RIDE CONCEPTS

INTRODUCING THE VICE MID

Additional Protection, Uncompromising Pedal Feel
and an Andreu Lacondeguy Signature Colorway

THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSION

Well, after a year or so of waiting, the Ride Concepts Vice Mid shoes are here. We first rode and reviewed the Vice shoes last year and instantly wished for a mid-top version for our old, blown out ankles. If you are a rider who likes riding in Vans shoes, prefers maximum pedal feel and a casual style, then the Ride Concepts Vice shoes are worth a look. In recent months I’ve transitioned from flats back to clipless shoes, like the Ride Concepts Transitions, but I was excited to spend some time in the new Vice shoes.

The Vice Mid uses RC’s Fuzion outsole, which is an inverse gradient hexagon pattern, which bring the pedal closer to the foot as the pedal pins insert up and into the outsole. So far the grip has been solid thanks to Rubber Kinetics DST 6.0 High Grip rubber. Like the low top, Ride Concepts uses a suede upper that’s perforated for ventilation. The shoes also sport TPU toe protection, a fully gusseted tongue, which we think is vital, and D3O inserts in high impact zones as well as a 3mm EVA cup outsole.

After riding in stiffer shoes like the Transitions and TNT’s, my feet have gotten soft, call them weak if you will, but they are not used to the lack of support and stiffness. These shoes are designed by riders like Andreu Lacondeguy and Kyle Strait to offer unmatched pedal feel, sensitivity and minimalism. They are incredibly sensitive no doubt, and I loved having a direct pulse on my pedals, bike and where my feet were. The downside to that as a tenderfoot is that my feet got tired on long descents. My arches felt it and I will most likely try putting some thicker, stiffer insoles into the shoes on days where I am going to be banging out laps in the bike park or hammering chunder. At least until my feet get back in shape…

We are big fans of Ride Concepts’ mountain bike shoes, and think they offer a great variety of products depending on your preferred riding style and needs. This is another shoe that will add diversity to the line up and give those who want some ankle support, style and unmatched pedal feel a worthy option. We’ll try to get off our clipless pedals a bit more this spring and spend some time riding the new Vice Mids and report back on a longer term review this summer.

THE PRESS RELEASE

Reaffirming his undying loyalty to the dirt, Andreu Lacondeguy returns to the most fundamental element on Earth with the new VICE Mid and a signature colorway.

VICE Mid was developed with Andreu Lacondeguy and our athletes who desire a mid-top upper for additional protection and support without deviating from uncompromising pedal feel and lifestyle aesthetic.

A veteran of the freeride mountain bike scene, Lacondeguy continues to innovate and dominate competitions such as Red Bull Rampage and Loose Fest with his signature aggressive style and big moves; his love of dirt is unmatched. His VICE Mid Charcoal/Black signature colorway reflects his unique style and personality and equals it with on-bike function.

“Having a signature color with VICE Mid is something I didn’t want to pass on,” said Lacondeguy. “It’s a shoe that protects your ankles, has grip at high speed and you still feel every pin on your pedals. I like to ride fast and go big, but I also need to feel my pedals and this shoe has it all!”

Like its little brother that debuted last summer, VICE Mid uses our RC Fuzion outsole – an inverse, gradient diameter hexagon pattern designed to bring the pedal closer to the rider. Sloped-angle inverse hexagons, varying in diameter from 9mm at the toe and heel to 7mm at the pedal contact area, allow the pedal to “inject” into the outsole for unrivaled sensitivity.

Combined with the proprietary Rubber Kinetics | DST 6.0 HIGH GRIP rubber compound, the optimum balance of grip, durability and pedal feel is achieved.

The mid-cut height of the durable, suede upper and internal TPU toe cap provide additional protection and a D3O insole with High Impact Zone Technology under the ball of the foot and heel absorbs impacts when things go wrong.

VICE Mid is available in US sizes 7-13 and UK 6-12.

VICE Mid Pricing
$120 MSRP US | $180 MSRP CAD
€130 SRP Europe | £110 RRP UK

For more information, or to order, visit RideConcepts.com