Video: Ride Concepts Announces Hellion Elite Flat Pedal Shoe

Mar 18, 2021
by Ride Concepts  
Follow our Band of Hellions as they unleash from urban monotony.


PRESS RELEASE: Ride Concepts

Serious grip. Serious fun.

Mountain biking doesn’t have to be so damn serious. Oftentimes, we just need a release from the daily routine whether it’s a job, school, home or worse — a pandemic. That’s where we find the bike, seek out a worthy local trail, and if we’re lucky a couple of good buddies to chase and indulge with us in our mental mischief.

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While the riding itself doesn’t need to be so serious, that doesn’t mean the gear we use shouldn’t be. Plus, flats are just more fun.

Introducing Hellion Elite, the first performance low-top in the Ride Concepts line to feature the proprietary soft and grippy Rubber Kinetics | DST 4.0 MAX GRIP rubber compound. Whether you’re a beginner or everyday rider, when the day calls for giving it everything you’ve got, Hellion Elite steadfastly awaits battle.

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Hellion Elite Technology
An in-depth look at the key features that make up the Hellion Elite.


The seriously fun but technical Hellion Elite checks all the boxes in terms of fit, grip and protection.

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Fit and Form
Recognizing that the anatomical foot shapes of men and women are vastly different, Hellion Elite uses gender-specific lasting (the three-dimensional mold of a foot) to deliver a precise fit and flex for both men and women. The shape of the last determines the shape of the shoe including factors such as the toe shape, heel width and height, and forefoot width.

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Rubber and Outsole
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You asked. We answered. The Rubber Kinetics | DST 4.0 MAX GRIP rubber compound with hexagon outsole delivers increased pedal feel and grip, making Hellion Elite the go-to for the utmost connection to the pedal regardless of conditions.


Comfort and Protection
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The Hellion Elite features a new two-panel microfiber synthetic upper that is lightweight, abrasion resistant and doesn’t soak up water. On the inside, a new antibacterial mesh lining helps to decrease that everyday odor.

The EVA midsole provides additional comfort and shock absorption on the pedal. An abrasion resistant toe cap with TPU toe protection wards off enemy fire. Finer details such as a gusset to keep the tongue in place and the nasty dirt out while an elastic lace tuck secures your laces.

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Finally, the High Impact Zone Technology insole uses D3O’s impact absorbing material under the ball of the foot and heel to soak up the trail chatter, transferring less energy to your feet.

Hellion Elite is available now in men’s US sizes 7-13 (with 14 and 15 available in black/charcoal) and UK 6-12 (with 13 and 14 available in black/charcoal) and women’s US sizes 5-10 (UK 4-9).

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Hellion Elite Pricing
$140 MSRP US | $210 MSRP CAD
€150 SRP Europe | £130 RRP UK

Ride Concepts is a rider-owned bike footwear company based in Reno, NV. For more information, visit www.rideconcepts.com.

