Review: Ride Concepts Women’s Vice Shoe

This review featured as part of the Kit Essentials grouptest in issue 142 of Singletrack World. Pleasantly surprising and stylish performer Price: £89.95From: silverfish-uk.comTested By: HannahI was a little sceptical that these casual looking shoes with suede uppers would work well on the trail, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The Ride Concepts Vice Shoe were instantly comfortable, fitting snugly at the ankle but giving space for toes. There’s room to squeeze a waterproof sock in if desired, but the laces will also tighten them up enough to ride – or hang out – in just your usual socks too. As well as the D30 and EVA sole protection, the toe box is reinforced, making them sturdier than their street style suggests. Importantly, the sole is just-so sticky; attached to the bike enough to give confidence, but with scope to adjust foot placement on the fly if needed. They’re also at a Goldilocks spot for stiffness – there’s enough flex to feel the pedal as you’re moving the bike around, but they’re stiff enough to pedal in without tiring your feet out. Off the bike they’re pretty comfortable to walk in on hard packed or urban surfaces, but not so great in the mud. They’re more weatherproof than I expected, and have easily dried overnight above a radiator when they’ve got soaked through. They’ve been very, very muddy, but have cleaned up nicely and are yet to show any significant signs of wear. I’d certainly like to have their mid-height option...

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