SPECS
• Elixir sole
• Rubber toe and heel protection
• Shock-absorbing foam in the tongue
• Lace storage options
• 870 grams (actual–pair size 10)
• Intended use: trail/all-mountain
WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE FIRST DEGREE FLITE SHOES
The Flite Flat Pedal shoes are one of First Degree’s trail to all-mountain options. A mostly suede (64%) and nylon mesh (15%) upper is paired with an EVA midsole and the brand’s Elixir outsole. The Elixir sole has a hexagonal tread pattern and is constructed from a specially formulated rubber compound, which First Degree claims adds control, protection, and allows for more efficient power transfer.
A rubber toe cap covers the front of the shoe, while a larger rubber section protects the heel. The tongue of the Flites also sees a layer of energy-absorbing foam, protecting the top of the foot from impacts. Two lace-holding options are also incorporated into the shoes — a small pocket, nearly undetectable, on the top of the tongue, and a lace loop on the outside of each shoe. Also doubled up are the lace loops, either using the visible outer loops, or some inner loops that are better protected – best suited for freestyle antics.
There are two other variations of the Flite shoes: the Flite AC and Flite XT. Both variations share the same features as the Flites, with the ACs trimming a bit of weight (approximately 100 grams) and the XTs offering a more robust gravity-focused version of the Flite shoes.
First Degree offers the Flites in five colorways and sizes US 5–13, with half sizes starting at 7. These retail for €144.95, currently around $165, and have free international shipping from the First Degree website.
THE DIRT
From the first time I put on the First Degree Flite, I found them to be comfortable and true to size. After testing many shoes, I discovered that my EU size can vary from 42.5 to 43.5, depending on the shoe brand; however, First Degree’s US size 10 was true to size. I opted to run the laces in the more conventional outer loops in order to obtain the most secure and comfortable setup.
The Flites had excellent toe protection, with all of my toes being covered by the shoe’s rubber cap. I also really like the incorporation of a shock-absorbing foam layer (similar in approach to D30). This foam layer replaces the standard padding found in other shoes, which often doesn’t help much when rocks are flipped up and bounce off my foot. Despite this padding being replaced with a seemingly thinner layer of foam, the Flites remained comfortable, and the trade for extra protection was well worth it.
With a mostly suede upper, I also found the Flites to keep the elements out well. While I didn’t use these during the wettest months, I imagine I could have added even more water protection with a weathering spray treatment if needed. But, as you might have guessed, a mostly suede shoe that kept the weather out also kept the heat in. While they weren’t the warmest shoes I’ve worn, the Flites didn’t breathe exceptionally well. I imagine the Flite ACs would be a different experience, for riders seeking a cooler foot.
Along with being a bit warmer, the Flites were also a bit heavier, weighing over 100 grams more than the previous shoes I tested. While I was able to get used to the added weight, it was noticeable on my first rides and every time I picked up the shoes.
First Degree’s Elixir sole could also be hit or miss. I found that pedals with shorter and fatter pins just didn’t work well with the Flites, probably due to the narrow channels in the hexagonal tread pattern on the shoes I had. On the flip side, the Flites stuck to pedals with longer and skinnier pins much better.
That said, the more aggressive version of the Elixir sole found on the First Degree Flite XTs has much wider gaps between the hexagons, and I would guess that I wouldn’t experience the same grip issues on the XTs. Since the standard Flite tested are more well-rounded in intentions than the gravity-focused Flite XT, it makes sense.
Although I was only able to test the standard Flites, it’s rad that First Degree offers a few options. If I were looking for a lighter-duty trail shoe, the ACs seem like a great choice, while the XTs seem like a solid option for enduro or bike park use. Also, the colorways First Degree offers, especially the “Multi” colorway, have me wishing I had tested those!
The Wolf’s Last Word
The First Degree Flite shoes were comfortable and offered excellent protection, but I wished for just a bit more grip. Fortunately, the Flite XTs have the same hexagonal tread pattern but with wider gaps between the hexagons, and would likely be a solid shoe to satisfy my gravity-minded intentions. 
Price: 144.95 € (approx $167.05)
Website: firstdegree-mtb.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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