Photos by Trevor Lyden

Author Info:
RideConcepts avatar

Member since Sep 7, 2018
25 articles

105 Comments
  • 37 6
 Five ten grip? Yes / no? That’s the real question.
  • 9 1
 @CDT77 - apparently the DST 4.0 max grip is close but not quite as grippy. I have the new 510 freerider pros and they are very nice.
  • 20 2
 Here’s the mix I’m looking for: old 5.10 grip and durability, new 5.10 sustainability measures, Bontrager fit guarantee, lace covers, and $150 max price tag. Oh, and a size 48. Smile
  • 5 1
 I'd say it's very close to, not sure if the same, but surely enough. At least what I can say about Lifewires. For me RCs are more comfy, better priced, I'd say lighter and better ventilated than Freeriders Pro. I have them few months, but the quality seems to be really good which was the reason I moved from 5.10 and despite riding in snow and mud, there wasn't a single pedal slip all the time. Sole is nicely stiff and supportive, my toes has more room and the sizing in cms reflects reality so you don't have to be nerd about the brand to know you have to go size larger in these and 2 sizes in those
  • 6 0
 I have the TNT's which have the same 4.0 rubber sole and I'd say it has 85% of the grip of 5.10 stealth. Still enough that I have to lift my foot to reposition, but not quite as locked-in feeling as 5.10. The quality and comfort is exceptionally good. I'm still on the fence about buying again or going back to 5.10.
  • 7 0
 I was lucky enough to get a pair of these a couple of days early. They're way grippier than my previous Powerlines and at least as grippy as my Five Ten Impact Pros. These are a real improvement.
  • 4 0
 I have the Wildcats and the TNTs. Wildcats no where near as grippy; TNT's literally almost as grippy. Both shoes are made wayyy better tho.
  • 5 2
 @sngltrkmnd: 510 durability, is that a joke?
  • 7 0
 @Sambolo: *old* 5.10 durability. My White Tigers lasted 9 seasons.
  • 2 0
 @ApostrophePedant: Good to hear. Last time I held a pair of their shoes in my hands it felt like the soles were made out of recycled hockey pucks.
  • 1 0
 @stuie321: Just got the new freerider pros and although the rubber is a bit grippier than my ride concepts Hellcats, they made this annoying squeak on my last ride that drove me nuts. Hoping it was just they were loose or still breaking in.
  • 2 0
 @sngltrkmnd: Lace covers are pretty ugly.. are you sure you want those in your bucket list????
  • 2 0
 @sngltrkmnd: yuo should ride more often! i had the blue sisters of the white tiger and they lasted 2months 10hrs a day riding whistler bike park when i used to coach!
  • 1 0
 @Sambolo: I'm running five year old Hellcats with about 100 days per year on them and they are in just fine shape.
  • 1 0
 @lifeofloon: Just bought some Hellcats to replace my 11yr old impact hightops, maybe not quite as grippy but not in a bad way.
Good know the durability is there though, because that was my biggest question with the hellcats.
  • 1 0
 @ApostrophePedant: surely you mean "a couple of days' early"?
  • 1 0
 @audric: Without a doubt, 600ish hrs of park time would have destroyed mine much more quickly, too. Nice flex though. Wink
  • 1 0
 @Sambolo: my old freeriders are entering their 6th season. QC standards seemed to have dropped some time in the recent past
  • 1 0
 @andrewbmxmtb: err, no. Why would I?
  • 1 0
 @ApostrophePedant: mainly because that would have been "correct" usage of an apostrophe and you chose the username ApostrophePedant. Don't worry, I still appreciated your comment, just found it amusing that's all!
  • 1 0
 @andrewbmxmtb: go on then. Why would you pop one in there to make it correct?
  • 2 0
 @andrewbmxmtb: I would usually walk away but I’m supposed to be a pedant.
So it’s plural but not possessive (the ‘ago’ doesn’t belong to the days) and there’s no letter replacement. Are you just jamming apostrophes in whenever you add an ‘s’ at the end?
[I don’t even care about this that much. It was just a stupid name to use on here to occasionally be a dick about misuse]
  • 3 0
 @short-but-sweet: one season with my freeriders and they are done, three finger size holes in the sole..
  • 1 0
 Nope, not as grippy as 5.10
  • 23 4
 A message to all biking shoes companies:
WE WANT REPLACEABLE SOLES ON FLAT SHOES!
It feels so wasteful to get rid of perfectly good shoes cause the soles are chewed up by the pins and have lost their grip. The old FiveTens impacts had that feature but it disappeared once they were bought out by Adidas...
  • 24 0
 I sent my 5.10 Contacts to the local climbing shoe repair shop. They ground off the old sole and glued on a nice 5.10 dot sole which I think is what they use for their approach shoes. Its proven to be way more durable (lasting several seasons), and it only cost 45$. The original contact soles kinda sucked and didn't last one season. I'm about 50% of the year in these shoes, clipped in the other half.
  • 3 0
 @Ru-tang: I have done the same thing several times with old 5 ten shoes. I even replaced the old sole on one pair with 5 ten climbing shoe rubber which is even grippier!
  • 4 0
