality shoes that have great features for hitting the BMX track or dirt jumps, and perhaps the occasional summer ride.
Ride Concepts VICE Shoe – what could be better
- Some sort of lace retention system.
- Slightly higher heel for more protection.
- Beefier toe box.
Ride Concepts VICE Shoe – what I love
- The grip is outstanding.
- True to their design, the VICE is great for riders who want to feel the pedal.
- Great looking, comfortable on and off the bike.
Ride Concepts VICE Shoe
- Men’s £89.95
- Women’s £89.95
- Youth £64.95
- From: Silverfish