FOX UNION CANVAS FLAT PEDAL SHOES REVIEW

Words by Robert Johnston  |  Photos by Finlay Anderson

When Fox launched their Union shoe lineup last year, they focused on delivering a premium product, and so there were high price tags to match the high performance. Many called for a more affordable option, and Fox listened by offering their Union Canvas shoes. With a reduced price tag but many of the same features as the more expensive Union shoe lineup, the Union Canvas shoes aim to offer premium performance at a more affordable price tag, and we were excited to put them to the test.

ABOUT THE FOX UNION CANVAS FLAT PEDAL SHOES

Fox designed the Union Canvas Flat Pedal Shoes to blend casual styling with performance suitable for mountain bike punishment, and at a lower price tag than the existing Union shoe range. To achieve this, they took their Ultratac outsole and topped it with a durable lace-up canvas upper. The result is a $119.95 shoe that has been providing some solid performance on the Scottish trails this spring.

The Ultratac rubber outsole features a hex-shaped lug pattern to interface with flat pedals and provide the necessary traction without sacrificing the ability to reposition the foot when required. There’s a low-profile EVA midsole to take some of the sting out of the trail and help to balance grip and pedal feel. A stiffening plate is fitted to improve power transfer and distribute loads across the foot for improved comfort on long descents, without sacrificing comfort off-the-bike.

The durable canvas upper is offered in a choice of seven colorways to suit rider preferences. A reinforced molded toe box protects both the rider’s toes and improves durability of the canvas. There’s a generously padded tongue underneath a lace closure, and an elastic lace-keeper helps to keep the laces tidy and safe from the cranks.

THE DIRT

Fox’s Union BOA clip shoes have offered some solid performance for me in the past, so I was intrigued to see how the cheaper flat-pedal version would compare. The fit inside is very similar as expected, but with a different tongue, the lace closure and the more flexible canvas upper, the Union Canvas flats offer a little more cushion around the foot. This does come with a few drawbacks, however.

On the pedals, Fox’s Ultratac sole is a solid performer, especially on pedals with threaded grub screws which bite into their rubber well. The tread pattern allows for a good balance of out-and-out traction while retaining the ability to reposition the foot without having to fully lift the shoe from the pedal. Underfoot, the sole strikes a good middle ground of stiffness and flex where my feet remained comfortable for mid-length descents and walking felt natural. The Fox Union Canvas shoes don’t fall into the “too casual to shred in” camp like some other companies’ offerings.

The first drawback of the Union Canvas shoes comes in the way of breathability and waterproofing, or lack thereof. They’re far from a breezy shoe on the foot, yet still allow water to penetrate. But in middling temperatures and with dry dirt, these won’t be an issue. The canvas material isn’t the easiest to clean either, losing the wipe-clean abilities of the smooth coating on the more premium shoes. But regardless, they’re still looking relatively fresh after testing which included some particularly sloppy Scottish rides. Mud was in plentiful supply during testing, yet they’re just about hanging on as being acceptable to wear in the local café.

Overall, the Fox Union Canvas shoes are a solid offering for a slightly more budget-conscious rider. The drawbacks compared with the more expensive Fox Union models may make it worthwhile for some riders to spend the extra, but since they retain the same sole and therefore good traction and comfort, they are still an option worth considering in my books. I’d liken these to the classic Five Ten Freerider canvas shoes, with a slightly more refined finish overall and a fraction less but still very much adequate grip to keep aggressive riders happy.

The Wolf’s Last Word

With a price tag that’s easier to stomach but almost all of the same performance as the more expensive models in their lineup, Fox has done a killer job with their Union Canvas shoes.

Price: $119.95 / £109.99
Website: Foxracing.com