 These are built better than 5.10's. Ive ridden my RC Wildcats for almost a year and a half and only have one spot on one foot where the pins on my TMacs have rubbed a bit, other than that they look brand new.
  • 3 0
 @pierre22 **BUT NOT ATTACHED BY MAGNETS** haha
  • 1 0
 @Ru-tang: that's awesome, i will totally look into it!
  • 13 3
 my opinion on ride concepts:
break in time: took about 3 rides and they were very uncomfortable the first 3 rides the tongue was very stiff
Grip: 10/10 never slip pedals and sometimes stick to the pins
Durability: 9/10 these shoes are so bulletproof the only thing that isnt very tough are the laces but those can be replaced
Style: 8/10 only reason is they dont have a ton of colorways
Company:10/10 i love the company especially cause they started locally in truckee, much better customer service than fivetens
comfort: 9/10 very comfortable shoes but they are a little heavy
  • 3 0
 Agree with it all but a few more rides to break them in.
  • 1 0
 The tongue digs into my shin. Other than that I love the shoes. They are holding up well so far, especially compared to the last few pairs of 5 tens I had.
  • 9 0
 I had a pair of Powerlines and returned them after 2-3 rides. The DST 4.0 is nowhere near the grip of Fivetens and I was constantly slipping pedals on rough bouncy descents. However the shoes were incredibly comfy and the the quality was superb, way better than the 5/10’s and Giros I’d ridden prior. For the record I am riding on DMR V12’s and am constantly replacing worn out pins.
  • 4 0
 Im with you. I found bontragers ok but I've settled on unparallel at the moment - same grip as 510s, loooovely!!
  • 1 0
 @russthedog: But the actual shoe will fall apart. My dustups did at least. And there is ZERO toe protection. Other than that - agreed - they could give 5.10 a run for sure..
  • 1 0
 I found it took me 2-3 weeks to get used to the Powerlines after Five Tens. But since then, I have gotten used to them and never think about my feet sticking to the pedals, they just do. I do think pedals matter though. The V12s have meh grip as a pedal. I have used the Vaults and Daggas (which are probably two of the grippiest pedals out there)and have no issues with grip. The RC quality and comfort blows five ten out of the water.
  • 1 0
 @CDT77: weird, I've got dust ups and they're going well after 1.5years of regular and heavy riding. Some of the sole is a little scarred, and one bit of stitching near the ankle is coming loose but functionally fine. Never noticed the toe protection issue, it definitely is a thin rubber cap
  • 1 0
 @CDT77: Ah these look interesting. Whats better about them than 510s? Is the rubber really still as grippy?
  • 1 0
 @Svinyard: rubber is absolutely as grippy, exactly the same IMO. The shoe is lighter, and looks better (just my opinion).
  • 1 1
 @leon-forfar: I’m wrong, I have The DMR Vaults, the Brendog edition I didn’t realize there was a difference between the v12 and the vault. With that being said 2-3 weeks to “get used to them” is ridiculous and a waste of my time. What you’re describing is not getting used to a shoe it’s learning to ride shoes with inferior grip.
  • 3 0
 @jawright602: Except it's not. When you have to lift your foot to reposition, the grip is not the issue. 2-3 weeks was just getting used to the different feel. Whenever I get a new pair now, I'm good to go immediately. And come on... 2 weeks out of 52 in a year is a small adaptation period, and well worth it when you don't have to replace the shoe every 3-6 months like a Five Ten. If you gave them 2-3 rides, then that isn't enough time to get a feel for anything. People are scared of change, and when you get a different product expecting it to feel like the last one, you're setting yourself up for disappointment before you have even tried them.
  • 2 0
 @leon-forfar: Yeah except my riding season isn’t 52 weeks a year where I live. And feeling unsafe for 2-3 weeks Bc I can’t trust the grip of my shoes isn’t something I’m willing to do. Based on a ton of the comments in this thread I’m not alone. Agree to disagree. Apparently they’ve improved their rubber and I’m not a huge 5/10 fan so maybe when the consensus is they grip better I’ll give them another shot.
  • 9 0
 Ride Concepts, if you are reading this please make a mid top shoe that is warm and water proof shoe for people who live in wet, muddy and cold environments ( I.e PNW, U.K. etc.)
  • 4 0
 This!! Be cool and make a flat pedal shoe for winter please!!
  • 4 0
 Their shoes are all pretty water resistant, I ride in the PNW and use a pressurewasher to clean them while im wearing them - never got any water inside the shoes. I rode a couple times in 10-20 degree weather in the snow, my feet stayed warm. I also like walking in the deep snow to clean them off when all the faucets are frozen.
  • 1 0
 @thustlewhumber of all the shoes I’ve had RC’s have pretty good weather resistance. I live in Squamish and ride them year round. I’m sorry to say that in my 20’s cold temps didn’t bother me as much but looking down the barrel of 40 I seem to need a little more warmth!
  • 6 1
 - is grip similar to 5/10s ?

