Ride Concepts MTB & Gravel Shoes

Rubber Compounds, Upper Tech and How They Hold Up in British Weather

The rubber is where Ride Concepts makes their strongest argument. Max Grip is the softest compound in the Rubber Kinetics lineup - think of it as the equivalent of a super-sticky tyre compound, but for your soles. On wet limestone slabs in the Peak District or mossy roots in the Afan trails, it bites and holds in a way that firmer rubbers simply don't. It's the go-to for aggressive flat pedal riding where losing contact with the pins is not an option. High Grip is a step firmer, which means it wears more slowly and suits trail and gravel riders who cover bigger distances on varied surfaces - you trade a fraction of raw stickiness for noticeably longer sole life. Clip Grip is specific to clipless models, designed to offer enough grip for walking sections and cafe stops while keeping the cleat recess clean and functional.

D3O technology appears in two places: the insole and the asymmetrical collar. The insole absorbs impact and vibration underfoot, which matters on rocky, technical descents where trail feedback gets punishing over a long ride. The collar padding is shaped asymmetrically to sit clear of the ankle bone while still cushioning against strikes from cranks or pedal cages - a genuinely useful detail rather than a box-ticking exercise. The EVA midsole beneath all of this adds a layer of cushioning that stops your feet feeling destroyed after a big day out.

The uppers deserve attention too. Welded microfiber panels are more water-resistant than stitched equivalents because there are fewer seams for water to exploit - relevant when you're riding through Welsh trail centre puddles that are deeper than they look. Cordura panels add durability where the shoe takes the most abuse. Crucially, gusseted tongues seal the gap between tongue and upper so trail debris, mud, and water can't migrate inside the shoe during a long boggy trudge. They dry reasonably quickly when left to air out, which is worth keeping in mind - more on that below.

Getting the Fit Right Across the Range

Ride Concepts shoes fit true to size for most riders. The heel cup is secure and well-shaped, and the toe box is on the roomier side - which works in your favour if you ride with thicker waterproof socks through autumn and winter. If you're sitting between sizes or you know your feet swell on long days in the saddle, half a size up is a sensible call. The fit profile is consistent enough across the range that once you know your Ride Concepts size, it translates reliably from model to model.

The range splits cleanly into flat pedal and clipless. Flat pedal models use the Max Grip or High Grip outsoles and are built around a stiffer sole than a casual trainer - enough to transfer power into the pins without the sole folding underfoot, but not so rigid that walking feels like a chore. They suit enduro, downhill, and trail riders who prefer the freedom and contact of flats. Clipless models are SPD compatible, pairing well with two-bolt cleat systems for riders who want direct power transfer on climbs and gravel distance. The Clip Grip outsole surrounds the cleat recess and gives you something usable underfoot when you unclip. If you're comparing against alternatives, Five Ten MTB shoes occupy similar flat pedal territory with their own Stealth rubber, while Fox MTB shoes lean more toward clipless and trail-focused builds. Crank Brothers MTB shoes are worth a look if you're deep into clipless gravel or XC riding. Ride Concepts holds its own across all three comparisons on grip and protection, particularly for flat pedal riders.

Looking to kit out the younger shredders in your family? Check out our dedicated Ride Concepts Kids Shoes page for youth-specific fits and flex profiles.

Looking After Your Shoes After a Wet Ride

A bit of basic care goes a long way with these shoes. After a muddy session - say, a late autumn lap of Cannock Chase - knock the worst of the mud off while it's still wet. A soft brush and cold water will shift the rest without stripping the DWR coating that keeps the uppers water-resistant. Avoid detergents or anything abrasive; they degrade the coating faster than the riding does.

The most important rule: do not put them on a radiator. It's tempting, especially after a soaking January ride, but the heat can soften the adhesive bonding the Rubber Kinetics outsoles and EVA midsole to the upper. Stuff them with newspaper and leave them somewhere cool and ventilated overnight - newspaper pulls moisture out from the inside while the uppers breathe from the outside. It takes longer than a radiator, but the soles stay attached. Pairing your shoes with Ride Concepts socks is worth considering - they're cut to work with the shoe's fit and do a reasonable job of wicking moisture away from your foot during the ride itself, which reduces how saturated the liner gets in the first place.

Check the outsole periodically. Max Grip compound wears faster than High Grip by nature - that's the trade-off for the extra stickiness - so if you're riding flats on rough, abrasive surfaces regularly, expect to replace sooner than a clipless or High Grip model. It's not a flaw; it's physics.