RIDER REVIEW: RIDE CONCEPTS POWERLINE MTB SHOE
Aggressive lines, jumps, and drops are my primary riding style, and I needed a shoe that could hold up to some abuse. After years of riding in Five Ten's, the time had come to replace and upgrade. While searching for my ideal shoe, I knew I needed something more durable and protective than your average shoe. I, ultimately landed on the Ride Concepts Powerline MTB Shoe due to their sturdier build and similar tread pattern to my previous Five Ten's. Read on for my in-depth review.
I chose these shoes because I wanted to try something new, and these seemed comparable to Five Ten's which I have had a few pairs over the years. Upon first impression, they share a similar tread pattern to Five Ten, and the fit is snug and stiff as you would expect from any gravity-oriented flat shoe. The fit is true to size and the materials give a premium feel.
On the first ride, it took a bit to break them in to match my feet, which is expected, but nothing uncomfortable. The grip and low rebound feel similar to other shoes I have ridden in the past. I rode a variety of trails, from jump lines to steep rock gardens and everything in between. These shoes have a bit of a "numb" feel, but I had no issues with my feet slipping or bouncing off the pedals. Despite my feet staying very planted to the pedals, I didn't find it difficult to adjust my feet, which is an issue I've experienced with other shoes in the past.
These shoes maintain the standards that you would expect from a high quality flat-pedal shoe. A premium rubber outsole, durable materials and an impact-absorbing insole, these shoes are loaded. Extra attention to detail, such as the recessed tread in the toe and heel for hiking, the heel protection on the inner cuff and the elastic strap to keep your laces tucked down are welcomed comfort features. I would say that these small details really make these shoes stand out from the competiton.
Powerline MTB Shoe Details
- Rubber Kinetics DST 4.0 MAX GRIP Rubber Outsole for maximum grip
- Recessed toe and heel for hike-a-bike situations
- Welded microfiber upper is abrasion and weather-resistant
- Asymmetrical medial collar with D3O impact protection
- Custom-molded rubber on both toe cap and heel for added protection
- Medial high-rise EVA midsole provides support and shock absorption
- D3O High Impact Zone Insole Technology absorbs impact and reduces fatigue
PROS
+ Good all-around shoe, that favor rough conditions and provide a sturdy, planted feel.
+ Off-the-bike performance when hiking or walking
+ Added protection in the ankle and toe-box
+ Shock-absorbing D3O insole
+ Elastic strap keeps your laces tidy and prevents them from becoming loose
CONS
- The sturdy feel comes at the cost of feeling a bit numb. If you are used to skate shoes, these will definitely take some getting used to
- Not as slim as other shoes
Final Thoughts
There are many features of the Powerline MTB Shoes that I love. The enhanced durability and protection of these shoes, when compared to other flat pedal shoes I have worn in the past, is substantial. The D3O insole is a game-changer, and the reinforced toe box is now a must-have on any future shoe. While I am quite content with the function of these shoes, the design is a bit plain. While many riders will appreciate the simplicity, I think more could be done to highlight the premium aspect of these shoes. They also feel bulkier and heavier than other shoes I have worn in the past, but I guess that comes with upgraded protection and durability.
// Alex Wohl, Jenson USA //
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