Review: Ride Concepts Powerline Flat Pedal Shoes
Ride Concepts entered the mountain bike world just over a year ago, and in a relatively short period of time have managed to roll out a complete lineup of shoes that includes multiple flat and clipless-compatible options.
The Powerline shoes are aimed at enduro and gravity riders who are looking for a little more protection during their flat pedal adventures. To that end, they have an extended inner cuff that helps shield ankles from crank and frame impacts, and there's a thin layer of D3O viscoelastic foam inside that cuff for additional impact absorption. D3O is also used in the insoles as well, where it's said to help reduce fatigue.
The Powerline shoes are aimed at enduro and gravity riders who are looking for a little more protection during their flat pedal adventures. To that end, they have an extended inner cuff that helps shield ankles from crank and frame impacts, and there's a thin layer of D3O viscoelastic foam inside that cuff for additional impact absorption. D3O is also used in the insoles as well, where it's said to help reduce fatigue.
Poweline Details
• Rubber Kinetics DST 4.0 Max Grip sole
• Gusseted tongue
• Asymmetric cuff with D3O impact protection
• Colors: charcoal/orange, red/black, black/charcoal
• Sizes: 7 - 13
• Weight: 456 grams (per shoe, size 11)
• MSRP: $150 USD
• www.rideconcepts.com
• Rubber Kinetics DST 4.0 Max Grip sole
• Gusseted tongue
• Asymmetric cuff with D3O impact protection
• Colors: charcoal/orange, red/black, black/charcoal
• Sizes: 7 - 13
• Weight: 456 grams (per shoe, size 11)
• MSRP: $150 USD
• www.rideconcepts.com
Other details include an elasticized lace holder, a molded rubber toe cap, and a gusseted tongue that helps keep trail debris from sneaking into the shoes. Three colors are available in sizes 7-13. MSRP: $150 USD.
The Powerlines use DST 4.0 Max Grip rubber and a hexagonal tread pattern.
A thin piece of D3O is found inside the extended inner cuff for additional impact protection.
An elasticized lace holder prevents unwanted flopping, and the gusseted tongue keeps pebbles and pine needles from getting inside.
Stubbed toes aren't any fun, which is why there's a sturdy rubber toe box.
Performance
The fit of the Powerline shoes was perfect right out of the box, without any break-in period necessary. They fit true to the US sizing designation, and that's the size I'd recommend going off of when picking a size - they seem to run big if you use the EU sizing.
Back to the fit. I've worn dozens of different flat pedal shoes over the years, and these rank right at the top when it comes to overall comfort. I'd say they fit like a glove, but that doesn't quite seem like the right analogy. Maybe performance pillows for your feet? In any case, they're extremely comfortable. They strike a nice balance when it comes to the overall level of stiffness, and my feet stayed happy on numerous long rides.
What about on-bike traction? Well, despite the use of 'Max Grip' rubber, there wasn't quite enough grip for my taste, at least when it comes to rough descents. Now, I'm a rider that prefers my shoes' rubber to be as sticky as possible – I'd rather have to take a few pins out of my pedals because a pair of shoes are too grippy rather than installing extra-pointy shin scrapers in an attempt to eke out more grip. I used the Powerlines with several pedal models, including the ANVL Tilt, Burgtec MK4 Composite, and Chromag Dagga. Even with those Dagga pedals, which are some of the grippiest on the market, I had a few instances when my feet bounced out of position on choppier sections of trail.
I had to really focus on keeping my weight on the pedal pins with the DST rubber, as opposed to Five Ten's Stealth rubber, which feels locked in with only the slightest amount of pressure on the pedals. That DST 4.0 rubber is soft, but I think a slower rebounding compound could be the ticket here – it's possible that would provide the extra level of stickiness I was looking for.
The last couple of months have given me plenty of opportunities to test out the Powerline's ability to shed mud and rain, and they've done quite well in that department. They'll get soaked if it's pouring rain or the trail is covered with deep puddles, but the amount of weight they gained when fully saturated was reasonable – they never turned into soggy bricks. Off-the-bike traction is fine too, unless it's really muddy. In deeper mud the spaces between the hexagons can get clogged, which greatly reduces the amount of traction. Granted, there aren't many shoes that can excel in those kinds of conditions. As far as durability goes, the shoes are still going strong, without any rips, tears, or delamination to be seen.
Toe to Toe: Ride Concepts Powerline vs. Five Ten Impact Pro
The Ride Concepts Powerline and the Five Ten Impact Pro are both aimed at the same portion of the flat-pedal shoe crowd, so let's see how they compare.
Weight: When it comes to shoes, fit and performance are usually much higher up the priority chart then weight. However, in this match-up the point easily goes to the Powerlines – a pair of size 11's weighs .75 pounds less than the Five Tens, which is a significant difference.
Design: Both shoes have a good sturdy construction that helps protect toes from being smashed against rocks, roots, and whatever else gets in the way. The Powerlines do have a higher inner cuff that provides a little extra protection compared to the Impact Pros, and they use D3O in a few key places, but the uppers don't feel quite as supportive and robust compared to the Impacts, so I'd call this one a draw.