- are they water resistant?

- is there a high boot version?

We need answers to real questions
  • 2 1
 get the etnies michelin marana mtb shoes. they have a full leather, mid top option. grippiest shoes ive ever run
  • 1 0
 @crysvb: k so I’m actually looking at getting a pair because I’m older and now have a reason to be wearing a pair of shoes that throw me back to high school haha. But either way how are they?
  • 1 0
 @Tumthecat23: i'll vouch they're better than five tens and RC's all day long. i love mine/boyfriend loves his. the marana michelins are sooo grippy
  • 6 0
 Vans....... Are you there...? I know you saw my Instagram post the other day...
  • 4 0
 You want to find a market in mtb shoes? Make some with inner ankle protection, there is barely any and I won’t buy any without since I CONSTANTLY clip my ankles
  • 3 0
 Ride Concepts needs to introduce a winter riding shoe for flat pedals. Waterproof with a bit of insulation please. It’s the glaring oversight of mountain bike shoes right now.
  • 6 1
 And no laces cover again.... Am out.
  • 11 9
 As an owner of the RC Powerline line shoes I can say they have the worst grip out of any shoes I have ever owned. They are so bad I rode most of last season in a pair of Vans. Got 5Tens on the way.
  • 7 2
 I had a pair of Powerlines and returned them after 2-3 rides. This is 100% my experience.
  • 4 1
 @jawright602: I had a pair of livewires that I wore for 2 rides before selling to a buddy. Not even in the same ballpark as 510s for grip and I have wide feet which is completely incompatible with RC.
  • 2 0
 I have those too, but these new ones are another level
  • 2 2
 I found they have a break-in period. My first RC powerlines took around 2-3 weeks for me to feel good on them after using Five Tens. I was certainly not stoked for that time. But after that transition phase, the shoes have felt invisible (never had to think about not gripping). Combined with good pedals, these shoes are 85-90% as grippy (which is more than enough) as Five Tens, which are TOO grippy in some situations. Overall quality/ durability and comfort (depends on foot shape I guess) blows Five Ten out of the water.

