RideConcepts Livewire Review and Comparison

Summary

In this detailed review, the speaker shares their extensive experience with various mountain biking shoes, focusing on fit, comfort, durability, and protection. They discuss models from brands like 5.10, Ride Concepts, and Specialized, highlighting their pros and cons. The speaker emphasizes the importance of toe protection, grip, water resistance, and ankle protection in mountain biking shoes, comparing different shoes' rubber quality, fit, and comfort. Despite finding some models unsatisfactory, they express confidence in Ride Concepts' improvements, especially in rubber grip, while still seeking a shoe that provides optimal toe space and ankle protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The quest for the perfect mountain bike shoe is ongoing, with constant experimentation and testing.
• 😀 510 Free Rider is a favorite for comfort and foot fit, but lacks toe protection and has durability issues after heavy use.
• 😀 The 510 Sam Hill Impact shoes provide excellent toe protection and durability but feel stiffer and less comfortable due to their thick sole.
• 😀 The 510 Trail Cross shoes offer some ankle protection but are not ideal in wet conditions, as they absorb water and feel like wetsuit material inside.
• 😀 Fit is a key concern, with enough toe room being essential while avoiding a loose, flat fit around the foot.
• 😀 Specialized 2FO Roost DH shoes, while offering better toe protection, have uncomfortable design issues, particularly around the foot’s arch.
• 😀 Ride Concepts' newer shoes show significant improvement in grip and durability, but the fit remains problematic, especially in the toe area.
• 😀 The reviewer had to size up in Ride Concepts shoes but still encountered issues with toe discomfort, particularly on long rides.
• 😀 The cost of mountain bike shoes is a major factor, with some models like the Ride Concepts Tallic priced at an excessive $290 AUD, which the reviewer finds unreasonable.
• 😀 The perfect shoe should balance comfort, toe protection, grip, ankle protection, and water resistance, but the current market still falls short in achieving this combination.

Q & A

What are the key features of the 5.10 Free Rider shoes?

The 5.10 Free Rider shoes are known for their excellent fit, great comfort, and solid grip due to the Stealth rubber sole. However, they have limited toe protection and a thin sole that may wear out faster over time.

What makes the 5.10 Impact Sam Hill shoes unique?

The 5.10 Impact Sam Hill shoes are notable for their great durability and toe protection, thanks to the thick rubber sole. They are perfect for downhill (DH) riding but are heavier and stiffer than other models, with a thicker sole that may feel like standing taller.

How does the 5.10 Trail Cross shoe perform in terms of water resistance?

While the 5.10 Trail Cross shoes offer some ankle protection, they are not very water-resistant. The material inside absorbs water, making the shoes feel like wearing a wet suit when they get wet, although they do have a sock-like design that prevents major water ingress.

What issues did the reviewer face with the Specialized 2FO Roost DH shoes?

The reviewer found the Specialized 2FO Roost DH shoes uncomfortable due to the V-shaped base, which applied pressure to the foot. Despite offering more toe protection than the regular Roost, the shoes caused discomfort and were not suitable for long-term wear.

What is the significance of the rubber used in Ride Concepts shoes?

The rubber used in Ride Concepts shoes has greatly improved. The reviewer mentioned that the 6.0 rubber provides a great grip, and the durability is solid. However, the fit around the toe area was still a concern, particularly with the right foot.

What did the reviewer like about the fit of the Ride Concepts Live Wire shoes?

The Ride Concepts Live Wire shoes provided a good fit overall, with great comfort for the midfoot. The grip and flexibility were also praised. However, the reviewer noted that the shoe was tight around the toe area, especially on the right foot, causing discomfort during longer rides.

What was the reviewer's opinion on the price of the Ride Concepts Tallic shoes?

The reviewer found the Ride Concepts Tallic shoes to be overpriced at $290 Australian dollars. Despite considering them as a potential purchase, the high cost was a major deterrent, especially for a shoe that would last only a year.

How does the reviewer manage the discomfort with the Ride Concepts Live Wire shoes?

The reviewer managed the discomfort by sizing up the shoes, which alleviated some of the pressure on the toes. However, it didn't fully solve the issue, and the reviewer still experiences pain in the little toe after long rides.

What alternatives does the reviewer mention for mountain bike shoes?

The reviewer mentions Fox and Bontrager shoes as potential alternatives, suggesting that these brands may also offer good options, although they didn't go into detail about them.

What is the main takeaway regarding Ride Concepts shoes based on the review?

The main takeaway is that Ride Concepts shoes have significantly improved in terms of grip and durability, but they still need to address the issue of toe fit and comfort. With a little more work on the design, they could become the go-to choice for mountain bike shoes.