Grip: There's no question, this one goes to Five Ten. If that Stealth S1 rubber is a 10 on the grippiness scale, I'd rank the Powerlines as a 7.5 or 8. Of course, not everyone wants their feet to be completely locked onto the pedals - if you're a rider that would rather have it be a little easier to re-position your feet, the Powerlines' reduced stickiness won't be an issue.
Pros
+ Excellent fit & comfort
+ Good coverage around inner ankle
Cons
- Rubber isn't the stickiest out there
Pinkbike's Take
 | The Powerlines are a worthy option for flat pedal riders looking for a light and extremely comfortable shoe that's packed full of useful design features. They're not the absolute grippiest option out there, though, so consider where your preference lies before making a decision. |
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Edit: That said, I just checked the durometer for S1 and Mi6 rubber. It's 64a and 52a respectively. These are supposed to be 40a. Maybe there's some confirmation bias happening with these reviews.
It's almost as if they don't really care about flat shoe riders. (with exception of 5.10, but even they have issues)
I recall some very modular flat pedal shoe being in the market couple of years ago or so, I doubt it lasted an year.
I honestly don't know what people want, but I'd bet most are fairly conservative
They seem to be clearing stock.
Do you know the original RSP for those?
Adidas is adding Gore-Tex to their latest shoes.
No Boa laces though.
Too bad they also decided to add 5.10 branding. Seems unnecessary to me.
You're 100% right. It's not that hard to make a sticky compound rubber sole. Until another manufacturer does, adidas, er, 5ten will be the go-to.
www.bikemag.com/gear/tested-northwave-clan-shoes-150
I personally have three different shoes that are not 5.10's. I have Giro Jackets. Giro Chambers and a pair exactly like they're reviewing here.
The giro jackets are my favorite for day to day wear. I like the original jacket a little better. The new one they changed the sole rubber and it doesn't grip as well. Great shoe for wearing to the office and doing lunch rides. I wouldn't chose them in wet or muddy conditions.
The Giro Chamber is about the same as above but with a little better ankle protection and minor support. Little better in wet conditions just because they're higher. Not as comfortable day to day wearing. So I usually wear the Jackets. Think I have 4 pairs.
The Ride Concepts. I 100% agree with this review. I got mine a little on the big side because I had to but even with that they work great. They're comfortable. They're stiff where they need to be stiff. I like the protection on the inside ankle. The grip is good. Not great. I'd say better than the new Giro sole but not as good as the 5.10. All in all, it's a very very good shoe and I'm glad I have a pair to run through.
VXI vs Dust Up
Grip 9/10 10/10
Durability 3/10 7/10
Worksmanship 2/10 9/10
On the bike.
I tried a pair of these powerline shoes, the uk sizing seemed to be at least a size to small so I sent them back, they did seem well made though but I want ultimate sole grip
ADIDAS: are you listening
“ All we want is the Kestral Pro Boa with the free rider sole. Hell I'd take the Specialized 2FO Cliplite with a flat sole as well.”
I am keen to try some of these, but I’m waiting until I can do a side by side comparison with the new Shimano GR9. The Powerlines look cooler, but I think the lace cover on Shimano shoes is pretty useful for UK winters.
Thoughts?
Ugghh I know. I’m on my third pair of links. They’re just starting to fall apart.
Who bought the design from Teva?
1. Same asking price as the already proven FiveTens;
2. Kept spamming their "free $60 slides with purchase" (that no one wants) as their idea of a "deal."
If they undercut FiveTen from the beginning I honestly would have tried a pair. They didn't have to be better than FiveTens - if they had performed just as good but at a lower price I would have jumped on.
Unfortunately, right now RideConcepts offers neither.
The first company that makes a shoe with equal or greater grip and has the more slim fit, modern materials, and easier closure/adjustment will break the 5.10 monopoly. I'd say something with a lorica upper, reinforced in key wear areas. Boa or speedlace closure. Maybe some sort of insole/midsole stiffness adjustment. Build that on a Freerider last with grippy rubber and take my money!!!!
No problem.
m.pinkbike.com/news/G-Form-Knee-Pads-Tested-2011.html
First shoe I've found that has the width and grip of 5-10's, which is a good thing since Addidas decided they could do it better, and managed to ruin the best shoe on the market.
I then bought a pair of RC Hellions and have been riding those for over six months, no significant softening, sole wear is excellent, and they ride very well.
Having ridden nearly every flat pedal shoe on the market since 2005, the RC Hellions are my favorites to date:
Durable construction, stiff mid-sole, long wearing out-sole, good fit.
As to the stickiness of the rubber, meh, the RC stick fine if you know how to ride flats. Honestly, the best part of riding flats is being able to move your foot around. If someone needs a stickier sole than the RC, they either need to learn how to ride flats or they should go back to clipless.
Thanks for your small dick size review.
I’m looking at the Shimano GR901 which l think run Michelin rubber vs buying another pair of 5.10s that last half a season.
Errrrr... "I'm not wearing it because I'm Vegan."