If you have an open mind and are willing to get proper time on them and let your body adapt to the change before calling it quits, I think 90% of people would be happy with them.
  • 1 0
 Sorry to hear. Please contact us and we'll up your grip.
  • 5 0
 Great looking shoe in non-obnoxious colorways. Thank you!
  • 4 0
 Nice idea with the footbeds, but high probability I'll want more support and chuck em for some superfeet
  • 1 0
 RC hellion were slightly behind 5.10 in grip but with this new update shud be at par and longer lasting. RC wildcat grip well and are better for ankle protection than any of the other shoes. Vans Kyle Pro 2 are damn fine too.
  • 1 0
 Having been a long time 510 impact pro wearer my recent purchase of RC TNT did disappoint grip wise although a way better constructed shoe than the 510. Big ups for RC as I contacted them 6 weeks after purchase with feedback on the lack of grip and they no questions asked for the TNT shoes back and they will send a pair of Powerlines out to me...that’s excellent customer service ???????? hopefully get to try the Powerlines out this coming week.
  • 2 0
 Oh just realised that my two thumbs up emoji came out as ????, supposed to be Two thumbs up RC on your customer service
  • 1 0
 Some TNT changes coming soon that you'll like...
  • 1 0
 I wanted to love these shoes but they just aren't great. I have 130 miles and 22 hours of riding on them including an enduro race and they just dont have good grip. I have been riding flats for years and these shoes are the only pair I have ridden where my feet fly off and move around on the pedals in rough chundery sections. They are comfortable and seem very durable but for me it comes down to grip and these just dont have it. They take 3 or 4 rides to break in too but once they do they are very comfortable.
  • 6 3
 Don't think I'd want to wreck them by Mountain Biking on them. Look way too nice!!
  • 2 0
 I think at least 5 new riding shoes have been released since I have gotten mine, in less than half a year as well. I don't need more things making me re-think my decisions.
  • 3 0
 Winter shoe/boot please. With a nice wide tie box for thicker socks (and/or wider feet
  • 1 1
 my boyfriend and i's RC's fell apart in months, i had broken laces after the second ride (not a huge deal but still shouldn't happen with what you pay for them) and the bf's sole split apart from riding.. not to mention the grip was nothing like five ten or etnies. highly recommend the etnies michelin mtb shoes (marana) to anyone in the market wanting to switch it up from five tens or RCs
  • 1 0
 Sorry to hear this. This isn't what we strive for, obviously. Did you contact us? Send us a PM..
  • 4 3
 RC Hellions - best flat pedal shoes in the market. Perfect fit, light weight, excellent grip, and excellent toe box impact protection!
  • 3 0
 If they fit. I wanted to give them a go but the fit was terrible.
  • 1 0
 I have Hellions and I can't imagine any more grip would be beneficial. If I need more grip I'll slap the Candys back on.
  • 1 0
 Finally a decent looking shoe to complete with 5.10. they need to lose the ugly logo though, really ruins it. I'll still try a pair if they grip good though
  • 3 0
 alright but is it maxx grip?
  • 3 1
 Flat shoes with BOA please? The Pearl Izumi ones look alright, wouldn’t mind more options though
  • 4 0
 The grip on the Pearl Izumi is terrible! I bought some and used them for a few rides. They were comfortable and made well, but the grip just wasn't up to par!
I have some Suplest flat pro and they are great! and also just got some Crank brothers Stamp boa, and am hoping they are going to be a good shoe also.
For comparisons sake, ive used free riders, free rider pro's, contacts, RC Hellion/Livewires, (the hellion were pretty good, better grip than the Livewire but the sole delaminated with in a month of use) NW clan, OWN and probably others that were shitty and I can't remember.
  • 1 0
 We wanted something other than five tens. they were hard as a rock, undersized my 1.5 size and felt like a lego block on my foot. Sorry, Ill stick to my free riders
  • 2 0
 So when did $140 USD become $210 Canadian? I hope they are better at making shoes that they are at math.
  • 1 0
 There's additional tariffs for importing into Canada, not simply an exchange rate.
  • 3 1
 ride concepts, best shoes in over 20year´s riding mtb-flat-shoes!!!
  • 2 0
 Damn nice shoes! And did you guys see the vid?
  • 1 0
 Are they gonna sell that sole separately? I would buy it and put it in my five tens.
  • 1 1
 Hmmmm, I could save $10 on these over the proven freerider pro...is $10 worth testing a sole from a company known for not making grippy soles????
  • 2 0
 Five ten just called and said they want their freerider pro's back
  • 1 1
 too bad their sizing is way off (ie: cms, Japanese sizing) as well as using these dainty Euro feet for fit (also looking at you guys: Salomon, Arcteryx, Adidas etc etc)
  • 1 0
 Riding Transitions and they are awesome shoes!
  • 1 0
 How about launching a Hightop?
  • 3 0
 They have the wildcat that are hightop. That's what I use and I love them, they don't come with the grippier rubber though but I'm riding them with chromag daggah pedals and I don't think I could get any more grip.
  • 3 0
 @maxgod: same here! The Wildcat is the best flat pedal shoe i have ridden for DH in 20 years. Also perfect for the cold and muddy winter days on a trail!
  • 4 0
 Check back in a few weeks for something fresh
  • 1 0
 @RideConcepts: Any updates? .... The industry needs another good hightop, as Vaude Moab is the only one, but you can't get them in the US, and the five-ten looks like it's made for running down the trail instead of riding.
  • 1 1
 Now if they would just this tech to put cleat makers on there spd shoes ....great companySmile I’m not baggin on them at all
  • 1 0
 These light cinnamon one's looks like "ti- ed-ger"! Nice!
  • 2 0
 Take my money!
  • 1 0
 looks like a fiv... no.... a golf shoe (sorry, had to be said).
  • 1 0
 Tanwall shoes...cool
  • 1 0
 Need these in a high top







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